This week on Say It Anyway, music promoter KC Turner joins James Ferrigno to share how he turned a simple open-mic idea into one of the most trusted live-music brands in the Bay Area.

KC takes us from performing Elvis songs as a kid in Missouri, to hosting house concerts, to producing 700-ticket shows that artists and fans love. He reveals how he built his community — not with big budgets, but with passion, relationships, and the willingness to take huge risks.
We dig into the state of the Bay Area music scene, the challenges independent venues are facing, and KC’s mission to keep high-quality live music accessible — without squeezing fans dry on ticket prices.

Above all, KC’s journey is a powerful reminder that success happens when you leap before you feel ready. If you’re building your own path — especially in the arts — this episode is for you. 

Timestamp Chapters

0:00 — Intro
 1:10 — Meet KC Turner
 1:50 — Discovering music through Elvis
 4:00 — First performances and open mic hosting
 6:30 — Early house concert days
 10:20 — Growing demand & realizing his calling
 12:30 — The real state of the Bay Area music scene
 18:00 — Why it’s harder for artists to thrive here
 22:00 — Partnership with HopMonk Tavern
 26:00 — Building the Cookout Concert Series
 33:00 — Creating a fan-first live experience
 42:00 — A career-defining moment: Toad the Wet Sprocket
 51:00 — How to take the risk that changes everything
 56:00 — Finding your true role in the ecosystem
 58:30 — Last advice: Be brave, support the arts, be kind
 1:00:45 — Outro & how to support the show

Notable Quotes

“You don’t know what you’re capable of until you have to do it.” – KC Turner
“This isn’t the rehearsal. This is the show.” – Dean Biersch (quoted by KC)
“Everyone deserves access to art — it’s not just for the wealthy.” – KC Turner
“Sometimes the path you’re meant for isn’t the one you started on.” – KC Turner
“Art brings people together like nothing else can.” – James Ferrigno

James Ferrigno

“The most important things in life are the ones we build before we feel ready.”
“Live music isn’t just entertainment — it’s belonging.”
“We need people who are willing to bet on artists before the world notices them.”
“The connection between the stage and the audience is a kind of magic — and you protect that.”“When someone follows what lights them up, the world gets brighter.”
“If you want to create something real, you have to risk looking foolish while you figure it out.”

The views, opinions, and statements expressed by guests on Say It Anyway are their own and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views, opinions, or positions of the host, James Ferrigno, or the producers of this podcast. Say It Anyway does not endorse or assume responsibility for any statements made by guests. The content of this program is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.