Bes Nievera

Since being discovered by WDCB late-night host Christine Moran in 1998, ‘DCB Jazz Host Bes Nievera has maintained an active broadcast career for more than two decades. During his tenure as part of the station’s full-time jazz program slate, he has interviewed Chuchito Valdes and Fareed Haque, among others, and emceed events at venues and events throughout the Chicagoland area—welcoming acclaimed musicians such as Roy Hargrove, Marquis Hill, Eliane Elias, Kurt Elling, Bill Frisell, Pat Martino, Patricia Barber, Solitaire Miles, Paul Marinaro, Elaine Dame, the Bad Plus, the Chicago Jazz Orchestra, Cassandra Wilson, and Liam Ó Maonlaí (of the Celtic rock group Hothouse Flowers) to their stages.

Off the air, Bes is recognized for his work in consumer electronics—most notably in the audiophile community as Brand Ambassador for Chicago-based catalog and online retailer Music Direct. In this role, Bes extends the brand’s reach to consumers around the world via social media and as an on-camera spokesperson. He has been interviewed for WGN Radio and Television, NBC 5 Chicago, Jazz Times, the Occasional Podcast, and 6Moons.com. He has also been featured in online show coverage by Stereophile, Part-Time Audiophile.com, and CoolCleveland.com.

Bes graduated from New Trier West High School and received his degree in Arts & Media Management from Columbia College Chicago, where he completed an internship at ABC Radio in Chicago under veteran programmer Bill Gamble. He previously completed courses toward an Associate Degree in International Business at Harold Washington College. He received theatrical training at Oakton College and Northwestern University, and studied First Folio under Robert Scoggin. His performances included a studio theater production of "Catcher in the Rye" and a powerful interpretation of John Merrick in Bernard Pomerance’s "The Elephant Man." His voice work includes narration for an interactive educational program at Governor's State University, and performances in original audio dramas for Mind's Ear Audio Productions. Behind the boards, Bes' creative output led him to remaster a track for Big Chicago Records' compilation A Chicago Jazz Tour CD, and created chilling sound design elements for a live performance penned by the acclaimed author of the Walking Dead book series by Jay Bonansinga.

Bes’ charitable work includes volunteer work with the Jazz Institute of Chicago, and reading for CRIS Radio, which serves the visually handicapped community. An avid cyclist, Bes has participated in the AIDS/LifeCycle ride, traveling more than 545 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles. He also rode the Twin Cities/Chicago AIDS Ride in 1996, riding 500 miles between Minneapolis/St. Paul and Chicago.

Bes is married to Dawn Larsen, an Associate Professor at Columbia College Chicago, and resides in Chicago’s West Rogers Park community.

photo credit: Alan Froelichstein