We present concerts and educational events throughout the year. Bookmark this page to stay informed.
Bringing the timeless allure of Ol' Blue Eyes and the incomparable Sinatra sound, guest vocalist and songwriter Matt Mauser is set to deliver a classic big band performance infused with the best of Sinatra, Count Basie, Bruno Mars, Tom Jones, and other top-of-the-charts favorites. Teaming up with the illustrious Reno Jazz Orchestra, Mauser will treat the audience to a vibrant medley of Jazz, Traditional, Pop, Swing, R&B, and even Bolero, promising the sensational sounds of Swing!
Quincy Jones' legacy, everlasting music, will be reignited by the Reno Jazz Orchestra. For seven decades, Quincy Jones's genius emerged as a master musician, composer, arranger and producer. His brilliance included performing with Lionel Hampton, directing Dizzy Gillespie, arranging for Basie and Sinatra, and producing hits for Lesley Gore, Michael Jackson, and the historic recording, "We Are the World."
Morgan James will present her soulful connection to Nina Simone for a night of classic soul and jazz music through her sensational vocals noted by the New York Times as "soul deep." Rolling Stone magazine ranked Nina Simone as 'one of the greatest singers of all time." Simon's vibrant career will come to life through the sultry, sexy and striking vocal talents of Morgan James with Reno Jazz Orchestra's vibrant jazz and blues vibrations.
Middle and high school students can unlock their jazz potential in an eight-session "Discover Jazz" workshop. Led by Dylan Coleman-Tunstall and guest instructors through small group sessions, you'll master key jazz skills like rhythm, ear training, jazz standards, active listening, improvisation, and chord/scale exploration. Expand your musicality and ignite your passion for playing jazz in this enriching program.
Dr. Greg Johnson is an emerging force in jazz, recognized for his distinctive saxophone sound and diverse compositional style spanning jazz, classical, and popular music. As a sought-after saxophonist, he has performed with jazz legends and toured with major pop and rock artists, appearing on over 40 recordings. Now, the Reno Jazz Orchestra has appointed him as their new Music Director.
Originally from Denver, Colorado, Nichole Heglund moved to Reno in 2003 and has since become the new Music Director of The Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra. A dedicated music educator, she has taught at various Reno schools and currently teaches at Verdi and Veterans Elementary. She holds degrees from the University of Northern Colorado and the University of Nevada, Reno. We welcome Nichole as the RYJO's Music Director.
The Reno Jazz Orchestra and Chuck Reider, Music Director, present "Let's Groove," the first installment of our loving tribute to the music of Earth Wind and Fire, and our first ever virtual ensemble performance! Featuring solos from Karl Busch on alto sax and Chris Casaceli on tenor sax.
Join the Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) on May 10 at 4pm at UNR's Nightingale Hall featuring Matt Mauser to experience big band swing at its finest. Reno has a rich history of big band swing as a part of its casino showroom legacy. So many great singers from Sammy Davis Jr., Rosemary Clooney, and Tony Bennett graced the casino showrooms but none held sway more than Frank Sinatra. I had the pleasure of backing all those artists but there was a special electricity when Sinatra hit the stage. We are familiar with the "tabloid Frank" who made his private life public for fifty years. But it is his voice that commands attention and is his true legacy.
As a cherished member of our Legacy Society, your deep-seated passion for the Reno Jazz Orchestra, your unwavering support of our mission, and your profound dedication to the power of music will be forever treasured and remembered within our organization and the wider community we serve. By making the thoughtful commitment to create your personal legacy through a planned gift to the Reno Jazz Orchestra, you are not merely leaving a bequest; you are actively ensuring the long-term vitality and continuation of that extraordinary legacy of vibrant music, engaging educational programs, and enriching cultural experiences that we are so deeply honored to share with our devoted fans and the Reno community for generations to come. Your vision and generosity will resonate through every note played and every student inspired, solidifying your place as a vital architect of our future.
Connecting with the Reno Jazz Orchestra and becoming a vital part of our musical family is easy – simply join the RJO Fan Club! All we need to keep you in the loop is your name and your preferred email address. By joining, you'll be among the first to receive updates about our exciting upcoming performances, special events, and the unfolding plans we have for the future of the orchestra and our community engagement. Rest assured that your personal information is important to us; we promise to keep it secure within our organization and will never share it with external parties. While we value your attention, we also respect your inbox, so you won't be inundated with countless emails. Instead, expect timely reminders of the exceptional music and unforgettable experiences you truly won't want to miss, ensuring you always have a front-row seat to the magic of the RJO.
