RJO Blog

Since the Reno Jazz Orchestra’s inception in 1997 we have been motivated to inspire the next generation of musicians. Jazz is great American music handed down from generation to generation. Our children today need to know that they can do more than stream music. They can play it!  It is our mission to instill the love of jazz and help develop their skills so when it is their turn they can share jazz with the next generation. Two RJO staff members exemplify this passion: Executive Director Vern Scarbrough and Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra (RYJO) Director Nichole Heglund.  

2025 was an exciting year for the Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO): a full year under the direction of music director Greg Johnson, full houses for our concerts featuring guest artists Matt Mauser and Morgan James, and our robust education program featuring the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra (RYJO) are all a reflection of the community’s support.

The Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) performed one-of-a-kind concerts with the orchestra, a string section, featuring vocalist Cliff Porter… but first:

The RJO’s annual holiday concert is 12/7 2pm at UNR’s Nightingale Hall.  This year’s program is titled Home for the Holidays featuring the RJO and the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra’s first performance of the season. Adding to the festivities are three of the region's distinguished vocalists— Cami Thompson, Whitney Myer, and Kyle Rea. 

Last weekend the Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) celebrated what would have been Donny Hathaway's 80^th birthday. It was a one-of-a-kind event with vocalist Cliff Porter thrilling the audience backed by the RJO, an 11-piece string section (a first for the RJO) and four background singers. Joining us was Donnita Hathaway, Donny's youngest daughter, who spoke to her father's talents and his mental illness that drove him to suicide, which inspired her to create the Donny Hathaway Legacy Foundation. The ensemble recreated the magic of Donny's music in a whole new setting. Those attending gave several standing ovations in response.

Another concert held on September 13 at the Pioneer Theater honored Jim and Mary Ann Kidder. Five performing arts organizations came together to recognize their generous contributions to northern Nevada's cultural life. This event was in lieu of a memorial service for Jim, who passed away on July 30.

When Nina Simone passed away on April 21, 2003, her funeral service was attended by Miriam Makeba, Patti Labelle, poet Sonia Sanchez, actor Ossie Davis, and hundreds of others. Elton John sent a floral tribute with the message, "You were the greatest and I love you."

And the legacy continues…

Yes, her legacy continues through the voice of Morgan James. Join the Reno Jazz Orchestra and Ms. James celebrating the music of Nina Simone on August 24 at UNR's Nightingale Hall and August 25 at the Sand Harbor Trepp Amphitheater. She has seen success on Broadway, jazz clubs, and a solo career embracing soul music in all its forms. In middle school her grandmother paid for her singing lessons which developed a dream of attending Julliard. 

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.

Lately, I've been pondering, why teach jazz? Is it in part because one needs a job to pay the bills? Perhaps teaching jazz was an additional requirement from a school administrator. Maybe, you chose to teach jazz for personal fulfillment. Of course, it might be as simple as it's SO DANG fun!