We’re 40!

As Byron’s 10th anniversary year comes to a close, the celebration continues – the Columbus Jazz Orchestra is 40! It began with Ray Eubanks and a talented group of musicians who simply loved the music and wanted it to endure. We now have the finest jazz orchestra anywhere under Byron Stripling’s energetic, magnetic leadership. During this coming year, we will celebrate the past and the present and look to the future, starting with the incomparable Doc Severinsen to officially kick off the year. We’ll honor one of the great figures in the American Civil Rights Movement with the world premiere of John Clayton’s “Suite Rosa” choreographed by Alexis Wilson (Stripling). In between, you’ll hear the music you know and love as only the CJO can present it. Enjoy our annual “One Night Only” fundraising gala at the Lincoln in November.

Johnny Griffin, the great jazz saxophonist, once said “jazz is music made by and for people who have chosen to feel good in spite of conditions.” Come and feel good listening to the music you’ve grown up with. Sit outside at the zoo, enjoy the charm of the Southern and the nostalgia of the Lincoln. Try new venues like the Columbus Commons. Celebrate jazz and all the music it influenced from rock ‘n’ roll to Broadway. Find out how our musicians work with students of all ages using jazz as a learning tool and hear the jazz musicians of the future with the Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra. We will be celebrating this anniversary throughout the year and the orchestra will produce a new CD in honor of the occasion.

Help us celebrate – participate, subscribe, bring your friends and family. Duke Ellington said, “No one knows what a square is – it’s just that nobody wants to be one.” So be there or be square!

Vincent Lodico
President
Jazz Arts Group Board of Directors