46th ANNIVERSARY 2018-2019 SEASON
THE JAZZ ARTS GROUP ANNOUNCES ITS 46th ANNIVERSARY 2018-2019 SEASON
Columbus, OH — The Jazz Arts Group (JAG) has announced the lineup of concerts, guest artists, and special events on its 2018-2019 season including the Columbus Jazz Orchestra’s (CJO) popular Swingin’ with the CJO concert series at the Southern Theatre and Jazz at The Lincoln, a series of chamber concerts featuring both internationally renowned touring artists and locally-curated events presented in the intimate setting of the historic Lincoln Theatre. JAG’s 46th anniversary season also includes the FREE Off-Stage at the Academy series that brings audiences and artists together for informal conversation and sharing with CJO guest artists, “Opera Swings Jazz”, a collaboration with Opera Columbus, and “One Night Only”, the annual gala fundraising event held this season at the Bluestone.
The Jazz Arts Group’s 2018-2019 46th anniversary season sponsors include The Columbus Foundation, the Greater Columbus Arts Council, and the Ohio Arts Council. Additional support comes from Cardinal Health, Bob Evans, Grange Insurance, Ann & Tom Hoaglin, L Brands, Plante-Moran, PNC, State Auto Insurance Companies, Fahn & Denny Tishkoff, The Westin Columbus, and Southwest Airlines – the official airline of the Jazz Academy. Media partners include City Scene Magazine, the Dispatch Media Group, Lamar, Sunny 95, WMNI Radio and WOSU Public Media.
Season subscriptions for the Columbus Jazz Orchestra’s Swingin’ with the CJO series are on sale now at the CBUSArts Ticket Center (39 East State Street) or via the Jazz Arts Group’s website, www.jazzartsgroup.org. Single tickets for all CJO concerts plus Jazz at the Lincoln concert series tickets go on sale to the general public Monday, August 13 at 10 a.m. at the CBUSArts Ticket Center (39 East State Street), by phone at (614) 469-0939 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Single tickets range in price from $15 – $68 (plus a $3 per ticket CAPA facility fee). $10 and $15 student tickets will be available throughout the season two hours in advance of show time at the door with I.D. (CAPA facility fee applies.)
Swingin’ with the CJO Concert Series featuring Byron Stripling and the Columbus Jazz Orchestra at the Southern Theatre
Trumpet virtuoso and Columbus Jazz Orchestra Artistic Director, Byron Stripling, leads the high-powered 16-piece CJO in five programs on the Swingin’ with the CJO Concert series at the historic Southern Theatre (21 East Main Street, Columbus) during the 2018-2019 season.
Fascinating Rhythm featuring Maurice Hines | Thursday, October 18 – Sunday, October 21, 2018
Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday & Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 3 p.m.
The Southern Theatre (21 East Main Street, Columbus)
Guest artist: Maurice Hines, singer and tap dancer, star of stage and screen
Tickets: $68, $60, $54, $50, $25, $15 (plus a $3 per ticket CAPA facility fee)
Single tickets go on sale Monday, August 13 at the CBUSArts Ticket Center (39 East State Street), all Ticketmaster Outlets, online at Ticketmaster.com and by phone at (614) 469-0939 or (800) 745-3000. Day-of tickets will be available at the theatre starting two hours before show time. $10-$15 student tickets available at the door with I.D.
The Swingin’ with the CJO concert series kicks off with an appearance by Tony Award-nominee Maurice Hines. A star of stage and screen, the singer/tap dancer joins with Byron Stripling and the Columbus Jazz Orchestra in a high energy, tour-de-force evening of hot jazz and dance.
Maurice Hines appeared on Broadway and in touring productions of “The Girl in the Pink Tights” with famed French chanteuse and ballerina, Zi Zi Jeanmaire, “Eubie” and “Sophisticated Ladies,” with his tap-dancing brother, Gregory, “Bring Back Birdie!,” with Chita Rivera and Donald O’Connor; and in productions of “Guys & Dolls” and “Jelly’s Last Jam.” Film and television appearances include Francis Ford Coppola’s “Cotton Club” and over 35 appearances on “The Tonight Show.” Mr. Hines has directed and choreographed national tours including “Uptown It’s Hot,” “Satchmo,” “Harlem Suite,” and the Radio City Spectacular, along with music videos for Quincy Jones, and others.
Home for the Holidays | Wednesday, November 28 – Sunday, December 2, 2018
Wednesday & Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday & Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 3 p.m.
The Southern Theatre (21 East Main Street, Columbus)
Guest artist: Niki Haris (vocalist)
Tickets: $68, $60, $54, $50, $25, $15 (plus a $3 per ticket CAPA facility fee)
Single tickets go on sale Monday, August 13 at the CBUSArts Ticket Center (39 East State Street), all Ticketmaster Outlets, online at Ticketmaster.com and by phone at (614) 469-0939 or (800) 745-3000. Day-of tickets will be available at the theatre starting two hours before show time. $10-$15 student tickets available at the door with I.D.
The CJO heats up the yuletide season with the annual Home for the Holidays concerts, this season featuring vocalist Niki Haris, daughter of soul-jazz piano great, Gene Harris. While Niki excels at jazz, blues and gospel, and is in high demand at jazz clubs and festivals, it was on the international pop music scene where she first became known. Niki performed alongside mega pop diva, Madonna, on the “Who’s That Girl,” “Blond Ambition,” and “The Girlie Show” tours. Haris will apply her considerable vocal gifts to seasonal favorites and jazz standards for the CJO’s Home for the Holidays concerts.
Unforgettable: Love Songs of Nat King Cole & Others | February 14 – 17, 2019
Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday & Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 3 p.m.
The Southern Theatre (21 East Main Street, Columbus)
Guest artists: Benny Benack III (trumpeter/vocalist) and Lena Seikaly (vocalist)
Tickets: $68, $60, $54, $50, $25, $15 (plus a $3 per ticket CAPA facility fee)
Single tickets go on sale Monday, August 13 at the CBUSArts Ticket Center (39 East State Street), all Ticketmaster Outlets, online at Ticketmaster.com and by phone at (614) 469-0939 or (800) 745-3000. Day-of tickets will be available at the theatre starting two hours before show time. $10-$15 student tickets available at the door with I.D.
The CJO provides the romantic soundtrack to the Valentine’s Day weekend with Unforgettable: Love Songs of Nat King Cole & Others, celebrating the centenary of jazz legend Nat King Cole, and featuring two fresh-faced rising stars on the jazz scene, trumpeter-vocalist Benny Benack III, and vocalist Lena Seikaly, an audience favorite at last summer’s JazZoo performances.
Trumpeter/vocalist Benny Benack III is equally at home performing jazz and pop, and equally at home as both singer and trumpet soloist. His singing style has been likened to the great crooners of yesteryear such as Bobby Darin and Mel Tormé, and he has enough dazzling trumpet chops to inspire the great trumpeter Wynton Marsalis to name him among the next generation of jazz greats. Benack is a frequent guest artist at international jazz festivals and has appeared as a soloist with Josh Groban and Ben Folds. His New York club appearances include the famed Birdland Jazz Club, where he recently performed with cabaret icon, Anne Hampton Callaway, and at Bemelman’s Bar in the fashionable Carlyle Hotel where he shares the stage and performances with fashion icon, Isaac Mizrahi.
Named “one of Washington’s pre-eminent jazz singers” and “brightest voices in jazz,” by the Washington Post, Lena Siekaly is making her mark in national and international jazz circles as a revivalist of traditional jazz vocals, as well as an innovator in contemporary vocal jazz styles. She was a semi-finalist at the prestigious 2015 Thelonious Monk Institute International Jazz Vocals Competition and is an alum of the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program in DC. Audience response to her stunning debut with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra at JazZoo 2017 prompted an immediate invitation from CJO Artistic Director, Byron Stripling, to appear on the CJO’s 2018-2019 season at the Southern Theatre.
Nothing But the Blues | March 14 – 17, 2019
Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday & Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 3 p.m.
The Southern Theatre (21 East Main Street, Columbus)
Guest artists: Omar Coleman (vocals/harmonica) and Joel Frahm (saxophone)
Tickets: $68, $60, $54, $50, $25, $15 (plus a $3 per ticket CAPA facility fee)
Single tickets go on sale Monday, August 13 at the CBUSArts Ticket Center (39 East State Street), all Ticketmaster Outlets, online at Ticketmaster.com and by phone at (614) 469-0939 or (800) 745-3000. Day-of tickets will be available at the theatre starting two hours before show time. $10-$15 student tickets available at the door with I.D.
March madness kicks off with the CJO getting down and dirty in blues country with Nothing But the Blues, featuring windy city blues vocalist and harmonicist Omar Coleman and saxophonist Joel Frahm.
Omar Coleman’s performances are rooted in the blues, spiked with R&B urgency, and resonant with deep-soul passion. He has appeared on jazz and blues festivals internationally and been embraced by such estimable blues legends as Ruth Brown, Sean Carney, Robert Cray, Buddy Guy, Robert Randolph and Koko Taylor.
Saxophonist Joel Frahm is a mainstay on New York’s jazz scene with a growing reputation for his big tenor sound, deft assertive playing, and versatility. He moves smoothly from mainstream jazz to down and dirty blues, and has performed with such high profile names as Kenny Barron, Bill Charlap, Kurt Elling, Brad Mehldau, Jane Monheit and Dianne Schuur.
Gospel & Soul Meet Rock & Roll | April 25 – 28, 2019
Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday & Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 3 p.m.
The Southern Theatre (21 East Main Street, Columbus)
Guest artists: Quan Howell (vocalist), Shayna Steele (vocalist)
Tickets: $68, $60, $54, $50, $25, $15 (plus a $3 per ticket CAPA facility fee)
Single tickets go on sale Monday, August 13 at the CBUSArts Ticket Center (39 East State Street), all Ticketmaster Outlets, online at Ticketmaster.com and by phone at (614) 469-0939 or (800) 745-3000. Day-of tickets will be available at the theatre starting two hours before show time. $10-$15 student tickets available at the door with I.D.
The Columbus Jazz Orchestra concludes its 2018-2019 season with Gospel & Soul Meet Rock & Roll featuring former “Sounds of Blackness” lead vocalist, Quan Howell (a guest artist on the CJO’s 2016-2017 “Soul Session” concerts), alongside Shayna Steele, whose dynamic vocals can be heard on tracks by Moby including his #1 Billboard Dance track, “Disco Lies,” and in concert with Bette Midler and Rihanna.
Jazz Arts Group Presents Jazz at the Lincoln
Tenor Titans of the Capital City | Saturday, September 22, 2018
8 p.m.
The Lincoln Theatre (769 East Long Street, Columbus)
$20 per person | $10 students (plus a $3 per ticket CAPA facility fee)
Single tickets go on sale Monday, August 13 at the CBUSArts Ticket Center (39 East State Street), all Ticketmaster Outlets, online at Ticketmaster.com and by phone at (614) 469-0939 or (800) 745-3000. Day-of tickets will be available at the theatre starting two hours before show time.
Celebrating the lives and legacies of legendary tenor saxophonists Rusty Bryant, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, and Gene Walker, the concert will include a world premiere work composed by CJO principal arranger and saxophonist Chad Eby, and feature a roster of notable area saxophonists and instrumentalists. It’s especially fitting that the event takes place at the historic Lincoln Theatre where Rusty Bryant, Rahsaan Roland Kirk and Gene Walker are all inductees in the Lincoln Theatre Walk of Fame.
Songs & Sounds of the Harlem Renaissance | Friday, January 18, 2019
8 p.m.
The Lincoln Theatre (769 East Long Street, Columbus)
Tickets: $20 per person | $10 students (plus a $3 per ticket CAPA facility fee)
Single tickets go on sale Monday, August 13 at the CBUSArts Ticket Center (39 East State Street), all Ticketmaster Outlets, online at Ticketmaster.com and by phone at (614) 469-0939 or (800) 745-3000. Day-of tickets will be available at the theatre starting two hours before show time.
The Jazz Arts Group joins in the year-long, city-wide celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance with a reboot of its sold-out, “Ladies Sing the Blues: Songs & Sounds of the Harlem Renaissance,” from the 2016-2017 season. Only this time it’s not just “ladies” singing. We’re expanding the list of classic songs on offer, and the roster of outstanding local performers – male and female, vocalists and instrumentalists. From big band tunes reminiscent of Harlem Renaissance band leaders Duke Ellington and Fletcher Henderson, to memorable refrains by the era’s standout singers and songwriters such as Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith and Fats Waller, the Harlem Renaissance is reborn in Columbus with this timely musical celebration.
Jason Marsalis & the 21st Century Trad Band | Thursday, February 28, 2019
8 p.m.
The Lincoln Theatre (769 East Long Street, Columbus)
Tickets: $20 per person | $10 students (plus a $3 per ticket CAPA facility fee)
Single tickets go on sale Monday, August 13 at the CBUSArts Ticket Center (39 East State Street), all Ticketmaster Outlets, online at Ticketmaster.com and by phone at (614) 469-0939 or (800) 745-3000. Day-of tickets will be available at the theatre starting two hours before show time.
Vibraphonist/drummer Jason Marsalis is the youngest sibling of jazz greats Wynton, Branford and Delfeayo Marsalis. Together, the four brothers and their patriarch Ellis, comprise New Orleans’ venerable first family of jazz. Jason, along with his musician brothers and father, were honored as National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters in 2011: “The Marsalis family, together and individually, has been enormously influential in the world of jazz as performers, composers, conductors, educators, and advocates.” Splitting his time between France and the U.S., Jason maintains a busy schedule as a sideman for the likes of Jon Baptiste, John Ellis & Double Wide, Marlon Jordan, Marcus Roberts, Snarky Puppy, and others, as well as leading his own band and recording sessions. His latest CD release as drummer and vibraphonist is “Melody Reimagined: Book 1.”
Huntertones | Friday, April 5, 2019
8 p.m.
The Lincoln Theatre (769 East Long Street, Columbus)
Tickets: $20 per person | $10 students (plus a $3 per ticket CAPA facility fee)
Single tickets go on sale Monday, August 13 at the CBUSArts Ticket Center (39 East State Street), all Ticketmaster Outlets, online at Ticketmaster.com and by phone at (614) 469-0939 or (800) 745-3000. Day-of tickets will be available at the theatre starting two hours before show time.
Known for their high energy, horn-driven sound that melds jazz, funk, rock, and soul, Huntertones add depth and contrast to their live sets by shifting from a dynamic six-piece ensemble to a trio featuring saxophone, sousaphone, and beat-boxing, keeping their listeners’ eyes and ears open at every turn.
Huntertones formed in Columbus, Ohio at The Ohio State University and hosted their first shows at a house on Hunter Avenue. Their first Midwest tour was sponsored by the Jazz Arts Group. Since relocating to New York City, Huntertones have released two albums, and toured North and South America, Europe and Africa. Individually, members of Huntertones have compiled a diverse resume of collaborations with top artists in pop, jazz, soul, and musical theater. This includes work with Jon Batiste and Stay Human, O.A.R., Snarky Puppy, Stevie Wonder, Andy Grammer, Ed Sheeran, Allen Stone, Gary Clark Jr., Phillip Phillips, We Banjo 3, Umphrey’s McGee, Vulfpeck, and others. They return to where it all started, with an extended residency, arranged by the Jazz Arts Group, in Columbus area schools culminating in a performance at the Lincoln Theatre.
“Opera Swings Jazz” with Opera Columbus & the CJO
“Opera Swings Jazz” | Friday, April 12, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. | Sunday, April 14, 2018 at 2 p.m.
The Southern Theatre (21 East Main Street, Columbus)
Tickets: $25 – $88 per person | $15 students (plus a $3 per ticket CAPA facility fee)
Single tickets go on sale Monday, August 13 at the CBUSArts Ticket Center (39 East State Street), all Ticketmaster Outlets, online at Ticketmaster.com and by phone at (614) 469-0939 or (800) 745-3000. Day-of tickets will be available at the theatre starting two hours before show time.
“One Night Only” Annual Gala Fundraising Event
“One Night Only” | Friday, November 2, 2018 from 6-10:30 p.m.
The Bluestone (583 East Broad Street, Columbus)
Tickets: $200 per person (includes guaranteed table seat, dinner, drinks, performance)
Tickets for the event go on sale starting July 1, 2018 at www.jazzartsgroup.org.
THE COLUMBUS YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA Sundays at the Southern
Sunday, October 21, 2018 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, December 2, 2018 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, February 17, 2019 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, March 17, 2019 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, April 28, 2019 at 2 p.m.
FREEBIES & EXTRAS
OFF-STAGE AT THE JAZZ ACADEMY
This series of FREE events offer audiences the chance to engage with guest artists, share their thoughts and ask questions in the relaxed setting of the Jazz Arts Group’s Jazz Academy (769 East Long Street, 4th Floor, Columbus – Above the Lincoln Theatre). Southwest Airlines is the official airline of the Jazz Academy.
Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 2 p.m.
CJO Guest Artist: Maurice Hines
Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 2 p.m.
CJO Guest Artist: Niki Haris
Saturday, February 16, 2019 at 2 p.m.
CJO Guest Artists: Benny Benack III & Lena Siekaly
Saturday, March 16, 2019 at 2 p.m.
CJO Guest Artists: Omar Coleman & Joel Frahm
Saturday, April 27, 2019 at 2 p.m.
CJO Guest Artists: Quan Howell & Shayna Steele
While these events are free and open to the public, capacity is limited and RSVPs through Eventbrite.com are encouraged to guarantee a seat.
FRIDAY NIGHT POST-SHOW JAM SESSIONS AT THE WESTIN
Following each of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra’s Friday night performances at the Southern Theatre, the audience is invited to the lobby of the adjoining Westin Columbus Hotel for a free jam session featuring members of the CJO and its guest artists. Audience members get to chat with some of their favorite CJO band members, enjoy beverages and listen to an impromptu set of great jazz music. A wonderful musical send-off.
Friday, October 19, 2018 (following the concert at approximately 10 p.m.)
Friday, November 30, 2018 (following the concert at approximately 10 p.m.)
Friday, February 15, 2019 (following the concert at approximately 10 p.m.)
Friday, March 15, 2019 (following the concert at approximately 10 p.m.)
Friday, April 26, 2019 (following the concert at approximately 10 p.m.)
While these events are free and open to the public, capacity is limited and RSVPs through Eventbrite.com are encouraged to guarantee a seat.
Subscriptions & Tickets
Subscriptions for the Columbus Jazz Orchestra’s Swingin’ with the CJO Concert Series at the Southern Theatre are on-sale now. Subscriptions start at just $115 for tickets to all five concerts, and may be purchased at the CBUSArts Ticket Center, 39 East State Street next to the Ohio Theatre, or by calling the CBUSArts Ticket Center at (614) 469-0939. The CBUSArts Ticket Center hours are Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Single tickets for Jazz Arts Group events, including the CJO’s Swingin’ with the CJO concert series, the Jazz Arts Group Presents Jazz at the Lincoln concert series go on-sale Monday, August 13, 2018 at 10 a.m. at the CBUSArts Ticket Center (39 East State Street), by phone at (614) 469-0939 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Single tickets range in price from $15 – $68 (plus a $3 per ticket CAPA facility fee). $10 and $15 student tickets will be available throughout the season two hours in advance of show time at the door with I.D. (CAPA facility fee applies.)
