CINCINNATI CONTEMPORARY JAZZ ORCHESTRA
The Sound of Jazz
in the Queen City
Experience the power, energy, and artistry of Cincinnati’s premier contemporary jazz orchestra. From big band classics to bold new arrangements, CCJO brings world-class musicians and unforgettable live jazz to stages throughout Greater Cincinnati.
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JAZZ IS A LIVING ART FORM
Cincinnati’s Home for Big, Bold and Brilliant Jazz
The Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra is a 17-member ensemble made up of some of the region’s most accomplished jazz artists and educators. Together, we perform, preserve, and teach jazz while exploring everything from the legendary works of Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus and Miles Davis to imaginative arrangements inspired by Prince, Radiohead and David Bowie.
Our mission is simple: create experiences that advance jazz as a living art form and make this extraordinary music accessible to audiences of every generation.
- World-Class Musicians - Hear leading jazz performers and educators from throughout Greater Cincinnati.
- Inspired Programming - Experience jazz standards, contemporary compositions, unexpected collaborations, and original arrangements.
- Live Local Performances - Join us for big band concerts, intimate chamber jazz, festivals, and community events.
- Music Education - Help us introduce young musicians and students to the creativity, history, and power of jazz.
LIVE IN CINCINNATI
Upcoming CCJO Performances
Experience CCJO live. Discover upcoming concerts, collaborations, and special appearances featuring the Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra and extraordinary guest artists.
THERE’S NOTHING LIKE LIVE JAZZ
More Than a Concert - It’s an Experience
Every CCJO performance brings together exceptional musicians, adventurous programming, and the spontaneous energy that makes live jazz unlike anything else.
Powerful Performances
Feel the sound and energy of a full 17-member jazz orchestra performing live.
Unexpected Music
Hear fresh arrangements that connect jazz tradition with contemporary artists and ideas.
Remarkable Musicians
Experience some of Cincinnati’s finest jazz performers, composers, arrangers, and educators.
A Welcoming Community
Whether you are a lifelong jazz fan or attending your first concert, there is a seat waiting for you.
Meet Our Musicians
Musician Spotlight
Aaron Jacobs
Musician
Whether it's upright or electric, jazz, latin, rock, or classical, bassist Aaron Jacobs holds it down with range that few can match. He studied jazz bass under Chris Berg, Brad Goode, and Steve Flora, and classical bass under Rick Vizachero and Al Laszlo — a foundation that shows in everything he plays. Around Cincinnati, you'll find him anchoring Phil DeGreg's Trio, Brazilia, the John Zappa Trio, the Rick VanMatre Quintet, Northside Jazz Ensemble, and of course CCJO. He's shared the stage with jazz greats like Benny Golson, Don Braden, Tim Hagans, and Roland Vazquez, and recorded with Rick VanMatre, Phil DeGreg, Brent Gallaher, and Mandy Gaines. Catch Aaron live with CCJO
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Brad Myers
Guitar
Musician Spotlight: Brad Myers 🎸 Guitarist and composer Brad Myers has been chasing the music since age 6, and chasing jazz specifically since 13. His 2015 release Prime Numbers earned 4 stars from Downbeat and airplay on PRI's Jazz After Hours. Brad came to Cincinnati in 1994 to study at CCM and never left, building a career that's taken him onstage with John Scofield, Stanley Jordan, Victor Wooten, Béla Fleck, and the Cincinnati Pops. From founding member of funk-jazz outfit Ray's Music Exchange to earning his Master's in Jazz Studies from CCM in 2015, Brad brings decades of range and depth to every performance. Come hear him with CCJO - don't miss a beat.
CCJO NOTES
Stories From the Bandstand
Meet the musicians, discover the stories behind upcoming performances, revisit memorable concerts, and stay connected with Cincinnati’s jazz community.
Rhythms of the Queen City: Summer Nights at Fountain Square
There is something irreplaceable about summer evenings in downtown Cincinnati. As the daytime heat softens and the skyline...
Jazz Under the Stars: CCJO Brings the Big Band Sound to Dillsboro
There is nothing quite like the magic of live big band jazz drifting through a warm summer night. This past June, the Cincinnati...
Finding Our Voice: How CCJO’s “Let Freedom Swing” Connects Jazz, Democracy, and Cincinnati’s Youth
Every time a jazz band takes the stage, a mini-democracy springs to life. Musicians must listen intently, give each other space...