• Jazz@First | A Brazilian Christmas

    First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati 536 Linton St., Cincinnati, OH, United States

    Experience the holiday season through a Brazilian lens as Phil DeGreg’s Brasilia brings South American rhythms, vibrant jazz improvisation and infectious energy to beloved Christmas favorites. Featuring vibraphonist Rusty Burge and trumpeter Kim Pensyl, two of Cincinnati’s finest musical talents, this festive concert offers a fresh and exhilarating take on the sounds of the season. […]

  • Big Band | Jingle Jazz: Swingin’ Into the Holidays

    The Redmoor 3187 Linwood Ave., Cincinnati, OH, United States

    Opening Act CCM Youth Jazz Orchestra, directed by Eric Lechliter. Kick off the holiday season with the Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra’s beloved annual Jingle Jazz celebration, where favorite holiday classics get a fresh, swinging big-band makeover alongside a sleigh-full of holiday repertoire that’s new to the CCJO stage! From selections from CCJO’s acclaimed 2025 album Nutcracker […]

  • Big Band | Jingle Jazz: Swingin’ Into the Holidays

    The Redmoor 3187 Linwood Ave., Cincinnati, OH, United States

    Opening Act CCM Vocal Jazz, directed by Brian Cashwell. Kick off the holiday season with the Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra’s beloved annual Jingle Jazz celebration, where favorite holiday classics get a fresh, swinging big-band makeover alongside a sleigh-full of holiday repertoire that’s new to the CCJO stage! From selections from CCJO’s acclaimed 2025 album Nutcracker Remix to […]

  • Jazz@First | Love Notes: A Jazz Valentine

    First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati 536 Linton St., Cincinnati, OH, United States

    Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a fresh, sophisticated and sometimes delightfully cheeky take on the songs of the heart. Acclaimed Michigan jazz artists Paul Keller and Sarah D’Angelo bring their remarkable chemistry to beloved standards, unexpected gems and irresistible heartbreakers, joined by musicians from the CCJO for an evening that moves effortlessly from swooning romance to […]

  • Big Band | Licensed to Swing: The Music of James Bond

    The Redmoor 3187 Linwood Ave., Cincinnati, OH, United States

    Opening Act Loveland High School Jazz Band, directed by Geoffery Miller. The music of James Bond returns in February as CCJO turns up the glamour, danger and undeniable swagger of one of the most iconic film franchises of all time. From unforgettable themes to sultry ballads and high-octane action cues, these legendary soundtracks are every […]

  • Big Band | Licensed to Swing: The Music of James Bond

    The Redmoor 3187 Linwood Ave., Cincinnati, OH, United States

    Opening Act University of Dayton Jazz Band, directed by James Leslie. The music of James Bond returns in February as CCJO turns up the glamour, danger and undeniable swagger of one of the most iconic film franchises of all time. From unforgettable themes to sultry ballads and high-octane action cues, these legendary soundtracks are every […]

  • Big Band | John Clayton: Big Band Legend

    The Redmoor 3187 Linwood Ave., Cincinnati, OH, United States

    Opening Act Kennedy Heights Youth Jazz Ensemble, directed by Ralph Disylvestro. The Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra welcomes GRAMMY®-winning bassist, composer and arranger John Clayton for an extraordinary evening of big band jazz. A protégé of legendary bassist Ray Brown, Clayton has performed with Count Basie and Monty Alexander, served as principal bassist of the Amsterdam […]

  • Jazz@First | My Foolish Heart: Songs of Love and Longing

    First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati 536 Linton St., Cincinnati, OH, United States

    Hailed by Fred Hersch for her “gorgeous instrument, superb musicianship, and great taste,” jazz vocalist and songwriter Melissa Stylianou joins the Phil DeGreg Trio for an afternoon of songs exploring love and longing. Alongside Victor Young and Ned Washington’s “My Foolish Heart,” the program features beloved standards like Irving Berlin’s “Cheek to Cheek,” Jerome Kern […]

  • Jazz@First | Sonny Rollins Tribute

    First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati 536 Linton St., Cincinnati, OH, United States

    Celebrate the towering legacy of Sonny Rollins, one of the most creative and influential improvisers in jazz history and the last great link to the bebop era. Chris Andrews takes up the tenor saxophone to bring Rollins’ iconic compositions—including “Airegin” and “St. Thomas”—to life, alongside songbook standards like “Just in Time” that Rollins transformed into […]

  • Big Band | The Phantastic Phil DeGreg

    The Redmoor 3187 Linwood Ave., Cincinnati, OH, United States

    Opening Act Walnut Hills High School Jazz Ensemble, directed by Andrew Peoples. For generations of Cincinnati jazz fans, Phil DeGreg has been a beloved fixture of the scene—and for good reason. A pianist, composer, bandleader and mentor whose career has taken him from the road with legends like Woody Herman and J.J. Johnson to more […]