News, notes and reflections on the season.
Ahh, summertime in the Sierra. A time when the world lives to fully “UNPLUG” and “PLUG IN” to some of the finest talent in the West and beyond. And this summer is no exception for the Reno Jazz Orchestra, and all our peers in the world of entertainment, right here in our hometown.
Next year will be the Reno Jazz Orchestra’s 30th anniversary and we are working on a celebration. I thought I would look back through the decades as so much has changed. As a founding member, I enjoy looking back but most of all looking to our 30th and beyond.
This year we revised our mission statement to The Reno Jazz Orchestra exists to inspire engagement with world-class jazz and American music in northern Nevada and beyond through extraordinary performance, transformative education, and vibrant community connection.
Al Jarreau was one of those rare artists who made every genre feel as though it had been invented just for him. Born in Milwaukee in 1940, he was the son of a Seventh-day Adventist minister and grew up singing in church, a foundation that shaped his warmth and his instinct for connecting with an audience. . .
On March 8, 2026, the RJO transformed the stage into a time machine, presenting a performance of 100 years of the boldest, brightest, and most swinging big band jazz tunes. RJO’s Music Director, Dr. Greg Johnson, and four-time Grammy-nominated and internationally renowned trumpeter, Mike Rocha, joined the powerhouse music of the 17-piece jazz orchestra for an unforgettable adventure through jazz history.
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 80th 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.
Last month the Reno music community lost a vibrant, inventive, and personable member. Bill Hecht gave us memorable piano performances either solo or as part of an ensemble. He was a keyboardist, composer, arranger, and technical music wizard. But most importantly, Bill was a pleasure to work with both on and off the stage.
