RJO Blog

Last weekend the Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) celebrated what would have been Donny Hathaway's 80^th 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. 

Join the Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) on May 10 at 4pm at UNR's Nightingale Hall featuring Matt Mauser to experience big band swing at its finest. Reno has a rich history of big band swing as a part of its casino showroom legacy. So many great singers from Sammy Davis Jr., Rosemary Clooney, and Tony Bennett graced the casino showrooms but none held sway more than Frank Sinatra. I had the pleasure of backing all those artists but there was a special electricity when Sinatra hit the stage. We are familiar with the "tabloid Frank" who made his private life public for fifty years. But it is his voice that commands attention and is his true legacy.

Lately, I've been pondering, why teach jazz? Is it in part because one needs a job to pay the bills? Perhaps teaching jazz was an additional requirement from a school administrator. Maybe, you chose to teach jazz for personal fulfillment. Of course, it might be as simple as it's SO DANG fun!

The Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) is presenting two concerts at our new home, the Note-Able Music Therapy Services building on Orovada Street in Reno, on November 16 at 7:30pm and November 17 at 2:00pm. The Note-Ables did a wonderful job converting the former Montessori school into a music space for all abilities. This includes our office and an intimate theater space seating approximately 80. RJO Music Director Greg Johnson chose the program Timeless Reimagined Standards for our inaugural event in the theater...

Gifted saxophonist and vocalist Camille Thurman takes the stage with the 17-piece Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) August 25 th at UNR's Nightingale Hall and August 26 th at Sand Harbor's Warren Edward Trepp stage. Thurman is a unique interpreter of the jazz idiom with a distinct musical approach to classic and original repertoire...

This weekend the Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) will present Fuego on July 20 in Reno’s Wingfield Park and again July 22 in the Warren Edward Trepp stage at Sand Harbor. My last blog I shared my love for Latin music and gave you background on the music and those that made it flourish in America. Today let me introduce to you the artists joining the 17-piece RJO and the material we will be performing...