Swing into the sounds of the season as the Reno Jazz Orchestra shares the stage with some of the most talented hometown stars in Reno. From classic favorites to reimagined holiday harmonies, this festive performance will uplift your soul, warm your heart and leave you feeling merry and bright!
This year's performance will feature classic selections such as 'Home for the Holidays' and 'Silent Night,' among other rearranged favorites, all performed in a Big Band style.
In addition, the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra will open the event, and three of the region's distinguished vocalists - Whitney Myer, Kyle Rea and Cami Thompson - will perform. All combined, the Reno Jazz Orchestra promises an idyllic family outing that all will enjoy.
The Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra will kick off their 20th season with their annual holiday show, continuing their tradition of showcasing young talent.
Whitney Myer is a singer, songwriter, and real estate professional from Reno, known for her strong vocal abilities and engaging live performances. She has performed on national platforms such as The Voice and throughout Reno, consistently earning recognition for her musical talent and presence.
Kyle Rea is a local vocalist who seamlessly bridges classic and contemporary pieces with his exceptional talent. Whether he’s performing solo or with an orchestra, he’s a vocal powerhouse who promises a truly special evening, joining the Orchestra to add to the holiday magic.
Cami Thompson is a singer, actor, band leader, music director, arranger, songwriter and teacher who has gained a worldwide reputation for wowing audiences around the world with her 4-octave voice of great beauty, control, and passion, as well as her zany wit.
Tickets with pre-reserved seating are available for $30, $40 and $50. Student tickets are $10 with a valid ID. If you need help, please call (775) 372-6160.
Whitney Myer is a captivating soul singer who blends the grooves of R&B with the raw energy of Rock 'n' Roll, creating a unique sound influenced by artists like Prince and Björk. After her breakout performance on NBC's The Voice in 2012, where all four judges vied for her, her career took off, leading to the release of her debut solo EP, The Articles of Luminous Nature. Known for her electrifying stage presence and versatility as a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, she has since performed at major festivals like SXSW and shared stages with renowned acts such as Fitz And The Tantrums and Allen Stone.
A Reno-native and University of Nevada alumnus, Kyle Rea is a singer, pianist and band- leader who is a staple in the Reno jazz and vocal scene. Playing to packed audiences with his own 25-piece orchestra, Rea is a powerful and soulful tenor with a broad stylistic range and an ear for improvisation. Rea studied opera, jazz and piano at the University of Nevada where he earned his music degree. Since forming the Kyle Rea Orchestra, he has been headlining concerts and shows Reno's Artown Festival, private VIP parties, and with the Reno Jazz Orchestra. In 2018, Rea released his latest album Live at Sticks Center.
Cami Thompson is a world-renowned singer, actor, and bandleader with over 42 years of professional experience across 25 countries, celebrated for her 4-octave voice of exceptional control and passion, dazzling scat solos, and humorous stage presence. Her background seamlessly blends vocal and musical elements from jazz, pop, musical theater, and classical music, earning comparisons to icons like Ella Fitzgerald and Bette Midler. Thompson has released six solo albums, opened for artists such as The Manhattan Transfer and Mel Tormé, and starred in over 50 musicals.
Explore the vibrant energy of the Reno Jazz Orchestra's recent, powerful double tribute to the legendary Donny Hathaway through the lens of photographer Bob Russell. His stunning collection of photos captures the soul, passion, and musical brilliance of the evening, offering a front row pass to the performances and the heartfelt connection between the musicians and the audience. Whether you were there or want to experience the magic for the first time, click through to see Russell's evocative images and relive these unforgettable performances of soul-stirring jazz.
The Governing Board of the Reno Jazz Orchestra is deeply honored to receive the prestigious 100% Giving Board Award from The Nevada Fund for 2025. This recognition is a powerful testament to the board's unwavering commitment to the RJO's mission and the community. The award specifically acknowledges their comprehensive support, including the generous donation of their time, expertise, and financial contributions.
Dr. Greg Johnson is an emerging force in jazz, recognized for his distinctive saxophone sound and diverse compositional style spanning jazz, classical, and popular music. As a sought-after saxophonist, he has performed with jazz legends and toured with major pop and rock artists, appearing on over 40 recordings. Now, the Reno Jazz Orchestra has appointed him as their new Music Director.
Originally from Denver, Colorado, Nichole Heglund moved to Reno in 2003 and has since become the new Music Director of The Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra. A dedicated music educator, she has taught at various Reno schools and currently teaches at Verdi and Veterans Elementary. She holds degrees from the University of Northern Colorado and the University of Nevada, Reno. We welcome Nichole as the RYJO's Music Director.
The Reno music community lost a vibrant, inventive, and personable member last month. Bill Hecht gave us memorable piano performances either soloing 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. His career was diverse performing with the Harrah's Reno orchestra, touring with Englebert Humperdinck, countless jazz combos, and singing with both the Reno Phil and Nevada Opera choruses. He joined the RJO in 2006 and was a valued musician. His ears helped guide many of our recordings. We miss his wit, his talents, his comradeship and we will always love him madly.
Friends, collegues, and fellow musicians share their thoughts about Bill.
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.
As a cherished member of our Legacy Society, your deep-seated passion for the Reno Jazz Orchestra, your unwavering support of our mission, and your profound dedication to the power of music will be forever treasured and remembered within our organization and the wider community we serve. By making the thoughtful commitment to create your personal legacy through a planned gift to the Reno Jazz Orchestra, you are not merely leaving a bequest; you are actively ensuring the long-term vitality and continuation of that extraordinary legacy of vibrant music, engaging educational programs, and enriching cultural experiences that we are so deeply honored to share with our devoted fans and the Reno community for generations to come. Your vision and generosity will resonate through every note played and every student inspired, solidifying your place as a vital architect of our future.
Connecting with the Reno Jazz Orchestra and becoming a vital part of our musical family is easy – simply join the RJO Fan Club! All we need to keep you in the loop is your name and your preferred email address. By joining, you'll be among the first to receive updates about our exciting upcoming performances, special events, and the unfolding plans we have for the future of the orchestra and our community engagement. Rest assured that your personal information is important to us; we promise to keep it secure within our organization and will never share it with external parties. While we value your attention, we also respect your inbox, so you won't be inundated with countless emails. Instead, expect timely reminders of the exceptional music and unforgettable experiences you truly won't want to miss, ensuring you always have a front-row seat to the magic of the RJO.
