Join the Reno Jazz Orchestra on November 1 & 2, 2025, for a spectacular concert that continues the RJO's mission of embodying the legacy of jazz greats and inspiring the next generation of musicians. Relive the life and timeless music of the legendary jazz pianist, bandleader, and composer, Count Basie. The Orchestra will take you on a captivating trip through Basie's most iconic periods, presenting masterworks from the Kansas City Suite, April in Paris, and Basie Straight Ahead eras, celebrating the pure essence of big band jazz. Don't miss this chance to experience the sound and soul of a true American music icon.
Get ready for an extra dose of musical talent! We're thrilled to announce that we're officially adding the Discover Jazz Workshop students to the beginning of our Sunday show.
Two Performances:
Venue Location:
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!
Tickets on sale soon.
While full and early registration for the RJO's Discover Jazz Workshop is complete, participants can still pay for single-day sessions as the workshop progresses toward its culminating performances performances opening for the Reno Jazz Orchestra.
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.
Meet Our Music Directors.
Northern Nevada's vibrant jazz scene thrives thanks to the dynamic and dedicated music directors guiding the Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) and the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra (RYJO). These exceptional ensembles, which have become true regional treasures, are a source of pride and connection for our community.
We invite you to experience the magic live at one of our upcoming performances. Check the Events Calendar for dates and times. Come discover the passion and artistry of Reno's big band jazz!
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.
Last weekend, the Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) celebrated Donny Hathaway's 80th birthday with a one-of-a-kind event. Vocalist Cliff Porter thrilled the audience, backed by the RJO, an 11-piece string section, and four background singers. Donny's youngest daughter, Donnita Hathaway, spoke about her father's talent and his mental illness that inspired her to create the Donny Hathaway Legacy Foundation. The ensemble recreated the magic of Donny's music in a whole new setting, earning several standing ovations. Another concert on September 13 at the Pioneer Theater honored Jim and Mary Ann Kidder for their generous contributions to northern Nevada's cultural life. This event served in lieu of a memorial service for Jim, who passed away on July 30.
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.
