SCHEDULE
The Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra’s performance homes are at The Redmoor for our Big Band Series in Mt. Lookout as well as the First Unitarian Church in Avondale for our Jazz@First Chamber Jazz Series. The Orchestra and our musicians also perform at various educational, orchestral, jazz and festival events across the Tri-State.
To learn more about the CCJO’s past performances, please visit our archives.
Sunday, October 12, 2025 | 2pm
First Unitarian Church (536 Linton Street, Cincinnati, OH 45219)
Two Pianos, One Soul: A Brazilian Jazz Voyage
Brazilian pianist Thiago Camargo and American pianist Phil DeGreg will perform on two pianos, assisted by Aaron Jacobs on bass and Kiko Sebrian on drums and percussion. They take a guided tour through Brazilian popular music styles, including Bossa Nova, Samba, Choro, Forró and Maracatu.
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A complimentary wine and cheese intermission is included with your ticket.
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Series Sponsor: Al Harris
Thursday, October 30, 2025 | 7pm
The Redmoor (3187 Linwood Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45208)
Big Band | CCJO Meets Stevie Wonder
Get ready for an unforgettable night as the Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra kicks off the season with a tribute to the legendary Stevie Wonder! Experience his iconic hits like “Superstition,” “Do I Do” and “Livin’ for the City” reimagined by legendary arranger - and Cincinnati native - Matt Harris. From soulful ballads to funky grooves, this high-energy performance will have you dancing in your seat. With the addition of CCJO fan-favorite vocalist Mandy Gaines, this show is sure to be a hit. Don’t miss this celebration of a true American musical genius!
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Doors open at 6pm for dinner service.
Sunday, November 9, 2025 | 2pm
First Unitarian Church (536 Linton Street, Cincinnati, OH 45219)
Jazz@First | Jazz Alto Sax Legacy: Hodges, Bird and Cannonball
Take a thrilling ride through the evolution of the alto saxophone in jazz with Jazz Alto Sax Legacy: Hodges, Bird and Cannonball. Cincinnati’s own Christopher Andrews pays tribute to three towering figures of the instrument — Johnny Hodges, Charlie “Bird” Parker and Cannonball Adderley — each of whom helped shape the voice of jazz across swing, bebop and soul-infused hard bop. With both reverence and flair, Andrews will bring these legends to life, showcasing their unique styles while adding his own modern voice to the lineage. It’s a high-energy, history-rich celebration of the saxophone’s greatest innovators.
A complimentary wine and cheese intermission is included with your ticket.
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Series Sponsor: Al Harris
Thursday, November 13, 2025 | 7pm
The Redmoor (3187 Linwood Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45208)
Big Band | The Dude: A Tribute to Quincy Jones
Few individuals have had a more eclectic career - or made more of an indelible impact on music - than the legendary Quincy Jones. Join the Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra for a thrilling tribute to a man who contributed to the sounds of artists ranging from Dizzy Gillespie and Count Basie, to Ray Charles, Michael Jackson and countless others. This dynamic performance will showcase the timeless sounds that shaped generations. A night of jazz mastery you won’t want to miss!
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Doors open at 6pm for dinner service.
Photo Credit: This image comes from the Los Angeles Times Photographic Collection at the UCLA Library. Copyright for the photographs in the archive was deeded to UCLA. The bulk of images digitized from the archive have been published by UCLA under a CC-BY 4.0 license. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 | 7pm {Bonus show!}
Thursday, December 11, 2025 | 7pm {Part of the subscription}
The Redmoor (3187 Linwood Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45208)
Big Band | Jingle Jazz: The Nutcracker Remix Album Release Party
It’s time to crack open the eggnog and celebrate the season with the Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra’s festive favorite, Jingle Jazz! This swinging holiday tradition features jazzy takes on classic carols, soulful seasonal surprises and plenty of cheer. This year’s Jingle Jazz performance will be special as we unveil our brand new Nutcracker Remix CD featuring CCJO’s adventurous “Nutcracker Remix” suite as well as three special bonus tracks featuring vocalist Mandy Gaines. Bring the whole family for a joyful night of music that’s sure to warm your spirit!
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Doors open at 6pm for dinner service. Join the band and board - wear your ugliest Christmas sweater! ​Subscribers: Thursday night show included with your subscription.
Sunday, December 14, 2025 | 2pm
First Unitarian Church (536 Linton Street, Cincinnati, OH 45219)
Jazz@First | Harmonies for the Holidays
Celebrate the magic of the season with a spectacular ensemble of ten vocalists from Northern Kentucky University performing timeless holiday songs in rich jazz arrangements. Led by Kelly MacKenzie-Thurley and backed by the always-exceptional Phil DeGreg Trio, the concert blends vocal precision with instrumental sparkle. From swinging standards to cozy ballads, this festive performance will capture the essence of the holidays — joyful, warm and full of harmony. Join us for the perfect way to brighten the season with friends and family!
A complimentary wine and cheese intermission is included with your ticket.
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Series Sponsor: Al Harris
Sunday, February 8, 2026 | 2pm
First Unitarian Church (536 Linton Street, Cincinnati, OH 45219)
Jazz@First | Travels: The Metheny/Mays Legacy
Experience the soaring melodies and rhythmic sophistication of Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays brought to life by guitarist Brad Myers and the Phil DeGreg Trio. This electrifying program pays homage to two titans of modern jazz, blending reverence with creative reinterpretation. Enjoy deep grooves, emotional ballads and thrilling interplay—all delivered with nuance, swing, and soul. This performance is a tribute to two masterful composers whose work reshaped the sound of contemporary jazz.
A complimentary wine and cheese intermission is included with your ticket.
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Series Sponsor: Al Harris
Thursday, February 26, 2026
The Redmoor (3187 Linwood Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45208)
Big Band | More Than Meets the Ear: Trombonist Robin Eubanks
Experience an unforgettable night of bold, boundary-pushing sound as the Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra welcomes world-renowned trombonist Robin Eubanks to the stage. Fusing innovation with tradition, Eubanks brings his electrifying energy and virtuosity to a dynamic evening of contemporary jazz. Don’t miss this rare chance to witness one of jazz’s modern masters live in Cincinnati!
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Doors open at 6pm for dinner service.
Sunday, March 8, 2026 | 2pm
First Unitarian Church (536 Linton Street, Cincinnati, OH 45219)
Jazz@First | Timeless Voices: Then and Now
Step into a world where the elegance of the past meets the creativity of the present. This program will take you on a journey through the rich tradition of vocal jazz, featuring beloved standards immortalized by legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Carmen McRae — alongside original modern works that honor their timeless style. With a voice that blends emotional depth, instrumental-level improvisation and warm storytelling, Jennifer Barnes bridges generations, inviting audiences to rediscover the heart of jazz through both familiar favorites and fresh new gems that carry the legacy forward. She is joined by her husband, drummer Steve Barnes, whose intuitive rhythm and subtle nuance provide the perfect foundation for this intimate, swinging celebration.
A complimentary wine and cheese intermission is included with your ticket.
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Series Sponsor: Al Harris
Thursday, March 26, 2026 | 7pm
The Redmoor (3187 Linwood Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45208)
Big Band | Pulse and Power: An Evening with GRAMMY® Winner Dan Pugach
The CCJO proudly presents GRAMM​​​​Y® Award-winning composer and drummer Dan Pugach for a thrilling night of jazz innovation. Known for his explosive energy and bold arrangements, Pugach brings a fresh, modern edge to the stage. Get ready for a high-octane performance that pushes big band jazz into exciting new territory!
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Doors open at 6pm for dinner service.
Photo Credit: Ben O'Brien Smith, courtesy of the artist
Thursday, April 9, 2026 | 7pm
The Redmoor (3187 Linwood Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45208)
Big Band | Tenor Titan: Saxophonist Rich Perry
​​​The big band series closes with an extraordinary evening with GRAMMY®-nominated NYC saxophonist Rich Perry. Known for his decades-long association with the Vanguard Band and Maria Schneider Orchestra—in addition to a stunning solo career—Perry brings his signature sound to a night of rich harmonies and inspired improvisation. Don’t miss this masterful blend of artistry and swing!
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Doors open at 6pm for dinner service.
Sunday, April 12, 2026 | 2pm
First Unitarian Church (536 Linton Street, Cincinnati, OH 45219)
Jazz@First | Adventurous Lyricism: Saxophonist Rich Perry
Join GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist Rich Perry for an afternoon of chamber jazz that is as introspective as it is innovative. Adventurous Lyricism pairs Perry’s signature sound — warm, lyrical and full of quiet intensity — with the transparency and intimacy of a small ensemble. Known not only for his exceptional artistry but also for his humility, Perry brings a grounded, collaborative spirit to every performance. Together with the Phil DeGreg Trio, he creates space for subtle interplay, understated virtuosity, and emotional resonance. This is jazz storytelling at its finest: refined, fearless, and deeply human.
A complimentary wine and cheese intermission is included with your ticket.
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Series Sponsor: Al Harris