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.
Tuesdays, May 26-September 1, 2026 | 6-9pm
Fountain Square Fifth Third Center Stage (520 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202)
CCJO PRESENTS: Jazz at the Square Sponsored by Jamey Aebersold Jazz
Join members of the CCJO all summer on Fountain Square for a series of free shows paying tribute to jazz masters. You can enjoy your happy hour on the square on Tuesdays as you sip the night away to incredible music by some of our area's finest jazz musicians!
This series is made possible by a generous donation from Jamey Aebersold Jazz.
Sunday, October 4, 2026 | 2pm
First Unitarian Church (536 Linton Street, Cincinnati, OH 45219)
Jazz@First | The Art of the Unexpected: Scott Wojahn
What happens when a jazz vocalist takes songs by Jimmy Webb, Sting, Paul McCartney and Hank Williams and makes them his own? Cincinnati newcomer Scott Wojahn brings three decades of experience as a singer, arranger, composer and producer—including award-winning work for American Idol and collaborations with artists such as Vince Gill, Buddy Guy and Shawn Colvin—to an intimate afternoon of surprising songs and fresh interpretations. With warmth, wit and a voice that draws you in, Wojahn transforms familiar favorites and lesser-known American Songbook gems into something entirely new.
A complimentary wine and cheese intermission is included with your ticket.
Series Sponsor: Al Harris
Thursday, October 29, 2026 | 7pm
The Redmoor (3187 Linwood Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45208)
Big Band | Feels So Good: A Tribute to Chuck Mangione
Get ready to feel so good! The Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra kicks off our season with a salute to jazz-pop legend Chuck Mangione. Enjoy an exhilarating evening of his signature hits, including “Feels So Good,” “Children of Sanchez,” “Land of Make Believe” and more. Featuring the powerhouse CCJO trumpet section, this is a celebration of the infectious sound and timeless music of one of jazz’s most beloved crossover artists.
Doors open at 6pm for dinner service.
Photo Credit: Steve Magas Photography
Sunday, November 8, 2026 | 2pm
First Unitarian Church (536 Linton Street, Cincinnati, OH 45219)
Jazz@First | A Tribute to the Jazz Masters: Jamey Aebersold
NEA Jazz Master Jamey Aebersold returns to the Jazz@First series with his Louisville-based band for an afternoon celebrating the music of some of jazz’s greatest composers. Featuring works by masters including Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and more, the concert will showcase Aebersold’s deep knowledge and passion for the music. Renowned as one of jazz’s premier educators, Jamey brings his signature blend of insight, instruction and humor to every performance.
A complimentary wine and cheese intermission is included with your ticket.
Series Sponsor: Al Harris
Photo Credit: Sniper Photo
Thursday, November 16, 2026 | 7pm
The Redmoor (3187 Linwood Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45208)
Big Band | A Tale of Two Big Bands: The Music of Gordon Goodwin & Jim McNeely
Two towering voices of the modern big band era, Gordon Goodwin and Jim McNeely pushed jazz in bold new directions with music that was as sophisticated as it was thrilling. Following the untimely loss of both artists in 2025, the Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra celebrates their remarkable legacies—from Goodwin’s unmistakable West Coast sound and high-octane arrangements to McNeely’s adventurous, boundary-pushing compositions. Experience the full spectrum of contemporary big band jazz in an exhilarating tribute to two visionary artists whose music continues to inspire and electrify.
Doors open at 6pm for dinner service.
Photo Credit: Steve Magas Photography
Sunday, December 6, 2026 | 2pm
First Unitarian Church (536 Linton Street, Cincinnati, OH 45219)
Jazz@First | A Brazilian Christmas
Experience the holiday season through a Brazilian lens as Phil DeGreg’s Brasilia brings South American rhythms, vibrant jazz improvisation and infectious energy to beloved Christmas favorites. Featuring vibraphonist Rusty Burge and trumpeter Kim Pensyl, two of Cincinnati’s finest musical talents, this festive concert offers a fresh and exhilarating take on the sounds of the season. Hear “Jingle Bells”—and the holidays themselves—in a whole new light.
A complimentary wine and cheese intermission is included with your ticket.
Series Sponsor: Al Harris
Photo Credit: This image comes from Pineapple Supply Co. via Unsplash.com.
Wednesday, December 9, 2026 | 7pm
Thursday, December 10, 2026 | 7pm
The Redmoor (3187 Linwood Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45208)
Big Band | Jingle Jazz: Swingin' Into the Holidays
Kick off the holiday season with the Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra’s beloved annual Jingle Jazz celebration, where favorite holiday classics get a fresh, swinging big-band makeover alongside a sleigh-full of holiday repertoire that’s new to the CCJO stage! From selections from CCJO’s acclaimed 2025 album Nutcracker Remix to festive favorites featuring the incredible Mandy Gaines, including selections from Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas, this year’s concert is packed with musical surprises, holiday spirit and plenty of swing. Gather your friends and family and ring in the season with Jingle Jazz!
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, February 14, 2027 | 2pm
First Unitarian Church (536 Linton Street, Cincinnati, OH 45219)
Jazz@First | Love Notes: A Jazz Valentine
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a fresh, sophisticated and sometimes delightfully cheeky take on the songs of the heart. Acclaimed Michigan jazz artists Paul Keller and Sarah D’Angelo bring their remarkable chemistry to beloved standards, unexpected gems and irresistible heartbreakers, joined by musicians from the CCJO for an evening that moves effortlessly from swooning romance to playful mischief. With a nod to the Great American Songbook and plenty of surprises along the way, this is Valentine’s Day with a little more swing.
A complimentary wine and cheese intermission is included with your ticket.
Series Sponsor: Al Harris
Wednesday, February 17, 2027 | 7pm {Bonus show!}
Thursday, February 18, 2027 | 7pm {Part of the subscription}
The Redmoor (3187 Linwood Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45208)
Big Band | Licensed to Swing: The Music of James Bond
The music of James Bond returns in February as CCJO turns up the glamour, danger and undeniable swagger of one of the most iconic film franchises of all time. From unforgettable themes to sultry ballads and high-octane action cues, these legendary soundtracks are every bit as irresistible as Bond’s gadgets, villains and globe-trotting adventures. Joining the orchestra is the sensational Mandy Gaines, channeling Bond’s iconic vocalists—from Shirley Bassey and Gladys Knight to Adele, Tina Turner, Carly Simon and more—in a thrilling program featuring some exciting new big band arrangements created exclusively for these performances.
Doors open at 6pm for dinner service.
Thursday, March 4, 2027 | 7pm
The Redmoor (3187 Linwood Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45208)
Big Band | John Clayton: Big Band Legend
The Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra welcomes GRAMMY®-winning bassist, composer and arranger John Clayton for an unforgettable big band experience. A protégé of Ray Brown, Clayton has performed with Count Basie and Monty Alexander, co-founded the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, and collaborated with artists from Diana Krall and Paul McCartney to Queen Latifah and Yo-Yo Ma. Now, his sophistication, soul and irresistible swing come to the CCJO stage!
Doors open at 6pm for dinner service.
Photo Credit: John Abbott Photography
Sunday, March 14, 2027 | 2pm
First Unitarian Church (536 Linton Street, Cincinnati, OH 45219)
Jazz@First | My Foolish Heart: Songs of Love and Longing
Hailed by Fred Hersch for her “gorgeous instrument, superb musicianship, and great taste,” jazz vocalist and songwriter Melissa Stylianou joins the Phil DeGreg Trio for an afternoon of songs exploring love and longing. Alongside Victor Young and Ned Washington’s “My Foolish Heart,” the program features beloved standards like Irving Berlin’s “Cheek to Cheek,” Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields’ “The Way You Look Tonight,” and Lerner and Loewe’s “On the Street Where You Live.” Stylianou will also uncover lesser-known gems like “The Folks Who Live on the Hill” and “Remind Me,” backed by the tight-knit, swinging trio led by Cincinnati’s own Phil DeGreg.
A complimentary wine and cheese intermission is included with your ticket.
Series Sponsor: Al Harris
Sunday, April 11, 2027 | 2pm
First Unitarian Church (536 Linton Street, Cincinnati, OH 45219)
Jazz@First | Sonny Rollins Tribute
Celebrate the towering legacy of Sonny Rollins, one of the most creative and influential improvisers in jazz history and the last great link to the bebop era. Chris Andrews takes up the tenor saxophone to bring Rollins’ iconic compositions—including “Airegin” and “St. Thomas”—to life, alongside songbook standards like “Just in Time” that Rollins transformed into vehicles for his legendary improvisations. It’s a celebration packed with hard-swinging rhythms, fearless improvisation and a big, bold tenor sound.
A complimentary wine and cheese intermission is included with your ticket.
Series Sponsor: Al Harris
Thursday, April 22, 2026 | 7pm
The Redmoor (3187 Linwood Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45208)
Big Band | The Phantastic Phil DeGreg
For generations of Cincinnati jazz fans, Phil DeGreg has been a beloved fixture of the scene—and for good reason. A pianist, composer, bandleader and mentor whose career has taken him from the road with legends like Woody Herman and J.J. Johnson to more than 16 albums of his own, Phil has spent decades shaping the sound and spirit of Cincinnati jazz. Join the CCJO for our season-closing celebration, featuring brand-new big band arrangements of Phil’s music crafted by local writers and CCJO musicians, and experience the extraordinary catalog of one of the city’s true jazz treasures.
Doors open at 6pm for dinner service.