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, 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 | Sax & the City: An Evening with Steve Kortyka
University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music graduate Steve Kortyka is a nationally acclaimed saxophonist, composer and educator whose career has taken him from his Midwest roots to the heart of the New York City jazz scene and back again. A longtime member of Lady Gaga’s touring jazz band under the direction of Brian Newman, Kortyka has performed internationally with Tony Bennett as a featured soloist and orchestrator, contributing to multiple GRAMMY® Award–winning recordings along the way. His sound has echoed through Carnegie Hall, lit up Saturday Night Live" and graced stages across the globe — and now it returns home for a powerhouse performance for the CCJO Redmoor series closing night!
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Doors open at 6pm for dinner service.
Saturday, March 28, 2026 | 7:30pm
Fitton Center for Creative Arts (101 S Monument Avenue, Hamilton, OH 45011)
Fitton Showstoppers | Shaken Not Stirred - The Music of James Bond
Agent 007 has a license to kill and a killer soundtrack. The CCJO’s sophisticated Jazz Quintet – led by Eric Lechleiter on trumpet, Steve Schmidt on Hammond organ and a very special guest vocalist – takes the audience on a musical journey from Bond’s iconic theme song through Adele’s “Skyfall.” From Shirley Bassey and Sir Paul McCartney to Jack White and Sheena Easton, truly “Nobody Does It Better.”
Sunday, April 12, 2026 | 2pm
First Unitarian Church (536 Linton Street, Cincinnati, OH 45219)
Jazz@First | Rhythm & Radiance: The Flavio Silva Trio
An electrifying celebration of Brazilian jazz, where luminous melodies meet irresistible rhythm. The Flavio Silva Trio blends original compositions with reimagined Brazilian classics, fusing samba pulse, harmonic richness and daring improvisation into a performance alive with color, chemistry and fire.
A complimentary wine and cheese intermission is included with your ticket.
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Series Sponsor: Al Harris
Friday, May 29, 2026 | 6pm
Ault Park (5090 Observatory Cir, Cincinnati, OH 45208)
Picnic Performance by Ault Park Advisory Council
Come to the Upper Green, at the base of the iconic Ault Park Pavilion, to enjoy an evening of jazz and symphonic music. The event is FREE for all to enjoy.
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CCJO will be joined by an ensemble from the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, filling the Green with music. Invite your family and friends to bring blankets and picnic baskets to fully enjoy the Spring evening on the Lawn.