The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra

About

The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra (KCJO) is one of the nation’s preeminent big bands, performing familiar favorites, artful arrangements and contemporary compositions, making them a dynamic force locally and abroad. A proud representative of Kansas City’s jazz tradition, the ensemble currently boasts a Signature Series at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and the Folly Theater, Riff Generation, and an ever-growing education program, JazzWorks. KCJO is committed to delivering innovative programs rooted in tradition while celebrating the past and embracing the future in all of its artistic endeavors.

Founded in 2003 by Gene Hall and saxophonist and educator Jim Mair, KCJO has delivered outstanding performances of big band jazz at the highest level from its inception. They began with just two concerts per season at Unity Temple on the Plaza, but over time have added more performances to the series and seen significant growth in attendance, as well as artistic merit under the direction of Artistic Director Clint Ashlock. With over twenty years under their belt, KCJO is thrilled to expand their endeavors beyond their exceptional Signature Series performances, recently launching Riff Generation, a secondary ensemble dedicated to creating new music rooted in the Kansas City jazz tradition, and expanding their JazzWorks educational programming.

Integral to KCJO's mission is jazz education, which the organization continues to expand and refine for all ages. From casual listeners to students of the genre, KCJO’s JazzWorks educational initiative offers events and content that enrich understanding and encourage exploration of every element of the genre. Jazz history, theory, musicianship, and so much more are highlighted through the various components of JazzWorks.

KCJO also performs for numerous venues and events around the region in a variety of settings. Partnering with local and regional organizations such as Kansas Public Radio, Kansas City Parks and Recreation, Midwest Trust Center, and many others, the big band and their smaller chamber ensembles entertain audiences with classic big band repertoire, lively dance music and fresh, cutting-edge compositions.