2007-08 Swingin' at the Southern series

Jazz Plays Art: A Fusion of Sight and Sound

October 24-28, 2007 at the Southern Theatre.
Wednesday-Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

The art of Aminah Robinson and the hard-driving jazz of the CJO come together for an unforgettable multimedia collaboration. This innovative fusion of music and art uses spectacular images, big band jazz, poignant art and a few surprises to create an electrifying evening, culminating in a world premier composed by the incredible John Clayton. As an additional treat, the CJO provides musical background for the stunning photographs by Columbus’ own Kojo Kamau. This dynamic presentation is guaranteed to delight your eyes, inspire your ears and uplift your spirits.

Home for the Holidays

Starring Mary McClendon and Gene Walker
Nov 28 - Dec 2, 2007 at the Southern Theatre.
Wednesday-Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Celebrate the sounds of the season at the CJO’s annual holiday spectacular. Each year promises a new surprise, and this year is no exception - come hear our "three kings" of jazz! Bringing gifts of swingin’ splendor and musical merriment, the orchestra invites you to join in the festivities as they present Columbus’ most treasured holiday event.

100 Years of Jazz: From Ragtime to BeBop and Beyond

Starring Terry Waldo and Roy Hargrove
February 13-17, 2008 at the Southern Theatre.
Wednesday-Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

In this "tour de force" concert, the CJO journeys from ragtime to blues, swing to bebop and beyond. Along with ragtime legend Terry Waldo and "young lion" Roy Hargrove, we’ll touch base with the great jazz pioneers and capture the majesty, mood and legacy of America’s own music - jazz!

Basie, Benny and the Duke

Starring Ken Peplowski and Peter Appleyard
March 26-30, 2008 at the Southern Theatre.
Wednesday-Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Jazz royalty takes center stage as the CJO celebrates Count Basie, Duke Ellington and the "King of Swing," Benny Goodman. Ken Peplowski steps in for Benny while Peter Appleyard remembers Lionel Hampton with a special recreation of the Benny Goodman Quartet. From "Take the ‘A’ Train" to "Sing, Sing, Sing," this concert bubbles with swing!

New Orleans on Parade

Starring Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews
April 23-27, 2008 at the Southern Theatre.
Wednesday-Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Nothing captures the sounds of the "Big Easy" better than Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews and Byron Stripling leading the Columbus Jazz Orchestra. From street parades in the French Quarter to late-night jams in the city’s famed clubs, New Orleans comes alive through hot jazz. Join in the festivities as the party transforms into an unforgettable Mardi Gras celebration!

Bessie's Barrelhouse Blues

Starring Miche Braden
June 11-15, 2008 at the Southern Theatre.
Wednesday-Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

The legend of Bessie Smith oozes with the passion of the blues. With the help of vocalist Miche Braden, the CJO celebrates the "Queen of the Blues" and her undeniable influence on today’s musical scene. The orchestra will glance back at the origins of the blues and gaze ahead to music that fuses the past with the present.