Columbus Jazz Orchestra

The show was amazing, from the Youth Jazz Band to the singers Nicole Henry and Michael Lynche.

Not our usual type of show, but so glad we stepped outside of the box! The talent & skill of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra was a joy to see & hear. The Southern Theatre is a beautiful venue; the acoustics & view are outstanding in the 2nd balcony. We have tickets for another show next month, can t wait!

What a wonderful night filled with tunes by the great\u200bs: Ray Charles, Whitney Houston, Lou Rawls, Chuck Berry, and more.

I'm not a jazz fan, but everytime I see the Jazz Orchestra I love it. The program I saw February 28 was particularly good. Byron Stripling is always entertaining, but the musical guests were great too.

Absolutely wonderful. Once again, the Columbus Jazz Orchestra brought it home and brought the house down as it did. The musical stylings of Byron Stipling, Carmen Brandenberg and Dave Powers fit the bill perfectly. A wonderful evening in a beautiful theater! Each and every member of the CJO is amazingly talented and it is a joy to watch them perform their craft. Columbus is, indeed, blessed!

After a lackluster offering this season, CJO definitely "had their game on" for this show. Good to again see some exciting vocalists to enhance the incredible talents of this top-notch group of talented musicians. Byron Striplings' talents as a musician and showman are evident as he engaged the audience completely. The precious Carmen Bradford was endearing in her personal tribute to Ella Fitzgerald and her voice did Ella's music justice. Dave Powers' energy shot a very youthful verve into the performance. At the end of the show, we (and apparently everyone around us) were buzzing with adrenaline! THANKS CJO!

That was the best concert I have ever attended! I've seen this orchestra previously, but this time it was at a whole new level! Dave Powers and Carman Bradford were amazing. Byron Stripling was entertaining as always and the final piano duet by Bobby Floyd and Dave Powers was like nothing I've ever seen.. To know that both Byron and Carman had performed with Count Basie and Carman with Ella Fitzgerald herself, made you feel like you were witnessing Jazz Royalty reincarnated. Carman and Byron's duets were intense. If you miss this concert series, you've missed it all!!!!

My wife and I enjoyed the performance immensely. Yours truly was a high school cornet player and my better half a saxaphonist, so we appreciated the instrumental performances all the more. Bruce was also admirable on the vocals, and the performances on the keyboards was also especially notable. And we can't forget Byron, whose personality, energy, and musicianship added something special as well. We've already ordered our tickets for Louis, Ella and friends!

The Columbus Jazz Orchestra with guests Lew Soloff , Lou Marini and Bruce Wermuth gave us one fabulous performance that just hit us up along side the head. Spinning Wheel made us dizzy with awe. Blood, Sweat, and Tears, Chicago, and CJO are a match made in heaven.

Byron: This concert was way, way beyond amazing. My wife and I have attended the Columbus Jazz Orchestra concerts for several years. Each time the Orchestra seems to take its performance to a new level. But this time you and the Orchestra really knocked the ball out of the park. I cannot imagine how the Orchestra could reach a higher level. And, as was noted by the singer, the Orchestra is truly a national treasure. Columbus is very, very fortunate to have it. Please, please bring this concert back next year!

attended the columbus jazz concert on 70"s it was great.. enjoyed the versions of songs from early 70's, Blood Sweat and Tears, Chicago.. very good evening.

I had a wonderful time at the show, the music was great and fun, and the performers were a delight.

What a wonderful Christmas concert - by Columbus' own Columbus Jazz Orchestra. World class talent! Byron is a remarkable leader, singer, trumpeter. Helen Welch, the soloist was great, as were ALL of the members of the band - Bobby Floyd, Michael Cox, et al. This has just joined our MUST SEE events list! And need I say anything about the beauty of the Southern Theater. A classic jewel!

Excellent show. Great songs, singing, and musicians contributed to very nice holiday event. Helen Welch sings like an angel transported from the golden age of swing.

Once again, the Jazz orchestra outdid itself. I took my wife and 2 daughters and every one of us talked about how pleasurable and entertaining the concert was. Without a doubt it was money and time well spent. Keep it up!!!!!!!!!!!!

A world class orchestra who is underappreciated in the region.

I loved the concert and Helen was so sophisticated and charming! Leave the dancers off next time. They were a little shocking and actually cheapened the experience.

Upon arrival my husband and I were nervous for the performance because we were the youngest audience members by far! I was afraid we had walked into a Lawrence Welk production---nothing wrong with LW but not exactly our style. The second the music started -however- we were just blown away. The quality of musicianship, the excellent hosts...wow. We laughed and sang and just had a wonderful time. We'll do it again next year. The CJO is a hidden gem of Columbus---I had no idea!

I brought my 90 year old father with dementia to hear both the Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra and the Columbus Jazz Orchestra play. Under the direction of Todd Stohl, it was unbelievable to me that high school students could perform Duke Ellington that well. It was super enjoyable. Then we were treated to the Columbus Jazz Orchestra doing Duke Ellington music. I haven't seen my father more alive and happy in a long time. Excellent music can really soothe the soul and raise you to a place of joy. The sounds were out of sight. You're missing out on a great treat in Columbus if you haven't heard these guys!!!!

First time hearing the Columbus Jazz Orchestra in years. It was one of the best entertained evenings with great musical talents. Left the theatre with a smile on my heart.

This was an amazing concert!! It was my first time to experience the CJO, and it definitely won't be the last!! What a group of professionals! And what a rare gem Byron Stripling is!! I hope Columbus can hold on to him!! Earl Klugh, as always, was AWESOME!!!

The evening of jazz was very enjoyable except for the three women next to us who screamed loudly during and after each song. Ultimately, we had to move our seats because they distracted our enjoyment of the concert. It was a delight to see Earl Klugh live after listening to his music for 20 years.

Until we moved to a warmer climate three years ago, we had been members for over 10 years. We returned for an OSU graduation, and were greatly pleased to be able to attend a JAG concert. We thoroughly enjoyed the concert. But the big thrill was hearing the band again. I can go to jazz clubs where I now live and hear good musicians in small groups. But for me, it is not the same as hearing an outstanding big band like the Jazz Arts Group

For jazz and saxophone lovers was a must see. Guest players and our local band did a great job.

The Leslie Uggams concert was one of the best I've seen in Columbus. Ms. Uggams is one of the rare performers who does everything with a touch of class. Her singing voice is beautiful and so is she. Her song selections were classic. The orchestra was incredible and it was truly a memorable evening.

Leslie Uggams still has it! She was lively and her voice still resonates with great tonal quality!!!

The incredible Leslie Uggams took the Southern Theater stage with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra for an incredible night of song and magic. Ms. Uggams looking fit and in fine voice took the audience through the golden days of jazz and r &b, including a look at the Apollo Theater in it's heyday of the 40s and 50s. Another fine performance from the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, and with Leslie Uggams, it was a night to remember!

The Columbus Jazz Orchestra with Leslie Uggams put on a performance I will never forget. The music before Leslie came on stage was fresh and the orchestra leader and members were very entertaining. I was wondering if Leslie would be as good as I remembered her and found her to be just as strong voiced and personable as ever. If she ever comes back to Columbus, I will definitely attend.

Great artistry, great music, great entertainment in a great venue. It doesn't get any better!

The concert itself was very good. My only beef was with the Meet and Greet following. I have been a HUGE fan of Molly Ringwald ever since the 1980s and the John Hughes films. I was over the moon that I was going to get to meet her and have her sign my Breakfast Club poster and get a picture with her without freezing having to stake out the stage door! Imagine my disappointment when not only was I made aware that she would not sign ANYTHING but her CD, but that she was not posing for photos, either! I have no problem with spending $20 to buy her CD, which I did, but it would have meant so much more to me to have her sign the poster for my absolute favorite movie of all time! And I did manage to get a few photos on my phone, but nothing like the photo I dreamed I would get. I am happy that I met her and shook her hand and got her to sign a CD, but it was not the fan experience I had dreamed of.

Wonderful family experience and for music fans. Enjoyable

Bryon Stripling hit it out of the park and Nichole Henry and Big Mike were amazing!

I love the CJO. However, the vocals were more of the program than I would have liked. Big Mike was great. I was not so taken with Nicole Henry. And, Byron Stripling didn't play a note, that I remember. Brass otherwise was brilliant! Bobby Floyd was superb, as always. Percussion players besides Floyd were excellent. Will be back next year, though, without a doubt!

CJO's "Legends of Rhythm & Blues" show was extremely enjoyable. The musicians were in top form, and Byron Stripling was entertaining and charismatic as always. The addition of Nicole Henry and Michael Lynche on vocals was a perfect touch. As a lover of classic soul and R&B, I loved the song selections, but couldn't help thinking of so many others I'd like to hear (perhaps in a follow-up show next year?). However, the inclusion of a brand new Michael Lynche original among songs by the Immortal Legends seemed a bit of an odd choice. In any case, I thoroughly enjoyed the concert, and look forward to more from the Columbus Jazz Orchestra. Thanks for a wonderful evening!

We loved this show, we are from the greater Cincy area so this was the first time we have been a part of this wonderful band. The band is so talented each and every one of the members, we loved the singers but we would have enjoyed it without them.

Really enjoyed seeing the orchestra performing "One Mo Time" . This was our first time to hear the Columbus Jazz Orchestra and don't think it will be the last. Seeing the youth perform before the concert was an added plus. Very talented

We really enjoyed the music of New Orleans performed by Columbus Jazz Orchestra. The special treat was hearing the Yourh Jazz Group perform.

We had a wonderful time. The lead singer and conductor was outstanding. The second half of the show was true New Orleans Jazz.

There are not enough superlatives to share the quality of musicians we saw last Sunday! It makes one giddy to realize what a gift it is to have the Columbus Jazz Orchestra right here among us plain folks! But we sure feel colorful and alive during their music tributes. Enjoy them all!

Spur of the moment decision to go to this concert last weekend. The Southern is a gem of a venue; one of a kind! The CJO is billed as being terrific. And it exceeded my wildest expectations! Director is superb, guest artists were top drawer! Will be purchasing season tickets next year, fo sho!!!

I should have brought a fire extinguisher because the band was on fire !

First part of program was so-so. Guest vocalist with the dee-doo-bee-boop was way too much. Her voice was starting to get a little nerving by end of that program portion. In other aspects of her program, vocal was very good. Second part of program was a real winner. Fantastic drum performance - high performance, unusual and just right amount. Conductor's solos were superb and enjoyable as always. He makes it look so easy. Only draw down to second part was trombone solo. Noticed several weak spots that appeared almost as if she had missed some notes. Not much volume to performance. I recommend this event to a friend for 20% of 1st part, and 95% of 2nd. footnote: this was 1st time sitting upstairs (2nd level), and acoustics were noticeably inferior than downstairs

Love the Home for the Holidays show every year, they sound amazing and we had a great time!!

CJO Christmas show was so special and so unique! The set was the perfect mix of Christmas classics and jazz. Loved the combination of all the instruments and solos. What a great way to kick off the holiday season!

I was blown away with the talent of this wonderful group! Every time we go I see the experience and showmanship of them. It would be hard to find a group better than them anywhere! Loved how they change it up all the time.

The Home for the Holidays concert was a wonderful combination of holiday classics, jazzed up as only the CJO can do it. Great guest vocalists topped it all off. Fantastic evening of unforgettable music!!

Excellent - every time I have attended their holiday concert, they have come up with new ways to make great jazz! I was dubious of opera with jazz?? but leave it to Byron Stripling to make it meld!! Way to work outside the box and bring enjoyment to all in attendance!!

This was my first jazz concert and I was blown away! I loved the acoustics and the band was fabulous. It was interesting how they tried opera with the orchestra. That did not go too well. The other singer was great and the piano/organ player made the night. Our seats were very good and I would highly recommend seeing this again. The Christmas concert was uplifting with the jazzy swing to it. Will definitely go see them again

My husband and I do not get out much, do not get to go on a date often at all, we are so glad we chose to attend this concert when we did get a chance! Amazing music and great venue, we will certainly be back! Thanks for a great night of entertainment!

The orchestra was superlative as always. The program choices were interesting and not run of the mill. The commentary made the program more relevant to us and we enjoyed it so much. Each soloist was outstanding in their own way and we loved the variety of vocal styles.

As always....AMAZING! Great musicians, great singers and a great conductor with a lot of humor.

good program. Would like to hear a bit more music of the artist that are billed in the show title.

The orchestra is always a pleasure to listen to. The singers were fantastic at this show. All four were excellent and that is not easy when singing Whitney Houston songs. Definitely will return next year for some of the shows.

For fans of the Big Band sound, this program was a genuine treat - especially with the featured soloists. However, if you are considering attending such an event in the future at the Southern Theatre and sitting in the balcony, you had better be tall or you will not be able to see the soloists on the lip of the stage since the barriers between seat rows are so high. True, the sound mix is great and the view of the band proper is unobstructed but be prepared to do a lot of leaning forward if you're determined to see the soloists at work. Stick to orchestra seats for the best view.

Nobody swings like Columbus Jazz Orchestra. Definitely worth the hour and a half drive for us!! Byron Stripling is so joyous and the talent is top notch. Also, the acoustics in the Southern Theatre can't be beat. If you want an amazing musical experience, this is it!!

As usual Byron and the CJO did not disappoint. The guest acts were very good, but as always our favorite part is the CJO Whaling out the classics.

Great show and a fun evening. It is a special joy to watch the musicians enjoying themselves which permeates to the audience.

The performance was one of the best I've attended.

What a phenomenal evening! The musicians were full of talent and extremely entertaining.

This Jazz series was absolutely spectacular. Can't wait for the next show.

Without doubt, the Columbus Jazz Orchestra never disappoints. The energy put forth is exceptional from the leader, Byron, down to each of the members. If you weren't in the holiday spirit prior to the concert, you should be after you leave.

I love holiday music and my husband loves jazz. This was a great way to get him into the Christmas swing early. The orchestra was fabulous. I would definitely go again.

Was not what I expected. Some music was not happy holiday Music, but depressing melody, nit sure why they chose it when there is a great selection of holiday music

It was amazing! First time I heard them and I LOVED IT!!!!!

I enjoyed the performance from beginning to end. It was wonderful!

Great night, amazing performance. I would recommend it to all.

One of the best Jazz concerts lately - loved the vocalist - and had never thought about strings mixed in with jazz - what a treat!

An amazing show, as usual. We are so fortunate to have the Columbus Jazz Orchestra as part of our arts community, highlighting America's musical tradition for new generations. Byron Stripling is the perfect combination of musical talent and personality to lead the group to new heights. The addition of the strings enriched the show on most of pieces; on other numbers, however, the sound was completely swallowed up by the brass and woodwinds. I hope they will consider bringing back their guest artist, Carmen Bradford, for a future performance. Not only did she have a beautiful voice, but she was a great storyteller, reliving her time as a performer with Count Basie and Ella Fitzgerald.

Wonderful concert. Columbus Ohio is blessed to have this orchestra.

Carmen had an amazing voice; best I have heard "in person" in a long time. And of course, the band! What else can I say.

We celebrated my Mom's 80th Birthday at the Sunday Feb 7th performance. She had a wonderful time and said Sammy was her favorite. Thanks for an amazing performance in the beautiful Great Southern Theatre.

I purchased this as a Christmas present for my husband. It was a very enjoyable event.

Best one so far. It was pure entertainment, seemed like a New York stage show. The band, the songs and the dancing kept it lively and thrilling.

The "hit" (among many) was Bo Gangles......have seen and heard this before on one of your earlier programs about 2-3 years ago, and this is a very, very outstanding performance. Also, I thought that the "opening" music with the "song from the chair" was very fine.....and very well done.... We often bring guests, and are always re-inforced by the great satisfaction shown by the guests, who frequently are from out of town.

Really enjoyed the Columbus Jazz Orchestra & the guest artists!

The CJO was fantastic as usual, but Ted Levy and John Fredo really brought the show to life. Kudos to Byron Stripling and the Columbus Jazz Orchestra.

What a fun evening! This was our first visit to the Southern Theater and first time to hear the Columbus Jazz Orchestra. We plan to go back soon.

To be able to see performers of this caliber in central Ohio is amazing ! First time in the southern theatre was an awe inspiring experience.

This was a super good time for my family. CJO excellent excellent excellent. Ted was excellent. The only thing we didn't understand was the band NEVER ended on cue from the leader! We were shocked at that and ended up laughing and looming at each other at the end of every song. Be sure to go next year!

First time seeing CJO live and I definitely recommend seeing them again. They had two guest signers for their Rat-Pack themed show. John Fredo who sang the Sinatra and Martin tunes was "ok" - and he struggled a bit on the opening number. The guy singing and tapping to Sammy Davis Jr. tunes was PHENOMENAL.

This show was beautiful, fun, so energetic, and one of the best CJO's ever. Ted Levy is fantastic and I didn't want his dancing and personality to be over. Dean and Frank's music put me right back in the day-wonderful voice. It inspired me to buy a new Sinatra cd. As usual the band was great-all the musicians. I could go on about them for hours.

Such a great evening of talent and love for the music. Loved every minute. Only bad thing is my face hurt after the show from smiling all night!

Wasn't sure which venue to pick to see for the holidays, but decided on the CJO. Wise choice. Performance was fantastic. Guest stars were great and performed well. The orchestra itself unbelievable. The closing of Joy To The World was the best rendition ever. Bobby Floyd will be reincarnated as a musical organ.

We loved the CJO Holiday performance. The band is excellent, and we had a wonderful time. They featured guest singers that were wonderful and unexpected. I can't wait to attend next year.

Last year was amazing but this year the guests made it nearly intolerable. Byron Stripling is talented enough to carry this thing on his own rather than to bring in lesser talents to be highlighted during the show. Kelly Crum Delaveris was adequate, but the other guest, while talented, was awkward, heavy handed, and at times rather "lounge lizard". I want to attend a holiday event to enjoy myself - not to be lectured. We will opt for a different holiday event next year.

Overall the show was good. Band was way too loud for Kelly Crum could barely hear her, and her segment was very short.

Loved the show. The music/songs had just the right amount of originality and adaptation.

This was an outstanding program and performance......but nothing new about that for the CJO. That is the "normal" for them.

What more can you say about our Columbus treasure. The music was wonderful incorporating James Taylor and Carol King hits. Dave Powers and guest Becca Stevens were delightful and talented. I would have liked to hear Ms. Stevens on guitar. She doesn't have a powerful voice, but you can see she enjoys performing. Dave Powers as usual is a witty accomplished jazz pianist, who is always a pleasure to see. If you haven't seen any performances of the CJO, you are missing ourt on great entertainment.

Great performance and a fun evening. The vocalists were wonderful

The Jazz Orchestra was amazing and the guest vocalists were wonderful. We had a really nice afternoon at the theater for this concert.

Excellent musicianship and never loses the audience attention. Byron strippling is doing great things. Would recommend any CJO shows. Really enjoyed the combo jam session in the lobby afterwards. Meet and greet the guests.

First CJO concert, will not be the last. Wonderful arrangents.

What a wonderful show. I always enjoy watching our Columbus Jazz Orchestra but I especially enjoyed the Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra. We are lucky to have such a talented group of young men and women represent Columbus.

This being a tribute to Frank Sinatra, I expected more in his style. The host was great, the jazz orchestra was fantastic. Dwight Lenox was good, but not like Frank. Phil Clark was good but his stage presence was awkward at best. Dee Daniels...well, she made the show completely about herself, with her ridiculous hyper-extended version of her songs. She was over the top. The show as a whole was upsetting at best. Sorry, but I expected something better.

We did not enjoy this at all. The performers did not meet our expectations because they did not sound like or have Sinatra's style. We expected higher quality of performers for $200.00. The show was highly over priced and we were very disappointed.

As usual, the CJO didn't disappoint. This evening was filled with the usual high quality musicianship. For me, I loved the casual, folksy air. around it all. The banter between those on stage made me feel I was getting to know them as people. I also loved it when the singer, Phil Clark pointed out his high school band director who was playing trombone. I can't remember the name. I truly feel sorry for those who wanted to come to this performance, but for some reason couldn't make it. Something Byron Stripling said really impressed me. He said he didn't have to go to Los Angeles in search of top vocalists. Phil Clark and Dwight Lenox lived right here in Columbus. Dee Daniels' vocal range is awesome, by the way. Why don't more people in Central Ohio recognize and support the talent we have right here. After the performance, I talked to Dee Daniels who also played piano. She said she had never really studied piano,. Amazing. !

The first half of the show, featuring Dwight Lennox and Phil Clark with the CJO was top notch. Both vocalists evoked Sinatra without trying to imitate him and their little flourishes were in the flavor of the songs and arrangements as recorded by Frank. The CJO used the same (or close to the same) landmark arrangements of Nelson Riddle and the Count Basie Orchestra on the original recordings and their execution was dynamic and spot on. The CJO is a polished outfit, versatile and engaging. Bobby Floyd virtually channeled Count Basie and he was delightful. Dee Daniels, on the other hand, is doubtless a talented singer. And if this is billed as a Dee Daniels concert, I would have positive things to say about her. But it was billed as a Sinatra show, and she frankly exhibited poor taste throughout. She seems to be one of those singers that equate singing with volume and an overdose of notes. Her extended gospel-blues riffs were totally out of place. And the finale, all 3 singers on New York New York, was a fiasco. Their harmonies were not harmonious, and their respective 4 bar solos were totally incongruous due to their very different styles. I would go see Dwight and Phil do this show alone.

Hugly disappointed in the lack of Frank Sinatra. People went because they love his music, but hardly any hits were played. I was so excited before the concert and left incredibly uninspired.

I had the pleasure of treating my 83-year-old Mother to this concert, as she loves Swing and Sinatra, so it was a perfect match. The CJO has never sounded better, and the guest artists each brought their own elegant tribute to the great Frank Sinatra's music. Dwight Lenox had a smooth and velvety voice with a side of power that I've come to expect from his performances, and Phil Clark evoked the sound of Frank with each turn of his melodic phrases. The orchestra was magnificent, as usual, but seemed to have a bit of an extra spark for this performance - truly hitting all the high notes and sending out a performance that would rival any big band in any city. When Dee Daniels emerged for the 2nd half, she didn't take long to establish herself as being well in-command on the stage. Her four-octave vocal range was gracefully displayed, and the interplay with Bobby Floyd on America the Beautiful was a performance I will never forget. My only regret is that there will not be a recording to remember this performance - truly one of the best live concerts I can ever recall attending.