Reno Jazz Orchestra Kicks of Quintessence Music Series with Holiday Christmas Concert in Reno

The Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) will kick off its fourth annual Quintessence Music Series with “Home for the Holidays – Part II” on Sunday, Dec. 13, at 2 p.m. at the University of Nevada, Reno’s Nightingale Concert Hall.

“Every year, we look forward to performing classic holiday selections,” said Dr. Greg Johnson, the Reno Jazz Orchestra’s music director. “This year, the spirit of the season returns with favorites such as ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas,’ ‘It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,’ ‘The Christmas Song’ and ‘Blue Christmas,’ along with a fresh twist on traditional favorites and contemporary compositions.”

The Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra will open the show with their first performance of their season. Following the Youth Orchestra, the 17-piece Reno Jazz Orchestra will feature classic seasonal favorites, reimagined with the distinctive sound of a contemporary big band accompanied by three of Northern Nevada’s distinguished vocalists, Cami Thompson, David Hayes and Dale Head.

Thompson is a singer, actor, band leader, music director, arranger, songwriter and teacher. Known for her four-octave vocal range, expressive performances and quick wit, she has earned an international reputation for captivating audiences.

Head is the founder and artistic leader of MindWinder Productions and the MindWinder Orchestra. A trumpet player and vocalist with a three-octave range, his musical style incorporates scat singing inspired by jazz greats Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Tormé and Al Jarreau.

Hayes is a celebrated Northern Nevada vocalist and entertainer known for his versatile interpretations of the Great American Songbook. His career spans performing, teaching, producing and touring nationwide.

A season celebrating jazz and American music

The Quintessence Music Series continues March 14, 2027, with “Legends,” featuring Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Bob Mintzer, followed by “American Patrol Revisited,” a special Mother’s Day concert on May 9, 2027, celebrating the timeless sounds that helped define American music.

“Quintessence is all about celebrating the extraordinary range and enduring power of jazz and American music,” Johnson said. “From the warmth and joy of holiday favorites to the brilliance of jazz legends and the timeless sounds of American music, this season offers audiences three unforgettable concert experiences featuring the exceptional musicianship of the Reno Jazz Orchestra and some very special guest performers.”

Individual concert tickets range from $10 for students with ID, and $50 and $60 pre-reserved seating tickets. The Series packages offer the opportunity to select reserved seats with savings within the three and two-concert package options. To make a purchase and see more details, visit RenoJazzOrchestra.org or call 775-372-6160.

About the Reno Jazz Orchestra

The Reno Jazz Orchestra has been based in Northern Nevada for more than 25 years. It was founded by musicians who performed and toured internationally with legendary entertainers, including Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Elvis Presley, Natalie Cole and Luciano Pavarotti. The tradition of musical excellence established by its founders continues today through a talented ensemble of jazz professors, educators and graduates of the University of Nevada, Reno’s jazz studies program.