Swing Into the Unexpected: My Vision of the CJO’s 2026/2027 Season
Through the musical inspiration of Byron Stripling
When I think about the upcoming 2026/2027 season for the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, one word keeps coming back to me: evolution. For me, jazz has never been a static museum piece—it is a living, breathing conversation. Having spent my life on stage, from my early days touring with the Count Basie Orchestra and portraying the great Louis Armstrong on Broadway, to sharing the studio with icons like Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Herman, Dave Brubeck, and Lionel Hampton, I’ve learned that the secret to a great big band is honoring where we came from while boldly pushing into where we’re going next.
That’s exactly what we’re doing this year. We are bridging generations and genres, offering something deeply nostalgic for lovers of traditional swing while stretching the boundaries for curious new listeners.
A Season of Unforgettable Collaborations
I’m bringing an extraordinary group of friends and visionaries to share the stage with us, each bringing a unique energy that reshapes the orchestra’s sound:
Vocal Lineage and Jazz Royalty: I am thrilled to perform alongside my dear friend, Grammy-nominated vocalist Carmen Bradford. Discovered by Count Basie at just 22 years old, Carmen carries pure big band heritage in her DNA. Her mastery of swing dynamics meshes seamlessly with my trumpet work, giving us the chance to recreate that joyful, conversational vocal-and-brass interplay pioneered by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong.
Contemporary Blues & Jazz Guitar: We are featuring guitarist Dan Wilson alongside vocalist Jonathan Elliott. Mentored by Christian McBride and Joey DeFrancesco, Dan represents the absolute finest of the new generation of jazz titans. His approach—rooted deeply in gospel and hard bop—bridges modern small-group improvisation with the heavy, six-string grooves of legends like Wes Montgomery and George Benson.
Cross-Genre Vocal Power: We are pushing our brass and reed sections into whole new sonic territory with powerful vocalist Kelly LeVesque. With her massive background in pop, crossover, and theatrical arrangements, Kelly’s dynamic voice challenges the orchestra to match the explosive, arena-scale energy of rock and soul classics.
The Heartbeat of Columbus, Our 16 Virtuosos: While our guest stars bring incredible new perspectives, the true soul of this orchestra sits on stage every single night: our 16 resident musicians.
These players are the anchor of everything we do. Their collective resumes span decades of world-class touring alongside legends including Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Jacob Collier, and Maria Schneider. When we craft arrangements for the CJO, it’s not for just any big band—it’s for these specific musicians, tailoring every note to the unique tone, range, and expressive flair of the talent we house right here in Columbus.
I’ve poured my heart into crafting a season that mixes the rich big band tradition with genres that reach far beyond jazz. Whether you’ve been sitting in our audience for decades or are stepping into the Southern Theatre for the very first time, there is something here created just for you. Come take a ride with us and experience the living legacy of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra like never before!