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TICKETS
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WEEKLY TUESDAYS: NEW JAZZ ORDER
New Jazz Order is a weekly big band jam session held every Tuesday at Westport Flea Market. Musicians gather to read charts, improvise, and collaborate in a live, open rehearsal format. The session is open to players of all levels and focuses on experimentation, mentorship, and real-time music-making.
Westport Flea Market, 6:30pm
TICKETS
08/29/2026: SPOTLIGHT: CHARLIE PARKER, FEATURING KC'S SAXOPHONE LEGENDS AND RISING STARS
Join us for our celebration of Bird's birthday on the special day itself! The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra will roar, with Bobby Watson, Matt Otto, Stephen Martin, and area up-and-coming saxophone students, for a Kansas City-focused, big band reflection on the artistry of its native son and creator of bebop: Charlie Parker. Bird forever lives, and forever swings. In partnership with KC Jazz ALIVE.
Folly Theater, 7:00pm
TICKETS
10/16/26: KCJO PRESENTS: JOEL FRAHM TRIO AT TOM'S TOWN
Joel Frahm is recognized by all jazz lovers as a modern icon of the tenor saxophone. An unsurpassed emotional projection and technical ability always characterize his playing, which draws on the breadth of the American musical tradition, including jazz, funk, rock, and blues. Joel's new trio is an international affair, consisting of Toronto's most prolific bandleader, Ernesto Cervini (Myriad3, Turboprop) on drums and composer/bandleader/bassist Dan Loomis (of The Wee Trio, TS Monk) on bass.
Toms Town, 7:00 pm
TICKETS
11/07/26: MILESTONES: THE MUSIC OF MILES DAVIS & JOHN COLTRANE
2026 is the centennial anniversary of these two titans’ birthdays, and their greatest works will be showcased through our jazz orchestra and phenomenal soloists within. Kind Of Blue, A Love Supreme, The Birth Of The Cool, Blue Train and more are given our Kansas City treatment in an homage to two of the greatest jazz artists of all time.
Gem Theater, 7:00pm
TICKETS
12/08/2026: A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS
Good grief! Nostalgia meets improvisation as KCJO presents a beloved tradition for the whole family. This year, we invite students to an abbreviated, matinee showing in addition to the evening show. This concert will feature the multi-Downbeat Magazine award winning ensemble, KCKCC Standard Vocal Jazz Ensemble.
Helzberg Hall, 10:30am & 7:00pm
TICKETS
03/26/27: SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE: A TRIBUTE TO STEVIE WONDER
In 1976, Stevie Wonder’s landmark album was released, bringing the impassioned and profound social commentaries of his lyrics together with the infectious rhythms, melodies, and harmonies of his music. With songs such as “Living For The City” and “Isn’t She Lovely,” it is arguably the pinnacle of popular music artistry and only celebrated more as the years go by. Featuring Eboni Fondren, Paula Saunders, and SEYKO, KCJO reimagines Stevie’s magnum opus, on its 50th anniversary, through the lens of the big band celebrating this great work for a jazz audience.
Helzberg Hall, 7:00pm
TICKETS
04/17/2027: SINGIN' THE BLUES
70 years ago, blues legend B.B. King released his first album: Singin The Blues, and American music changed forever. Kansas City, as you know, has always been a blues mainstay, and KCJO is going to mesh our big band swing sound together with blues artistry for a night you’ll never forget. Join us as we feature Guest Artist, Brandon Hudspeth and friends for a one-of-a-kind collaboration. The blues is a vaccine to take the blues away, and you’re going to leave this concert fully healed.
Folly Theater, 7:00pm
Thank you to our 2025-2026 Signature Series Program Sponsors!
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