Exploring the Pacific Jazz Orchestra’s Ambitious 2024-25 Season

The Pacific Jazz Orchestra, Los Angeles’ only resident 40-piece hybrid big band and string orchestra, is set to embark on an ambitious and adventurous 2024-25 season. Founded and led by seven-time GRAMMY-nominated composer, arranger, and conductor Chris Walden, the orchestra is composed of leading studio musicians who are prepared to showcase a diverse array of musical styles at five venues across Los Angeles, Orange County, Palm Springs, and Santa Barbara.

Season Highlights and Special Guests

The season kicks off with two back-to-back nights of exceptional straight-ahead jazz, swing, and traditional big band jazz featuring jazz guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli. Known for his efforts in reinvigorating the Great American Songbook and re-popularizing jazz, Pizzarelli will be joined by Sy Smith, one of the hardest-working women in soul music. These performances are scheduled for Friday, September 6 at the Granada Theatre in Santa Barbara, CA, and Saturday, September 7, 2024, at the Barclay Irvine Theater in Irvine, CA.

In January, the orchestra will host Ivan Lins’ 80th Birthday Celebration, showcasing the talents of the iconic Brazilian songwriter, vocalist, and pianist. This event will feature guest adult contemporary vocalist Jane Monheit and the virtuosic guitar chops of Lee Ritenour, known for his fusion, post-bop, and Brazilian jazz stylings. The celebration will take place on Friday, January 17 at the McCallum Theater in Palm Desert, CA, and Saturday, January 19, 2025, at the Segerstrom Center for the Performing Arts in Costa Mesa, CA.

The orchestra will also present a Broadway Tribute with notable guests on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the Soraya in Northridge, CA. The season will culminate with performances at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, CA, on Thursday, May 29, and Friday, May 30, 2025, featuring genre-bending musical styles.

Special Performances and Collaborations

One of the most anticipated events of the season is the first-ever benefit concert featuring Oscar and five-time GRAMMY-winner Christopher Cross. Known for hits like “Sailing,” “Ride Like the Wind,” “Arthur’s Theme,” “Alright,” and “Think of Laura,” Cross has sold over 10 million albums. He will co-headline with Pacific Jazz Orchestra saxophonist Jacob Scesney, a woodwind specialist with 50 chart-topping performance credits with acts such as Maroon 5, The Jonas Brothers, Shawn Mendes, and John Legend. This exclusive concert will take place on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at the Vibrato Jazz Club in Los Angeles, CA.

Additionally, the Pacific Jazz Orchestra will launch a new jazz showcase series at the Aster Club in Hollywood, featuring four programs with rotating quartet ensemble musicians joined by emerging and established artists. Dates and artists for this series are yet to be announced.

Plans are also underway for a hip-hop extravaganza curated by GRAMMY-winning hip-hop producer, composer, and musician Om’Mas Keith, known for his work with Frank Ocean, Jay-Z, Erykah Badu, and John Legend. Keith, who partnered with Shafiq Husayn and Taz Arnold to form the alternative hip-hop sensation Sa-Ra, will bring his stylish, experimental, and eclectic approach to this unique event. The date and location for this performance are to be announced.

The Unique Role of the Pacific Jazz Orchestra

The Pacific Jazz Orchestra holds a unique role in LA’s music scene. As the city’s first resident jazz orchestra in 20 years, it combines the big band with a string orchestra, offering a flexibility that allows the ensemble to perform a vast array of musical styles. Founded in 2022 by Chris Walden, the orchestra aims to entertain, inspire, and enrich its audience through performances that feature original music and unique arrangements tailored to each show’s specific theme.

The ensemble is noted for its collaborations with guest artists such as Rufus Wainwright, Katharine McPhee, vocal group TAKE 6, and Tony Award-winner Aaron Tveit. Past projects have featured violinist Caroline Campbell, saxophonist Ben Wendel, artist Ledisi, R&B singer Adam “AeJaye” Jackson, stylist Sheléa, and blues funk singer Billy Valentine.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Pacific Jazz Orchestra is sponsored by the Herb Alpert Foundation and boasts an advisory board that includes luminaries such as David Foster, Quincy Jones, Monica Mancini, Alan Bergman, Rickey Minor, Harvey Mason Jr., and Ledisi.

Our Advice on the City

For those planning to attend the Pacific Jazz Orchestra’s performances, we recommend exploring the vibrant cultural landscape of Los Angeles. The city’s diverse neighborhoods offer a wealth of experiences, from the historic theaters of Downtown LA to the artistic enclaves of Silver Lake and Echo Park.

Travel Tip for Occasional Travelers: If you’re visiting Los Angeles for the first time, consider taking a guided tour of the city’s iconic music venues, such as the Hollywood Bowl and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. These tours often provide fascinating insights into the history and architecture of these renowned spaces.

Travel Tip for Expert Travelers: For those more familiar with the city, delve deeper into LA’s rich jazz history by visiting lesser-known venues like The Blue Whale in Little Tokyo or The Baked Potato in Studio City. These intimate settings offer a unique opportunity to experience live jazz in a more personal and engaging environment.

In conclusion, the Pacific Jazz Orchestra’s 2024-25 season promises to be a captivating journey through a myriad of musical styles and genres. Whether you’re a jazz aficionado or a casual listener, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, mark your calendars and prepare to be enthralled by the exceptional talent and innovative performances of this remarkable ensemble.