In the 2002-2003 season, the Columbus Jazz Orchestra presented new artistic director, Byron Stripling but invited Ray Eubanks to return and conduct throughout the season. Along with a new artistic director, the CJO welcomed international jazz legends, local stars, and Broadway stars to continue the musical nourishment to Columbus in their 30^th season.

Season Sponsors: Greater Columbus Arts Council,  Ohio Arts Council, and The Columbus Foundation, High Five
Media Sponsors: Smooth Jazz 103.5, WBNS TV, and 920 WMNI

Printing Sponsor: Grange Insurance

 

 

THE SINATRA SHOW

Featuring Ron Hawking
The Great American Songbook Series
September 28-29, 2002 | Southern Theatre

After Ron Hawking’s Columbus debut, the city overwhelmingly asked for a return of his timeless treatment of some of America’s greatest music, made popular by the “Chairman of the Board” himself. Program selections were announced from the stage.

 

 

Performers:

Artistic Director – Byron Stripling

Guest Conductor – Ray Eubanks

Saxophones
Burdette Green, Byron Rooker, Sonny McBroom, Michael Cox, Steve Genteline

Trombones
Ola Hanson, Jim Masters, Tom Dale

Trumpets
Wes Orr, Bob Everhart, Bob Birkhimer, Ben Huntoon

Rhythm Section
Bill Rodgers – Piano/Musical Director |Mike Hanko – Keyboard | Lou Fischer – Bass | Bob Chmel – Drums

JOHN PIZZARELLI

Swingin’ at the Southern Series
October 30- November 3, 2002 | Southern Theatre

The new CJO Artistic Director Byron Stripling began his tenure in Columbus with a special New York treat! Guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli has brought classic standards and late night ballads to a new generation that was ready to swing and swoon. This young musician’s star continued to rise with recent features in Downbeat, Jazz Times, and The New York Times magazines. Selections included: Zamba, Cover Up, Tiger Rag, Strike Up the Band, Come Rain or Come Shine, In the Mood, I Hope in Time a Change Will Come, Ooh Pa Pa Da, and other pieces called by Mr. Pizzarelli on stage.

 

Performers:

Artistic Director – Byron Stripling

Saxophones
Byron Rooker, Michael Cox, Sonny McBroom, Kris Keith, Steve Genteline

Trombones
Ola Hanson, Jim Masters, Pat Lewis, Tom Dale

Trumpets
Wes Orr, Bob Everhart, Bob Birkhimer, Brad Goode

Rhythm Section
Hank Marr – Piano | Lou Fischer – Bass | Bob Breithaupt – Drums

HOLIDAY SWING

Featuring Dena Derose and Joe Wilder
The Swinging at the Southern Series
December 4-8, 2002 | Southern Theatre

Columbus took the CJO’s rendition of Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite and mixed it with new, special arrangements of seasonal hits, and kicked off the 2002 holiday season. In 2001’s season, pianist and vocalist Dena DeRose was a sensation and joined the CJO once again as Byron Stripling conducted a program that discouraged any Scrooge! Selections included: Jingle Bells, Santa Claus is Coming to Town Blues, Selections from “Nutcracker Suite,” The Christmas Song, Winter Wonderland, I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm, What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve, You’d Be Nice to Come Home To, We Three Kings, and Jingle Bells (Reprise).

Performers:

Artistic Director – Byron Stripling

Saxophones
Burdette Green, Byron Rooker, Sonny McBroom, Michael Cox, Steve Genteline

Trombones
Tom Dale, Ola Hanson, Jim Masters, Pat Lewis

Trumpets
Wes Orr, Bob Everhart, Ben Huntoon, Brad Goode

Rhythm Section
Hank Marr – Piano | Lou Fischer – Bass | Bob Breithaupt – Drums

ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY

The Great American Songbook Series
January 18-19, 2003 | Southern Theatre

In January, the CJO’s The Great American Songbook series featured Tony-award winning singer and songwriter Ann Hampton Callaway. The former star of Broadway musical hit, Swing, graced the Southern stage with her wonderful style, doing one of her favorite things…singing with a big band! Her concerts sold out across the country, and Columbus was no exception. Program selections were announced from the stage.

 

Performers:

Artistic Director – Byron Stripling

Guest Conductor – Ray Eubanks

Saxophones
Burdette Green, Byron Rooker, Sonny McBroom, Michael Cox, Steve Genteline

Trombones
Tom Dale, Ola Hanson, Jim Masters, Pat Lewis

Trumpets
Wes Orr, Ben Huntoon, Bob Birkhimer, Brad Goode

Rhythm Section
Hank Marr – Piano | Derek DiCenzo – Guitar | Lou Fischer – Bass | Bob Breithaupt – Drums

BIG BAND BOOGIE

Featuring Gene Walker and Carmen Bradford
Swingin’ at the Southern Series
February 5-9, 2003 | Southern Theatre

The CJO put on a special salute to Columbus music legends Rusty Byrant and the “Wizard of the Keyboard” Hank Marr. Saxophonist Gene Walker joined special guest and CJO audience favorite, Carmen Bradford, in a special week of honoring two of Columbus’ most important artists. Selections included: Basie Power, Gee Baby Ain’t I Good to You, All Right, OK (You Win), Happy Go Lucky Local, Stairway to the Stars, I’m Walkin’, Bag’s Groove, Tired of Pretty Women, and others called from the stage during the concert.

 

 

Performers:

Artistic Director – Byron Stripling

Guest Conductor – Ray Eubanks

Saxophones
Burdette Green, Byron Rooker, Sonny McBroom, Michael Cox, Steve Genteline

Trombones
Ola Hanson, Jim Masters, Pat Lewis, Tom Dale

Trumpets
Wes Orr, Bob Everhart, Bob Birkhimer, Dwight Adams

Rhythm Section
Bobby Floyd – Piano | Derek DiCenzo – Guitar | Lou Fischer – Bass | Bob Breithaupt – Drums

GERSHWIN ‘N’ GUMBO

Featuring Bobby Floyd, Kristen Eubanks and Dwight Lenox
Swingin’ at the Southern Series
March 12-16, 2003 | Southern Theatre

The unforgettable songs of George Gershwin and the infectious rhythms of New Orleans created a finger-poppin’ “stew” that was cooked up with pianist Bobby Floyd and vocalists Kristen Eubanks and Dwight Lenox as the main stage chefs! Ray Eubanks returned for the Swingin’ at the Southern series to conduct this rollicking Mardi Gras musical celebration! Program selections were announced from the stage.

 

Performers:

Artistic Director – Byron Stripling

Guest Conductor – Ray Eubanks

Saxophones
Burdette Green, Byron Rooker, Sonny McBroom, Michael Cox, Steve Genteline

Trombones
Tom Dale, Ola Hanson, Jim Masters, Pat Lewis

Trumpets
Wes Orr, Bob Everhart, Bob Birkhimer, Dwight Adams

Rhythm Section
Derek DiCenzo – Guitar | Al Berry – Bass | Bob Breithaupt – Drums

DIANE SCHUUR

Swingin’ at the Southern Series
April 9-13, 2003 | Southern Theatre

Diane made her triumphant return to the Columbus stage! Due to illness, she was not able to make it in the 29^th season, but she was back in this the 30^th season, ready to rock the Southern for six shows. Diane Schuur had always been a major Columbus hit encouraging new and old audience members alike to buy a subscription. Selections included: Lunceford Special, For Dancer’s Only, Here’s That Rainy Day, Ja-Da, Isfahan, Blues for Stephanie, Basie, and other selections chosen by Ms. Schuur.

 

 

 

Performers:

Artistic Director – Byron Stripling

Saxophones
Burdette Green, Byron Rooker, Sonny McBroom, Michael Cox, Steve Genteline

Trombones
Tom Dale, Ola Hanson, Jim Masters, Pat Lewis

Trumpets
Wes Orr, Ben Huntoon, Bob Birkhimer, Brad Goode

Rhythm Section
Hank Marr – Piano | Derek DiCenzo – Guitar | Chris Berg – Bass | Bob Breithaupt – Drums

WE ♥ N.Y.!

Featuring Cabot Rea, Dave Powers, Jeanette Williams and Arnett Howard
The Great American Songbook Series
May 10-11, 2003 | Southern Theatre

This Columbus tribute to the Big Apple featured some of Columbus’ brightest stars, including Columbus television personality Cabot Rea, pianist Dave Powers, singer Jeanette Williams, and popular Columbus jazzman Arnett Howard. They all helped rock the Southern Theatre for this evening of hits from Broadway to Harlem. Program selections were announced from the stage.

 

 

LIVERPOOL SWING

Featuring Harold Jones and B.J. Crosby
The Great American Songbook Series
June 4-8, 2003 | Southern Theatre

The Beatles were the first rock band to create a repertoire of classic songs, performed and arranged by many other groups…including the Count Basie Orchestra! The CJO welcomed the great Harold Jones on drums to propel Chico O’Farrell’s brilliant Basie & Beatles arrangements. B.J. Crosby, star of the smash Broadway hit Smokey Joe’s Café joined the Columbus Jazz Orchestra in a swinging salute to the Fab Four! Program selections were announced from the stage.

 

 

 

Performers:

Artistic Director – Byron Stripling

Saxophones
Burdette Green, Byron Rooker, Sonny McBroom, Michael Cox, Steve Genteline

Trombones
Tom Dale, Ola Hanson, Jim Masters, Pat Lewis

Trumpets
Wes Orr, Bob Everhart, Bob Birkhimer, Brad Goode

Rhythm Section
Hank Marr – Piano | Derek DiCenzo – Guitar | Lou Fischer – Bass | Bob Breithaupt – Drums