Jazz Arts Group Presents

In 2013, Chilean-born saxophonist Melissa Aldana made history and shattered jazz’s glass ceiling when she became the first female instrumentalist and the first South American ever to win the prestigious Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition.

AXS.com calls pianist/singer/composer Ariel Pocock “the real deal, a blazing combination of chops, stunning original artistry, and hidden emotional depth.” Whether re-harmonizing the Great American Songbook, dancing on Brazilian turf, or tapping into the music of modern pop masters, she remains a riveting presence.

Columbus Jazz Orchestra Artistic Director Byron Stripling steps into the spotlight singing, swinging and playing trumpet with his quartet in Swingin’ in the New Year. An audience favorite, the concert sold out when it was presented in 2016 and 2017.

In Portuguese, the word amizade means friendship. The remarkable musical friendship between virtuoso Brazilian guitarist Diego Figueiredo and clarinet master Ken Peplowski takes center stage as the opening concert on the Jazz Arts Group’s 2019-2020 Jazz at the Lincoln Theatre concert series.