The Main Act


About the Calgary Jazz Orchestra

 “Bud-dah. Calgary jazzman Johnny Summers makes music so creamy, so smooth, so rich that you could put in on your pancakes and watch it melt all over the stack. He makes Bud-dah.”

-Mike Bell, Calgary Sun

 


This is not your typical orchestra! The CJO is a high energy, passionate and fun group of musicians whose goal is to engage and reach the audience with every song. The atmosphere is upbeat and fun, and is consistently enjoyed by all ages and all musical tastes.


The rich acoustic traditional Big Band sound emanates from top professionals in their field, and is comprised of four trumpets, four trombones, five saxophones and a three-piece rhythm section.  Johnny also often adds his rich vocals to the mix.  All musicians are personable and witty, and laughter by all is a guaranteed component of each show.

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The Miles Davis $69 - SOLD OUT

The Charles Mingus $79 - SOLD OUT

The Ella Fitzgerald (VIP Private Table) $500 table for 4 - SOLD OUT

VIP Private Tables include a bottle of wine, decadent cheese plate, exquisite truffles, personal server, preferred seating.

*VIP Private Tables are limited

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The Opening Act

About the Strathcona Tweedsmuir Jazz Band

The Strathcona Tweedsmuir Jazz band is comprised of 20 very talented and ambitious musicians from grades 9-12, led by Mr. Brian Uzick. Each member displays a natural affinity and practices relentlessly. They are very excited  to open for a the CJO and support BBBS Calgary.

It is customary of Johnny to have a local high school jazz band open for his concerts. To give our city's young and aspiring musicians the exposure to work with a professional orchestra and inspire perserverance. Johnny is a true leader and we are proud to have him in our city.

 

“Sound is the same as a painter’s palette. Our goal when performing is to paint incredible pictures with the variety of colours that we have at our disposal. To create an acoustic picture is art for the moment – the music is more emotional and resonates with the audience.”

-Johnny Summers, Director, Calgary Jazz Orchestra

 

 

 

The CJO Story

Calgary is a vibrant, cultural city that embraces the arts, and encourages professional musicianship. However, one major component was lacking: Calgarians needed a Jazz Orchestra, and Calgary’s Jazz musicians needed performance opportunities and a place to grow professionally. 

This void was recognized, and the Calgary Jazz Orchestra was established in 2004. 

Johnny, Director of the Orchestra, hand-picked 15 of the best of the best jazz artists for the 16-piece orchestra he leads with his trumpet. These musicians are professionally trained, world-class performers with over 300 years of combined experience.  This is a very special Calgary Jazz band.

All of the CJO’s musicians get the spotlight with frequent solos:

 

“They tell a story and as it builds you see big smiles on the faces of the others in the Orchestra listening. This is what it’s all about. This kind of vibe, this incredible music, the mutual respect we have for each other. This is what happens when you bring together a bunch of slamming players, challenge them and allow them to move each other. The audience sees this, feels this and shares in this.”

-Johnny Summers, Director, Calgary Jazz Orchestra

 

 

 

The Ideas

The Calgary Jazz Orchestra operates by four main mandates:

  •          To share the story about the history and development of jazz music and the jazz orchestra
  •          To offer a stimulating, enjoyable and quality experience the audience won’t forget
  •          To educate the audience – adults and children alike – on the complexity, beauty and importance of jazz music.
  •          To provide performance opportunities and experiences for Orchestra members, and to offer high    school bands the opportunity to perform with a professional jazz orchestra. 

 

The Arrangements

All arrangements and compositions are unique creations by Johnny Summers, Drummer Greg Baker, and various other members of the orchestra.  As none of the concerts contain pre-purchased or published music, the audience is guaranteed a unique and fresh experience like none-other with each performance. 

All arrangements by the CJO are available for purchase for your professional orchestra, or can be re-arranged for your community orchestra or high school band.  Please contact the CJO for more information. 

 

 

 

The Director

Johnny Summers, Director and Founder of the Calgary Jazz Orchestra, is a professionally trained vocalist, trumpeter, arranger and composer.  He has worked as a professional musician for 15 years, and owns and operates Summertime Music. 

 

For more information, visit Johnny’s website at www.johnnysummers.com