Knoxville Jazz Orchestra Tickets

Great Band w strong vocals ! The evening went by too fast!

Jeff Hamilton's dazzling, lyrical drumming propelled the KJO to the top of the game. His brushwork establishes him as the master of masters. "Salt Peanuts" done side-by-side with just himself and Keith Brown with brushes and snares was a good-humored, spellbinding event. Will Boyd, Alan Wyatt, Don Huff, and the rest stole the show moment-by-moment--until Jeff Hamilton and his phenomenal Trio with bassman John Hamer and pianist Tamir Hendelman dashed out to snatch it back. Bravo!

great venue great christmas show...................................................................

My wife and I were anticipating a good concert and a nice evening but were completely overwhelmed by what we experienced. This was our first KJO concert, but definitely not our last. They sound was amazing, rich, and full. The mood was celebratory from the first note to the last. The arrangements felt fresh and inventive. The guest artists were exceptional. The venue was perfect. I always love going to the Tennessee Theater. Concessions were a little pricey, but not unexpectedly so. All in all, a perfect evening. I left in a completely festive mood, I'd even say inspired. Looking forward to our next KJO concert and already planning on subscribing next year. Can't say enough about this talented group and the wonderful evening they provided.

KJO presented an evening of surprises, perhaps even to them! The program would have been a great evening even if KJO had provided the only performance, but making the evening extra special for attendees were some unanticipated moments. Singer Kelle Jolly was a surprise performer. She captured the audience with flawless styling and her stunning voice in a jazz version of "O Holy Night." And the audience returned its pleasure with a long ovation! Then what to our wondering ears did appear, but another surprise: an 18 year old, University of Tennessee freshman whose voice quality and phrasing showed a maturity and feel for jazz that was beyond her years. I did not catch her first name, I am sorry to say, but her last name was Woodruff. She will make Knoxville proud some day! The surprise in regard to the musician's performance was Regina Carter, a sensational and well known jazz violinist on anyone's list. However, when she and a horn started riffing during the jazz arrangement of "Silent Night", it blew the roof off the Tennessee Theatre! Was that "Down by the Riverside" that suddenly appeared in the middle? It was fabulous! Hope it hits Youtube! Having Ms. Carter as the featured performer for this program was a major attraction for those who, like me, drove a long way for the event. The spontaneous "duel" between violin and horn made the evening memorable. The surprise for the founder and conductor of KJO, Vance Thompson, was a proclamation by outgoing Mayor,Madeline Rogero, declaring Knoxville Jazz Orchestra Day. The affection that Mayor Rogero had for KJO was apparent and it was returned to her by the musicians on stage. It was pleasing to me to be present, to take part as witness and to add my applause. To the delight and surprise of the audience, the program featured a performance of three of Duke Ellington's adaptations of Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite". Founder and conductor, Vance Thompson, touched the funny bone of the audience when he enunciated, so clearly, the names that "The Duke" had given to three dances from the original ballet. Even those who were familiar with Ellington's rearrangements were delighted! There was "Sugar Rum Cherry" (Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy; "Chinoiserie" (Chinese Dance); and the "Peanut Brittle Brigade" (March). This was a wonderful, wonderful evening. For those of us who are Advent people and not yet ready for Christmas, this was a surprisingly intimate and special evening which provided serious, appropriate, seasonal relief from the 24/7 Christmas carols that began taking up air time before Thanksgiving! Many, many thanks to all!

The KJO Swinging Christmas concert is always phenomenal! The band is so talented. Vance Thompson is to be admired for starting this great band. We have attended every Christmas concert for the last 15 years. It is a must see!

Monty Alexander is an extremely good pianist. He is also very personable which makes for an even better experience for the audience. Th

Knight out - with guest visiting from South Carolina. It was our first time seeing KJO - it was enjoyable. We had a nice experience.

Loved the music but also the stage setting with lights and colors Liked the singer and the guest piano player

This concert gets better and better each year. LOVED the guest this year. Attending this event is the best way to start Christmas.

This was the first time I've been to the Tennessee to hear the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra and I loved it!! I'm adding this to my Christmas Tradition list.

The music and the musicians were excellent. It is good to see how well they have grown over the years.

Excellent way to start a week a Tuesday night date

Truly a musical genius. Very humble but hugely talented. Great collaboration w the excellent KJO

Had a good time once again with the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra. We are so blessed to have such talent in Knoxville!

Wow!! A special night of Jazz and Christmas swing. Amazing vocals, exceptional orchestra and Wycliffe Gordon was on point with superb showmanship. I really enjoyed his Louis Armstrong renditions. Don’t miss this next year you will enjoy.

Having not seen a live show in a long time (I believe our last show was Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn at the same venue), we were ready for a "concert date." We were not disappointed. The Knoxville Jazz Orchestra delivered in spades. The guest artists, John Beasley (piano and conductor) and Kendrick Scott (percussion) rounded out a brass and reed ensemble that was tight and on point from opener to encore. I nearly forgot the rest of the rhythm section. The bass player (I cannot recall his name) was at center stage and was the nexus of the rhythm section, tying the guest artists and the KJO together in such a way that they all seemed to have been performing together for much longer than the two days that the guest artists had been in town prior to the show.

Silent Night & trombone quartet were great. Ms. Harris had a beautiful voice and really could "swing".

I've been a fan of this tremendous collection of musicians for years. And whenever they're on the same stage, look out! The program is always a great balance of traditional and cutting edge. The production in terms of lighting and sounds is always magnificent. And the guest artists are always epic and bring their "A game" to Knoxville. How did we ever become so blessed to have an ensemble of this caliber in our area? If I can help it, I'll not miss any of these...it's the best calorie-free dessert EVER!

It was truly a swinging, awesome concert and evening spent at the elegant Tennessee theater.