2025-2026 KJO SEASON
The Knoxville Jazz Orchestra was founded in 1999 by trumpeter, arranger, and composer Vance Thompson. Since that time, the band has appeared on jazz festivals in the United States and Europe, released four critically acclaimed CD recordings and presented scores of concerts, many featuring world-renowned guest artists.
Knoxville Jazz Orchestra is excited to announce its 2025-2026 concert season! Join us for a series of unforgettable performances featuring internationally acclaimed guest artists backed by our 17 piece big band! Season subscription renewals begin Monday, July 14, 2025 at 10am. New subscriptions go on sale Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 10am. Tickets for individual shows will go on sale Monday, August 11, 2025 at 10am.
Big Band Beat is the KJO’s signature big band concert series at the Bijou Theatre and is made possible by the Lawson Family Foundation. Each subscription to Big Band Beat at the Bijou Theatre includes a reserved seat for the KJO’s sellout ‘Swingin’ Christmas’ concert at the Tennessee Theatre to ensure your holidays start on a high note.
PRICING
- Season Subscriptions: 5 concerts for $213.50. Subscribers enjoy a 10% discount over single ticket pricing and get preferred seating accommodations. Keep your seats from last season, or choose new ones before tickets go on sale to the general public.
- Note: Price does not include applicable service fees.
- Group discounts are available. Please contact Matt Gainey for more information.
RENEWING SUBSCRIBERS
- Renewals begin Monday, July 14th at 10:00am.
- Renewing subscribers have until Friday, August 8th to renew their seats from the 2024-2025 season.
NEW SUBSCRIBERS
- New subscriptions can be purchased beginning Wednesday, July 30 at 10:00am.
HOW TO ORDER
- Online: Follow this link to renew online.
- By Phone: Call 865-684-1200 ext 2 to renew or order new tickets by phone. Renewals begin July 14th at 10:00am.
- In person: Visit the box office at 224 Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37902. (on the north side of the Tennessee Theatre).
The box office is open Monday-Friday from 10:00am-3:00pm.
ACCESSING TICKETS
- If you opt for digital tickets when purchasing, you can access them by logging in to your Account Manager.
2025-2026 CONCERT SEASON
Satchmo Swings with Byron Stripling
Tuesday, October 14, 2025, 8:00pm | Bijou Theatre
BYRON STRIPLING is known around the world for his electrifying and heartfelt tributes to the legendary ‘Satchmo’ himself, Louis Armstrong. With his engaging rapport, jazzy vocals and virtuosic trumpet sounds, Byron dazzles audiences wherever he goes. He kicks off the 2025-2026 season with the KJO big band.
Presented by the Lawson Family Foundation
KJO's Swingin' Christmas with Simon Moullier
Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 8:00pm | Tennessee Theatre
Each subscription includes a ticket to the hippest concert of the season! Enjoy sparkling arrangements of holiday favorites in the style of Ellington, Basie and other jazz legends. Vibraphonist SIMON MOULLIER joins the band, along with other special guests. An event guaranteed to make your season bright!
Jazz is for Lovers with Camille Thurman
Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 8:00pm | Bijou Theatre
Saxophonist and vocalist CAMILLE THURMAN has burst on to the international jazz scene in recent years with profiles in the New York Times, BET’s Future 40, NPR’s All Songs Considered, and Downbeat Magazine’s Rising Star Award. For this program, Camille performs music made famous by Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and others.
Presented by the Lawson Family Foundation
Brown Family Get-Down with Keith Brown
Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 8:00pm | Bijou Theatre
Knoxville native KEITH BROWN is a leading jazz pianist of his generation. He has toured and recorded with Kenny Garrett, Stefon Harris and Jazzmeia Horn, and he’s released his own acclaimed albums. This concert features Keith’s original compositions as well as music by his father Donald Brown, Knoxville’s patron saint of jazz.
Presented by the Lawson Family Foundation
Nothin' But Soul with Kirk Whalum
Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 8:00pm | Bijou Theatre
The soulful saxophone of Grammy winner KIRK WHALUM is heard on Whitney Houston’s mega-hit “I Will Always Love You,” as well as recordings by Barbara Streisand, Luther Vandross and others. He has earned fans internationally for his own music which blends Memphis R&B, gospel, rock and jazz. Add the sizzle of the KJO big band and you have all the ingredients for a spectacular evening of soul-stirring good times.
Presented by the Lawson Family Foundation