MISSION
The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra is dedicated to promoting the rich culture of Kansas City through performance and education. We strive to be a leading voice, ensuring that Kansas City’s influential jazz tradition continues to thrive and evolve.
BIO
The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra (KCJO) is a premier professional jazz ensemble dedicated to promoting the rich culture of Kansas City through performance and education while ensuring that the city’s influential jazz tradition continues to thrive and evolve.
Founded in 2003 by Gene Hall and saxophonist-educator Jim Mair, KCJO has grown from a two-concert series into one of the region’s leading jazz organizations. Today, the orchestra presents its Signature Series in premier venues such as the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and the Folly Theater, while continuing to expand its artistic reach under the direction of Artistic Director Clint Ashlock. Rooted in a city where big band jazz forms the backbone of its musical identity, KCJO carries forward a tradition that is uniquely Kansas City.
With a large roster of the region’s top jazz musicians, KCJO is known for both excellence and versatility. Performances range from solo artists and intimate small ensembles, including trios, quintets, and septets, to the full 18-piece big band, allowing the organization to serve concert halls, clubs, educational settings, and community events alike.
KCJO’s programming reflects both tradition and innovation. Alongside its Signature Series, the organization presents In My Jazz Era (IMJE), a dynamic concert experience that connects jazz to contemporary culture, and continues to expand its footprint through flexible small group performances drawn from its core musicians.
Education remains central to KCJO’s impact through JazzWorks! and the New Jazz Order (NJO), a revitalized reading band and jam session that serves as a creative laboratory for musicians, supporting mentorship, professional development, and experimentation while keeping the big band tradition alive.
Now more than two decades into its history, KCJO continues to broaden its reach through partnerships with organizations and presenters across the region, delivering performances that honor the legacy of Kansas City jazz while actively shaping its future.
HISTORY
In April 2003, The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra was founded by Gene Hall, a retired attorney, Jim Mair, Professor of Jazz Studies at Kansas City, Kansas Community College, and his wife, Mary Mair. Seventeen of the finest professional jazz musicians from the Kansas City area were chosen for the orchestra with Jim conducting it. The orchestra was modeled after the Columbus, Ohio Jazz Orchestra which at the time had been performing over 30 years.
The first concert of The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra was held on November 21, 2003 at Unity Temple on the Plaza, which was their venue for eight of the first nine years, with the 2008-09 season performances held at the Folly Theater. In 2010, the Mairs stepped down and Gene Hall became president of the board of directors. The board is now led by a chairman, president, treasurer and secretary. Today, the organization is administered by an excellent professional staff.
Following Jim Mair as Artistic Director/Conductor, the Board of Directors selected the brilliant musician, Kerry Strayer for that position and he served in that capacity until his death on August 1, 2013. The baton was then passed to the dedicated and tireless Clint Ashlock who holds two masters degrees in jazz and music composition.
In 2012, The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra moved to the fabulous Helzberg Hall in Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts for a four concert season. In addition to KCJO’s longtime home at the Kauffman Center, in 2023 the Orchestra announced their expansion to the Folly Theater to offer more performances. The Orchestra also performs regularly at other venues in Kansas City and the surrounding region, participating in festivals, and educational programs.
The Orchestra is a tax-exempt organization. It supports music education and scholarships for students. Master classes are held for students and are conducted by the orchestra’s outstanding visiting artists.
The organization has a strong fiscal foundation and is grateful to all the foundations, trusts and individuals who have made The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra one of the best jazz orchestras in the nation. Kansas City is the home of jazz and the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra is one of the finest representatives of that heritage.
Meet our Staff
Alyssa Bell Jackson
Executive Director
Clint Ashlock
Artistic Director
Alex Schrempf
Program Manager
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
HONORARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Founders
Eugene Hall, Late Co-Founder Emeritus
Jim and Mary Mair
Officers
Lee Brumitt, Board President
Gus Jianas, Vice President
Kim Gile, Secretary
Andrew Toews, Treasurer
Directors
Brian Johnston, Past President
Michael J. Fischer
Darcus Gates
Gary Hailes
Edwin Lowndes
Zahid Nana
Sophie Rojas
Jessica Thatch
Donald J. Hall, Late Chair Emeritus
Oleta Adams and
John Cushon
Sally Bibb
Joanne Collins
John A. Dillingham
Richard Fagerberg
Charley Jensen
Topper Johntz
John Kornitzer
James Prevost
John Thompson
Jennifer Trusty
CONTACT US
HONORARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Donald J. Hall, Late Chair Emeritus
Oleta Adams and John Cushon
Sally Bibb
Joanne Collins
John A. Dillingham
Richard Fagerberg
Charley Jensen
Topper Johntz
John Kornitzer
James Prevost
John Thompson
Jennifer Trusty