The Columbus Jazz Orchestra (CJO) is led by trumpet virtuoso Byron Stripling and presents over forty concerts each season at the historic Southern Theatre in two performance series: Swingin' at the Southern and the Great American Songbook. The 2,100 subscribers for the two concert series makes the CJO audience the largest subscription base for any jazz orchestra series in the United States. The CJO now also performs an outdoor summer concert series, JazZoo, at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

The Jazz Arts Group believes in the power of music to transform lives and is committed to offering lifelong-learning opportunities for individuals of all ages, interests, backgrounds and abilities. JAG achieves this with our two Jazz Academy programs: Jazz in the Community and Jazz in Schools. In June 2009, JAG opened the Jazz Academy’s community instructional space. With nearly 5,000 square feet, this is a premier facility for multi-generational and recreational music making, ensemble playing, after-school programs, and lectures with world-class musicians – a place to listen, learn and play.

JAG has broadened its performance scope by presenting a contemporary music series, called Inside Track and the PBJ & Jazz family jazz series, both in the newly-renovated Lincoln Theatre, located in Columbus’ historic King-Lincoln District.