Concerts and Recordings

Be the first to know about jazz programs!
Join the jazz e-newsletter.

Concerts and Events

Under the artistic direction of maestro Charlie Young, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra has celebrated some of the greatest jazz music throughout its 33-year history as one of the crown jewels of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. The 2023–2024 SJMO season adds new excitement and luster to that musical tradition.

Important Location Note: Most concerts take place at Baird Auditorium in the National Museum of Natural History, except for the February 10 program, held at the Warner Bros. Theater at the National Museum of American History.

Thad Jones: A Centennial Celebration
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra's October 7, 2023, will need to be rescheduled.

Developing his orchestration aesthetic during his Basie years, for over three decades Thad Jones contributed greatly to the tonal and textural evolution of modern big band composing and arranging. The SJMO kicks off its season by honoring the great Thaddeus Joseph Jones with a centennial tribute. Selections may include “Her Royal Highness,” “A Child Is Born,” and “Tip Toe.” (Full Orchestra)

Sunday, December 3, 2023  Jazz and the U.S. Armed Services

Official military bands date back to 1798 with the establishment of the U.S. Marine Band. In the 1910s, First Lieutenant James Reese Europe infused elements of jazz into military music, and today all branches have an official jazz ensemble. The SJMO salutes the U.S. military jazz bands and the role they play inspiring soldiers, fostering patriotic support, and promoting national interests at home and abroad. Selections include “Memphis Blues,” “American Patrol,” and “Armed Forces Medley.” (Full Orchestra)

Ticket Information: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/sjmo-armed-services

Saturday, February 10, 2024  The Legacy of Max Roach

Inspired by Chick Web, Sonny Greer, Jo Jones, and the innovations of Kenny Clarke, during the 1940s Max Roach revolutionized the world of modern drum-set playing. He developed a swing and cymbal technique with dynamic expression that became the template for the creative imagination and technical mastery required to move modern jazz forward. With songs such as “Four-X,” “Cou-Manchi-Cou,” and “Liberté,” the SJMO honors the legacy of Max Roach, who would have turned 100 in January 2024. (Smaller Ensemble)

Ticket Information: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/sjmo-max-roach

Friday, April 5, 2024  Aspects of Ellington

Duke Ellington composed dynamic music that inspired vivid visual imagery and emotion. Combining his unconventional orchestration technique with the unique talent of his individual orchestra members, Ellington was able to transpose everyday life into musical works of art. To mark what would have been his 125th year, the SJMO launches Jazz Appreciation Month by highlighting elements of the Duke's music and his orchestra. Songs may include “East St. Louis Toodle-oo,” “Degas Suite,” and “Jack the Bear.” (Full Orchestra)

Ticket Information: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/sjmo-ellington

Saturday, June 1, 2024  Sarah Vaughan: The Divine One

Sarah Vaughan's colorful vocal tone, unparalleled range, elastic stylized phrasing, and all-around dynamic musical interpretation earned her the moniker "The Divine One." Also known as "Sassy," Vaughan became one of the greatest jazz vocalists in the history of the music. To close out the concert season, the SJMO features singer Sharón Clark as we celebrate the centennial year of NEA Jazz Master Sarah Vaughan. Songs may include “After You've Gone,” “It Don't Mean a Thing (If it Ain't Got That Swing)” and “The Lady's in Love with You.” (Full Orchestra)

Ticket Information: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/sjmo-sarah-vaughan

Each concert's musical program is subject to change.

Previous Concerts

Jazzed About Art: Jazz Appreciation Month 
Saturday, April 1, 7:00 p.m. 

To kick off the annual worldwide celebration of jazz, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra offers a soundtrack filled with rhythm, texture, and color as it showcases the work of prominent 20th–century visual artists including William Sharp, John Fenton, and Romare Bearden. "Be-Bop" by Dizzy Gillespie, "Crying and Singing" by McKinney's Cotton Pickers, and "Kingdom of Not" by Sun Ra are among the musical selections. 

Tickets on sale through the Smithsonian Associates
Members $20; Nonmembers $25 

  
The Duke Ellington Orchestra: A Centennial Celebration 
Saturday, June 10, 7:00 p.m. 

They’ve been called everything from the Washingtonians to Duke Ellington and His Kentucky Club Orchestra to Duke Ellington and His Famous Orchestra (and more). But the Duke Ellington Orchestra under any name maintains an unparalleled place in the history of American music. This year marks the 100th anniversary of this legendary ensemble, and the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra is ready to celebrate its vast musical legacy. Performance selections include "Rainy Nights,” “Harlem Airshaft,” “Charpoy,” and "The Biggest and Busiest Intersection.” 

Tickets on sale through the Smithsonian Associates
Members $20; Nonmembers $25 

Mamie Smith, Bessie Smith, and the Centennial Year of Race Records 
February 18, 2023

The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Ensemble delves into the vocal stylings of legendary blues singers Mamie Smith and Bessie Smith, the Queen of the Blues and the Empress of the Blues. Both Mamie Smith and Bessie Smith (no relation) were highly touted in the 1920s for their groundbreaking Okeh “Race Record” recordings. Singer Ekep Nkwelle performs “Crazy Blues" (1920), "Gulf Coast Blues" (1923), and “Jenny’s Ball” (1931). 

Cannonball  
December 11, 2022

Julian “Cannonball” Adderley’s meteoric rise to stardom was the buzz of the New York jazz scene in 1955, a testament to the unusual abilities of this gifted alto saxophonist. Securing a recording contract only weeks after his arrival, Cannonball paved a career path cemented with a multitude of recordings produced for the Savoy, EmArcy, and Mercury labels. The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Ensemble performs selections including "A Little Taste," "I've Never Been in Love Before," and "Spectacular" from Cannonball Adderley’s 1955–1958 recordings.  

Themes from Stage, Radio, TV, and Film
October 22, 2022

In anticipation of the opening of the National Museum of American History’s newest exhibition, Entertainment Nation, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra kicks off its 2022–2023 season with a salute to the museum’s collections and the diverse forms of entertainment in the United States over the last 100 years. Musical selections include themes from “M*A*S*H,” “I Love Lucy,” The Wizard of Oz, the musical Chicago, and many more.