Pacific Jazz Orchestra Announces 2026-27 Season

Pacific Jazz Orchestra, the country’s only 40-piece hybrid big band and string orchestra, announces its 2026-27 season, entitled “Four & More,” celebrating the critically acclaimed ensemble’s fourth season of delivering musical magic with entertaining and imaginative programs of straight-ahead jazz, swing, soul, R&B, Broadway, and pop, in collaboration with renowned musical guests. Pacific Jazz Orchestra’s seven-time Grammy-nominated Founder and Artistic Director Chris Walden announced the details.

“This season, Pacific Jazz Orchestra embarks on an exhilarating musical journey with some of the most distinguished and inventive artists of our time, including multi-Tony-winning Broadway star Sutton Foster, global recognized pianist David Benoit; in-demand vocalist Nayanna Holley; and singer/pianist Kandace Springs, known for her soulful stylings,” says Walden. “We are also proud to welcome back to our stage leading vocalists – and audience favorites – Adam “Aejaye” Jackson, Billy Valentine, Sy Smith, and Brenna Whitaker.”

Walden adds, “The title of the 2026-2027 season, ‘Four & More,’ is borrowed from the name of jazz legend Miles Davis’ iconic album. It’s a nod to our fourth season and all the exciting musical opportunities that lie ahead for us. It also reflects the same level of commitment to innovation and excellence that Pacific Jazz Orchestra strives to pour into its performances as Davis applied to his own groundbreaking work.”

During the 2026-2027 Season, Pacific Jazz Orchestra traverses the Southland, bringing its artistry to wide ranging communities. It makes its Ventura Music Festival debut and returns to the Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts (The Soraya) in Northridge, Santa Barbara’s Granada Theatre, the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts (The Wallis) in Beverly Hills, the Irvine Barclay Theater, and Palm Desert’s McCallum Theatre.

While most of the concerts this season include the ensemble’s full 40-piece compliment of musicians, Walden notes that the group’s smaller 19-piece big band iteration also gets showcased in a pair of performances. “This kind of flexibility allows for great variety and depth in our programming,” he explains. Walden, who is also the lead arranger for the Academy Awards, creates original music and unique arrangements for every show, each with a specific theme, distinctive jazz flair, and lush orchestrations.

Programs Include:
• An Evening of Broadway and beyond featuring Broadway legend and seven-time Tony winner SUTTON FOSTER (September 19, 2026, at The Soraya).

• A tribute to eminent producer/composer Quincy Jones with guest vocalists ADAM “AEJAYE” JACKSON and NAYANNA HOLLEY presented by Ventura Music Festival (October 18, 2026, at Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center)

• A Holiday Spectacular headlined by vocalists BILLY VALENTINE, SY SMITH, and BRENNA WHITAKER (December 23, 2026, at McCallum Theatre).

• A celebration of jazz and soul with special guest singer/pianist KANDACE SPRINGS (February 9, 2027, at The Wallis).

• A tribute to eminent producer/composer Quincy Jones featuring guest vocalists ADAM “AEJAYE” JACKSON and another vocalist to be announced (April 3, 2027, at Granada Theatre).

• The Music of Charlie Brown & Peanuts featuring internationally renowned pianist DAVID BENOIT (May 20, at Irvine Barclay Theatre).

Pacific Jazz Orchestra has garnered critical acclaim for thrilling performances that “entertain, inspire, and enrich” (Variety). Pacific Jazz Orchestra thanks the Herb Alpert Foundation for its ongoing leadership support. Major funders for Pacific Jazz Orchestra include GROW@Annenberg Foundation; the Alesia Alpert Family Foundation; the Natalie Cole Foundation; the Ella Fitzgerald Foundation; and Anonymous.

For tickets and information about Pacific Jazz Orchestra, visit www.pacificjazz.org.