Meet the Musicians: Columbus Jazz Orchestra Brings Big-Band Sound to Fall for the Arts

When the Columbus Jazz Orchestra takes the stage during Fall for the Arts, audiences will hear something that has been part of Nebraska’s musical landscape for nearly four decades — the unmistakable sound of a full big band.

Based right here in Columbus, the Columbus Jazz Orchestra brings together approximately 18 accomplished musicians and music educators from Columbus and communities throughout the region. Under the direction of Keith Byrkit, the ensemble keeps the tradition of live big-band jazz alive while introducing new generations of listeners to the energy, precision and spontaneity that make this music so much fun to experience in person.

With saxophones, trumpets, trombones and a full rhythm section, CJO’s repertoire reaches across the history of big-band music. Audiences might hear the familiar sounds of the Swing Era alongside jazz standards, Latin selections, contemporary arrangements, vocal features and modern big-band literature.

Nearly Four Decades of Making Music

The Columbus Jazz Orchestra has been performing since the late 1980s, becoming a familiar presence at concerts, festivals, community celebrations and special events throughout Nebraska and the Midwest.

Locally, the orchestra performs monthly at Maximus and has been a longtime part of Columbus Days. Its musicians have also taken their music on the road, performing in communities including Lincoln, Seward, Schuyler, David City, Madison and Hastings.

One particularly memorable performance took CJO to Clarinda, Iowa, for the Glenn Miller Festival, where the Columbus musicians had the distinction of opening for the world-renowned Glenn Miller Orchestra.

The group has also performed for events at the National Guard Museum in Seward and has made multiple appearances during Seward’s nationally recognized Fourth of July celebration.

Keeping Big-Band Jazz Alive in Nebraska

The musicians who make up the Columbus Jazz Orchestra come from different communities and professional backgrounds, but they share something important: a love of making music together and a commitment to keeping live big-band jazz thriving in Nebraska.

That makes CJO a particularly fitting addition to Fall for the Arts.

Throughout the day, businesses and public spaces across downtown Columbus will become galleries and stages, giving visitors an opportunity to experience visual art, theater and live music in places throughout the Trackside District.

And when the Columbus Jazz Orchestra begins to play, you won't just be listening to music — you'll be experiencing what a true big band sounds like live.

See the Columbus Jazz Orchestra at Fall for the Arts

🎷 Columbus Jazz Orchestra
📍 Frankfort Square
🕛 12:00 p.m.
📅 Saturday, September 19

Fall for the Arts takes place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout downtown Columbus and is free to attend.

Come downtown. Explore the art. Discover the businesses. And experience the sound of nearly four decades of Columbus jazz.

The businesses become the galleries. Downtown becomes the stage.