Reno Jazz Orchestra mixes big band with gospel choir for Reno and Lake Tahoe holiday shows

The spirit of Christmas comes to life as the 17 piece Reno Jazz Orchestra and Pat Ester’s Gospel Choir brings Christmas favorites, jazz, and soul - with a few surprises mixed in – for three performances of feel good, ‘get ready for the holidays’ music and song.

Each year the Orchestra presents a holiday show with a new theme; this year it's a festive combination of jazz and gospel.

“When we decided to produce A Gospel Christmas for this year’s Jazz for the Holidays performances it was an easy decision to ask established Reno entertainer Pat Esters to get the ‘best of the best’ for this year’s gospel choir,” said Chuck Reider, music director for the Reno Jazz Orchestra. “Joining the choir to perform with them is keyboardist John Palmore who will add that gospel organ feel that brings it all home”.

The first shows are December 17 at 7:30 p.m. and December 18 at 2:00 p.m. Both are being performed at the University of Nevada, Reno’s Nightingale Hall. The final show, December 21 at 7 p.m. is at the Olympic Village Lodge in Squaw Valley, Ca. Tickets are available on-line at RenoJazzOrchestra.org or call 775-372-6160.

“We draw great inspiration from each other,” Reider said as he referred to the Gospel Choir. This show is like nothing you ever experienced before. It speaks to lovers of jazz and holiday music.”

The Reno Jazz Orchestra was founded in 1997. The 17-piece band (trumpets, trombones, saxophones, piano, guitar, bass and drums) plays big band jazz and partners with local performing art groups. The orchestra hosts a mentor program and Jazz in the Schools. They also work closely with Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra.

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