Dallas Jazz Orchestra

History

In October of 2003, The Dallas Jazz Orchestra celebrated its 30th anniversary as the “jazz ambassador to the world” for the City of Dallas. Throughout the years, the Dallas Jazz Orchestra has experienced multiple successes. Examples include performances at the world famous Montreaux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and representing the United States at the World’s Fair in Seville, Spain.

It has also entertained two United States presidents and accompanied numerous musical celebrities-including Dianne Carroll, Billy Eckstine, Doc Severinsen, Bob Hope, Steve Allen, Mel Torme, Joe Williams and the Four Freshmen. George Bush remarked, “Your music was great; and, now that I have your sixth album and cassette, it doesn’t have to end.” Billy Eckstine exclaimed, “I’ve worked with practically every big orchestra you can name…. The Dallas Jazz Orchestra was the big hit of the show (jazz festival), one of the big surprises. The orchestra was absolutely fantastic.”

Since its inception the Dallas Jazz Orchestra has conducted many community outreach and educational programs such as the Black Arts Renaissance and The Dallas 500 Artfest. Under the leadership of Curt Bradshaw, it plans to continue a tradition of musical excellence as it inspires high school and college musicians with a performing group composed of outstanding professional musicians. Under the leadership of a newly organized Board of Directors, the Dallas Jazz Orchestra will continue that tradition into the future.