BY 1812Blockhouse
The holidays at the Renaissance Theatre are getting a big band kick this year. On Saturday, December 13 at 7:30 PM, the Artistic Jazz Orchestra (AJO) will return to the Ren with “We Wish You a Jazzy Christmas,” an evening that mixes classic carols, swinging arrangements, and a full stage of local talent.
The concert is part of the “Christmas at the Ren” lineup and is designed for people who love the familiar sounds of the season but like them with a little more snap and swing. Think Christmas favorites in the style of Count Basie and Duke Ellington, played by a full jazz orchestra in a historic theatre dressed for the holidays.
Big band sound with local roots
The AJO didn’t start as a holiday group at all. The ensemble first came together around the music of Stan Kenton, one of jazz’s most ambitious big band leaders. Over time, the group widened its focus to embrace the full golden age of big band, drawing from the songbooks of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington, and other mid-century greats.
Its leader, Ashland native Paul Martin, has served as Artistic Director for more than 30 years. That kind of continuity is rare, and it shows. The band is less a pick-up group and more a musical family, with players who know each other’s style and can lean into the subtleties of tight big band arrangements.
For audiences, that means this will not be a run-through of simple holiday charts. Expect arrangements that respect the original melodies while giving the band room to stretch, punch accents, and build that rolling swing feel that keeps toes tapping from the first tune to the last.
Voices, dancers, and a full-stage experience
This Christmas concert is not just about horns and rhythm. Vocalist Kelly Knowlton will front the band on select numbers, bringing a warm, expressive style that suits both ballads and up-tempo tunes. A vocal ensemble will add those lush harmonies that define so many classic holiday recordings.
On top of the music, dancers from Richland Academy of the Arts will bring visual energy to the evening. Their choreography adds another layer of storytelling, turning certain songs into mini-scenes: jazz waltzes with quietly swirling movement, or upbeat swing numbers with high-energy ensemble routines.
Renaissance President and CEO Chelsie Thompson notes that the AJO has a track record of lifting the mood in the room. The orchestra is known for filling the Ren with that particular kind of joy that comes when a band locks in and the audience leans forward to meet it. For people who like their holiday traditions with a little sparkle and surprise, this program fits the bill.
A night out that can double as date night
Tickets for “We Wish You a Jazzy Christmas” start at $15, which leaves room in the budget for making the night feel special. The Renaissance is offering a Date Night Package that can be added to any pair (or more) of seats for an additional $5 per ticket. The package includes wine and sweet treats, a simple way to turn the concert into a full evening out without a lot of extra planning.
Practical details matter, especially in December. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased in three ways:
• Online at www.rentickets.org
• By phone at 419-522-2726
• In person at the Renaissance Theatre Box Office, 138 Park Avenue West, Mansfield
With big band charts, featured vocals, dancing, and the glow of the Ren in holiday mode, “We Wish You a Jazzy Christmas” is set up as one of those December nights that stays in the memory longer than the wrapping paper. For anyone looking to add a lively, music-filled tradition to their holiday season, December 13 at 7:30 PM is already circled on the calendar.
Source: Renaissance Performing Arts Association
