Big Band Holidays
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra

ABOUT THE CONCERT

Ring in the holiday season with this Jazz at Lincoln Center beloved annual tradition, returning to Rose Theater for its 13th year. Under the expert direction of JLCO trombonist and arranger Chris Crenshaw, this holiday spectacular brings new life to classic tunes.

Joining Crenshaw are two exceptional vocalists: Shenel Johns and Kate Kortum. Johns, celebrated for her rich, emotive voice, has captivated audiences with her dynamic performances and deep connection to jazz traditions. Kortum, the 2025 winner of the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, brings a youthful vibrancy and fresh perspective to the stage.

Get ready for an evening of swing, joy, and the timeless magic of the season.

• The Saturday and Sunday 2PM concerts will include craft tables for families who’d like to come early and enjoy holiday crafts provided by The Craft Studio starting one hour before the show.
• There will be a pre-show performance in the Ertegun Atrium before all the performances except the Saturday, Dec. 20, 2PM performance.  
• Please note that the Sunday, 2PM and 5:30pm performances are Relaxed Performances, open to all and designed for people with autism, sensory, and communication disorders or learning disabilities. The artistic integrity of the piece remains unchanged, however, modifications to social and sensory environments may be made. These performances will be one 90-minute set instead of two 45-minute sets. More information on Relaxed Performances.

CHRIS CRENSHAW, Music Director, Trombone
MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ, Trumpet
RYAN KISOR, Trumpet
KENNY RAMPTON, Trumpet
MARCUS PRINTUP, Trumpet
VINCENT GARDNER, Trombone (12/16-12/20)
NICK MESLER, Trombone (12/21)
ELLIOT MASON, Trombone
SHERMAN IRBY, Alto and Soprano Saxophones, Flute, Clarinet
ALEXA TARANTINO, Alto and Soprano Saxophones, Flute, Clarinet
CHRIS LEWIS, Tenor and Soprano Saxophones, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet
ABDIAS ARMENTEROS, Tenor and Soprano Saxophones, Clarinet, The Zou Family Chair in Saxophone
PAUL NEDZELA, Baritone and Soprano Saxophones, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet
DAN NIMMER, Piano, The Zou Family Chair in Piano
CARLOS HENRIQUEZ, Bass, The Mandel Family Chair in honor of Kathleen B. Mandel
OBED CALVAIRE, Drums
SHENEL JOHNS, Vocals
KATE KORTUM, Vocals