SSJO Annual Business Drive and Fundraiser
It's that time of year again when we need to call on our fans, friends, family and supporters to help us fund another year of great performances, amazing guest artists and our education outreach program.
It is only with your generous support that we are able to sustain our organization and continue to support live music and jazz in our local community. It is only because of your support that we have been able to bring out artists such as Darmon Meader, Clairdee, Ken Peplowski and Calvin Orlando Smith. Because of your contributions, we have brought inspiration and smiles to hundreds of local music students through our educational outreach program.
Any and all support is greatly appreciated and valued. Click here to make your contribution today and cheers to another season of live music, jazz and inspiration with the Swing Shift Jazz Orchestra!
Calvin Orlando Smith with North Eugene High School drama students
Darmon Meader with jazz choir students
Clairdee with Churchill HS jazz choir students
2024-2025 Season performances for the Swing Shift jazz Orchestra
Calvin Orlando Smith- vocalist
The Great American Songbook
Friday, October 25, 7:30 pm
Richard E. Wildish Theater, 630 Main St. Springfield
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Having appeared multiple times as a soloist at the Wildish Theater, The Jazz Station and the Hult Center, a graduate of the University of Georgia, Calvin Orlando Smith went on to be the first African-American accepted into Cambridge University's prestigious Department of History of Art and Architecture and receive a degree. As a performer, he has performed in three Broadway productions and appeared in seven national, international and or limited tours. Mr. Smith has worked regionally for 40 years as a member of the Actor's Equity Association and shared the stage with Morgan Fairchild, Cathy Rigby, Florence Henderson, Ben Vereen, JK Simmons, Isaac Hayes, the New Kids on the block and most recently, Garth Brooks. In June 2022, he made his Carnegie Hall debut in Brahms "Requiem".
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Ken Peplowski- jazz clarinetist/saxophonist
Welcome back Ken!
Saturday, January 18 2025, 7:30 pm
Richard E. Wildish Theater, 630 Main St. Springfield
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The Swing Shift Jazz Orchestra is excited to have Ken Peplowski join us once again for an amazing night of music! ​​​
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"Since the advent of Benny Goodman, there have been too few clarinetists to fill the void that Goodman left. Ken Peplowski is most certainly one of those few. The man is magic." - Mel Torme
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Peter Olstad- Trumpet, Flugelhorn
More info soon...
Saturday, March 8 2025, 7:30 pm
Richard E. Wildish Theater, 630 Main St. Springfield
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Peter Olstad has toured and performed with the bands of Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich, Woody Herman, Blood Sweat and Tears, Mel Torme, Brian Setzer, Tom Jones and Luis Miguel. In 1999, Pete was hired by Tom Jones and played a tour for 9 years, touring 35 weeks a year for that period of time. From Carnegie Hall to Royal Albert Hall; the Hollywood Bowl to Wembley Stadium, Pete has played them all. Spring of 2023, Peter was the featured artist during a tour of Japan. ​
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Locals Only Concert
with guest artist Luke Turner!
Sunday, June 1, 2025, 3:00 pm
Richard E. Wildish Theater, 630 Main St. Springfield
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Join us for the final concert in our Wildish Season. As is tradition for our "Locals Only" concert, we have invited two school jazz programs to share the concert with us. This year we welcome the award winning Shasta Middle School jazz band under the direction of Mike Reetz and South Eugene High School Jazz under the direction of Sandi Green.
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Our guest artist, Luke Turner, is a saxophonist, composer and bandleader from Eugene, OR. He currently attends the University of Oregon's Jazz Studies program and is a growing presence in the area's music scene. For several years, he's has had a complete love for music, and brings a heavy influence from the jazz idiom. He strives to show his appreciation for those who have made the music what it is today, while also bringing his own conglomeration of sounds to the table. While being an active performer int he area, he also teaches private saxophone lessons.
Roaring Rapids Jazz on the River Series
Wednesday, June 25, 2025 6:30 pm
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 6:30 pm
Wednesday, August 27, 2025 6:30 pm
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Roaring Rapids Pizza Company, 4006 Franklin Blvd, Eugene
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Join us on the Roaring Rapids patio for pizza, jazz and amazing views of the Willamette River.
