| At the helm is Chris Walden, seven-time Grammy-nominated composer, arranger, and conductor — and someone who knew Jones personally. Walden leads Pacific Jazz Orchestra’s 19-piece Big Band Ensemble through his own original arrangements of Jones’ early masterworks, drawing from landmark recordings like The Quintessence (1962), Jones’ collaboration with Sarah Vaughan on Vaughan and Violins (1959), and his iconic film scoring work on The Pawnbroker and In the Heat of the Night. This is meticulous, loving work from someone with a direct line to the source.
Joining the ensemble are two extraordinary vocalists. Nayanna Holley is a force of nature whose voice you’ve almost certainly heard without knowing it; she’s been a member of the house band on NBC’s The Voice for more than ten seasons, and her film credits include The Color Purple, Encanto, and Mulan. Adam “Aejaye” Jackson, a Detroit-born vocalist and actor who has shared stages with Stevie Wonder, Josh Groban, Toni Braxton, and David Foster, brings deep soulful warmth to everything he touches.
Pacific Jazz Orchestra itself is something of a phenomenon. A Los Angeles-based ensemble that Variety has called “entertaining, inspiring, and enriching,” and the city’s first resident jazz orchestra since 2006. When they fill a room, you know it.
This one is going to be special. We hope you’ll join us.
Pacific Jazz Orchestra: A Tribute to Quincy Jones
Sunday, October 18, 2026 | 3:00 PM
Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center
4235 Mar Vista Drive, Camarillo
Tickets start at $15: venturamusicfestival.org or (805) 648-3146.
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