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Columbus Jazz Orchestra & Debbie Gravitte Reunite For "Home For The Holidays," Dec. 4-8

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Columbus Jazz Orchestra
Columbus, OH – The Jazz Arts Group of Columbus (JAG) returns to the historic Southern Theatre to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in “Home for the Holidays,” December 4 – 8, including a special Wednesday night performance. Tony Award-winning vocal sensation Debbie Gravitte makes a special return engagement to Columbus for the annual holiday spectacular. Each year promises a special yuletide surprise, and this year is no exception!

Ms. Gravitte has previously lit up the Broadway stage and captivated Columbus audiences for the CJO’s “Big Band on Broadway” concert performances. Back by popular demand, she joins Artistic Director Byron Stripling for a sleigh ride of holiday favorites done CJO-style!

Debbie Gravitte has had a varied career that has taken her from Broadway to Symphony Hall stages and all points in between. She won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for Jerome Robbin's Broadway, along with a Drama Desk Award Nomination and New York Showstopper Award for the same role. After making her Broadway debut in the original cast of They're Playing Our Song, she went on to appear in Perfectly Frank (Drama Desk Award Nomination), Blues in the Night, Ain't Broadway Grand, Zorba, Chicago, and Les Miserables. Debbie has appeared in the Encore series productions of The Boys From Syracuse, Tenderloin, and Carnival at New York’s City Center. On television, Debbie co-starred on the CBS series Trial and Error and NBC’s Pursuit of Happiness, and starred in several specials for PBS, including “Live from the Kennedy Center,” “Boston Pops Celebrate Bernstein,” “Rodgers & Hart for Great Performances,” and “Ira Gershwin’s 100th Birthday Celebration” from London's Royal Albert Hall and Carnegie Hall.

The Jazz Arts Group is proud to partner with The Salvation Army of Central Ohio during its entire run of “Home for the Holidays.” In 2012, The Salvation Army distributed over 21,000 new toys and assisted over 8,000 families through its Adopt-a-Family and Christmas Cheer programs. Representatives from The Salvation Army will be on hand at each “Home for the Holidays” performance with their signature red kettles to accept donations.

The Jazz Academy also invites you to join us on Saturday, December 7 at 2 PM to sing the “Songs of the Season.” Led by Jim Masters, Mary McClendon and Bobby Floyd, this holiday sing-a-long is for anyone and everyone who would like to gather together, sing, have fun and celebrate the season! After the singing, enjoy cookies and punch and time to visit with one another at the Jazz Academy. This workshop is free with a donation of a new toy to The Salvation Army. Space is limited so please register in advance to secure your spot! For more information call 614-294-5200 or visit www.jazzartsgroup.org.

Under the direction of Mark Donavan, the Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra (CYJO) is proud to perform prior to each Swingin’ with the CJO matinee concert. Comprised of premier players in grades 9-12 from central Ohio and beyond, the CYJO provides opportunities for talented high school age musicians to further their experience in America’s classical music – jazz. Admission to the CYJO performance at 2 PM is included with each 3 PM Sunday matinee ticket purchase.

Swingin’ with the CJO Improv subscriptions (they make great Christmas gifts!) are available through the CAPA Ticket Office at 39 East State Street or by calling 614-469-0939. Single tickets are also on sale now for $52 (main floor), $46 (first balcony – loge), $41 (first balcony – mezzanine), and $30 (second balcony) and available through the CAPA Ticket Office and through all Ticketmaster outlets. Student tickets are available for $15 (over 18) and $10 (under 18) with valid ID at the door. For more information call 614-294-5200.

The 2013-14 Swingin’ with the CJO season of the Jazz Arts Group is proudly presented by US Bank. The Columbus Jazz Orchestra receives ongoing support from the Greater Columbus Arts Council, The Columbus Foundation, the Ohio Arts Council, The Reinberger Foundation, Ann & Tom Hoaglin, and The Westin Columbus. Concert sponsorship for “Home for the Holidays” is provided by Grange Insurance with media support from The Columbus Dispatch, Outlook Columbus, WOSU Public Media, and WMNI AM 920.

About the Jazz Arts Group:

The Jazz Arts Group of Columbus (JAG) is America's oldest not-for-profit arts organization dedicated to producing, performing and promoting jazz. JAG is the third largest performing arts organization in Columbus and consists of four focus areas: the Columbus Jazz Orchestra (CJO), one of the world's finest professional jazz orchestras; the Jazz Academy, JAG's extensive instructional programs educating both students and adults about jazz and American music; Inside Track, a jazz and blues performance series produced at the historic Lincoln Theatre and beyond; and Affiliate Musicians, a program providing employment opportunities for professional musicians.

About The Salvation Army in Central Ohio:

The Salvation Army in Central Ohio has been serving those in need since 1885, and in 2012, helped more than 96,000 people in Columbus and surrounding areas. The Salvation Army in Central Ohio is a collection of Salvation Army churches (called corps) and facilities where area residents can receive such services as choice food pantries; after school learning centers; senior activities and assistance; case workers to serve the homeless community; career enhancement centers; emergency disaster services; ministers; and more. The Salvation Army serves people in need year round through holistic ministries and programs that offer long-term solutions to spiritual, physical, emotional and social needs.

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