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Reno Jazz Orchestra presents
Someday We'll All Be Free:
The Genius of Donny Hathaway
featuring Cliff Porter

Greg Johnson, Music Director
Ruth Lenz, Concert Master

September 27, 2025
September 28, 2025
The Celebrity Showroom
The Nugget Casino Resort

A Note from RJO President,
Chuck Reider

Welcome to Donny Hathaway's 80th birthday celebration, "Someday We'll All Be Free: The Genius of Donny Hathaway."

Hathaway, a pivotal figure in 1970s soul music, was a gifted singer, pianist, and arranger/composer whose work blended gospel, jazz, and R&B, often carrying powerful messages about civil rights. Donny Hathaway Live and Extensions of a Man are two iconic recordings that have stayed with me for fifty years and I wanted to share them with you. Maybe to reacquaint or introduce you to his genius. His music has inspired me and reassured me during tough times. My hope is that his music will inspire you as well.

This production, led by Music Director Dr. Greg Johnson, features an expanded roster of artists, including a string orchestra, original arrangements, guest vocalists, and a gospel choir. The concert will showcase Hathaway's well-known songs in the first half, with material from his album Extensions of a Man in the second.

Healing with Music

The Donny Hathaway Legacy Project (DHLP) is a non-profit organization founded by Donnita Hathaway, the youngest daughter of the legendary soul artist, to honor her father's profound musical contributions while also addressing the mental health struggles that led to his tragic death. The project is dedicated to providing holistic, culturally relevant mental and emotional health resources, education, and advocacy. By using music as a powerful tool for connection and healing, the project works to destigmatize mental health issues and create accessible pathways to wellness, particularly for creative artists, Black communities, and young people who are disproportionately affected by these challenges.

To learn more about the DHLP, visit the official Website at donnyhathaway.org.

The Musicians
Reno Jazz Orchestra

Saxophone
- Karl Busch, alto I
- Dallas Smith, alto II
- David Brennan, tenor I
- Jonathon Phillips, tenor II
- Jack Scarbrough, baritone
Trombone
- Gary Mayne, trombone I
- John Bennum, trombone II
- Scott Thunder, trombone III
- Eric Rogers, trombone IV

Trumpet
- Paul Lenz, trumpet I
- Josh Reed, trumpet II
- Josh Dunlap, trumpet III
- Tony Cataldo, trumpet IV
Rhythm
- Kendell Hoopes, keyboards
- Lucas Arizu, guitar
- Hans Halt, bass
- Andy Heglund, drums
- David Gervais, percussion
Featured Vocalist
- Clif Porter
Background Vocals
- Margret Wrights
- Beverly Butler
- Jason Carthen
Gospel Choir
- Maurice Tollive
- Dana Taylor
Strings
Ruth Lenz, Concert Master
- Ruth Lenz, violin
- Olga Archdekin, violin
- Laura Ahn, violin
- Vanessa Porter, violin
- Elizabeth Lenz, violin
- Caryn Neibhold, viola
- Noelle Rader, viola,
- Sarah Coyl, viola
- Charles Taggert, cello
- Maya Dimitroff, cello
- Lichi Acosta, cello

Setlist

Reno Jazz Orchestra

- GREATEST HITS -

Voices Inside (Everything is Everything)
Where is the Love
The Ghetto
You've Got A Friend
For All We Know
Little Ghetto Boy

~ Intermission ~

- EXTENTIONS OF A MAN -

I Love the Lord: He Heard Me Cry (parts 1&2)
Someday We'll All Be Free
Flyin Easy
Valdez in the Country
I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know
Come Little Children
Love, Love, Love
The Slums
Magdelena
I Know It's You

Cliff Porter

Cliff Porter is a vocalist and drummer who was born and raised in Reno, Nevada. He has been playing drums professionally for over 30 years and singing since he was 17. Porter is the lead singer and drummer for the funk, soul, and jam band Jelly Bread, which was named "Band of the Year" in Northern Nevada in 2012. He has also performed as a drummer for singer Whitney Myer, and as a vocalist for the Reno Jazz Orchestra. In addition to his musical career, Cliff leads a local mental health non-profit. In recognition of Donny Hathaway's 80th birthday, Mr. Porter has collaborated in local community outreach with Donnita Hathaway, the director of the Donny Hathaway Legacy Project, to promote mental wellness.

Donnita Hathaway

Donnita Hathaway is the youngest daughter of the legendary soul singer, songwriter, and musician Donny Hathaway. She is the director of the Donny Hathaway Legacy Project (DHLP), a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring her father's musical legacy while also raising awareness about mental health.

The DHLP was founded by Donnita to celebrate Donny Hathaway's life and work, and to shed light on his personal struggles with paranoid schizophrenia and his death by suicide in 1979. The organization's mission is to provide culturally relevant, holistic mental and emotional health resources and education. The project specifically targets creative artists, Black communities, and young people, as these groups are disproportionately affected by mental health issues.

The DHLP uses music to destigmatize mental health challenges and aid in healing. The organization offers initiatives like music therapy, workshops, and school and community events to provide accessible paths to emotional wellness and suicide prevention.

Donny Hathaway

A gifted vocalist, pianist, songwriter, and arranger, Donny Hathaway was a towering figure in American soul music. Born in Chicago on October 1, 1945, and raised in St. Louis, Hathaway's musical journey began in the church, where he sang in the choir and played piano with his grandmother, a professional gospel singer. This strong foundation in gospel, along with his later studies in classical music at Howard University, created a unique and powerful blend that would define his sound.

Hathaway's career took off after he left college to work as a songwriter and producer at Curtis Mayfield's Curtom Records. In 1969, he signed with Atco Records and released his breakout single, "The Ghetto," an electrifying, mostly instrumental track that showcased his virtuosic piano skills. His subsequent albums, including Everything Is Everything (1970) and Extension of a Man (1973), are considered masterpieces of soul, jazz, and R&B.

He is also widely celebrated for his legendary collaborations with singer Roberta Flack, which produced timeless duets like "Where Is the Love" and "The Closer I Get to You." Their combined talents earned them a Grammy Award and cemented their status as one of music's most iconic pairings. In addition to his own recordings, Hathaway was a prolific composer and arranger, contributing to projects for artists like Aretha Franklin and The Impressions.

Despite his immense talent and success, Hathaway battled paranoid schizophrenia, a condition that took a heavy toll on his career and personal life. On January 13, 1979, at the age of 33, he died tragically in a fall from his hotel room window, a death ruled a suicide. His brief but brilliant career left an indelible mark on music, influencing generations of artists from various genres. His legacy lives on through his timeless songs and the continued celebration of his artistry.

Visit the official Donny Hathaway Legacy Project Website.

Donny Hathaway Legacy Project INC is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit charitable organization.
Support the Project with a donation.
Support the Project by purchasing official sweatshirts and t-shirts.

Reno Jazz Orchestra

RJO on Sand Harbor Tahoe Stage

The Reno Jazz Orchestra is a 17-piece contemporary big band in Northern Nevada. The band was formed in 1997 by musicians who performed with acts such as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Natalie Cole in the casino showroom orchestras. Currently, the band is comprised of highly skilled veteran musicians as well as graduates from the University of Nevada, Reno's jazz program. The Orchestra has recently featured such guest artists as Tom Scott, Kurt Elling, Patti Austin, Ernie Watts, and Dianne Schuur.

Our Vision: The RJO inspires, connects, and unites the community of northern Nevada and the region through locally produced professional jazz orchestra concerts and education programs.

Our Mission: We aim to build a greater appreciation of jazz in Northern Nevada by providing outstanding jazz orchestra concerts, promoting the artistry of Reno Jazz Orchestra musicians through a variety of performance opportunities, and by providing jazz education programs.

Visit renojazzorchestra.org

Greg Johnson
Musical Director

Dr. Greg Johnson is quickly becoming recognized as an important voice in the jazz community. His distinctive saxophone sound and compositional style has found its way into multiple genres of Jazz, Classical and Popular music.

As a saxophonist, Greg has appeared in concert and on over 40 mainstream recordings with jazz legends Curtis Fuller, Billy Taylor, Bob Mintzer and many more. He has toured and performed with notable Pop and Rock acts such as Saint Motel, Robin Thicke and Barry Manilow, Skip Martin, The Spinners, The O'Jays, Eddie Holman and Jim Peterik, at some of the biggest venues and festivals in the world.

Serving as Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at Sacramento State, Greg has previously held positions at the University of Southern California, Marin School of the Arts and California State University Stanislaus. He has released ten recordings under his name and has contributed to dozens more. His recent work has appeared on the GRAMMY ballot in six categories for his albums "Philosopher's Path" and "Visions of Kansas City."

Visit gregjohnsonjazz.com

Music from the RJO

Available on CD and Mp3

Next: New Directions

We send a heartfelt thank you to Mike Eardley of Tanglewood Productions for his creative mixing, editing and mastering of the original music by members of the RJO.

Our CD is available for purchase here at the show.

Download at Amazon

New Music from Greg Johnson

Available on Mp3

Rick Hirsch- Alto Sax
Tony Peebles- Tenor Sax
Daniel Casares- Bari Sax
Kyle Athayde- Trumpet
Steve Roach- Trumpet
John Gove- Trombone
Omree Gal-Oz- Piano
Curtis Aikens- Bass
Michael Henning- Drums

Score supervisor- Matt Verpleatse
Producer- Richard Leiter
Recording, Mixing and Mastering- Jeff Kolhede
Recorded at 25th Street Studios, Oakland CA
Album Art: Christina Obligar

Download at Amazon

Upcoming RJO Concerts

December 7, 2025
Home for the Holidays
Nightingale Concert Hall
University of Nevada, Reno

Swing into the sounds of the season as the Reno Jazz Orchestra shares the stage with some of the most talented hometown stars in Reno. From classic favorites to reimagined holiday harmonies, this festive performance will uplift your soul, warm your heart and leave you feeling merry and bright!

TICKETS ON SALE SOON

THE RJO STAFF AND ASSOCIATES

Vernon Scarbrough, Executive Director — vernon.scarbrough@renojazzorchestra.org
Chuck Reider, President — chuck.reider@renojazzorchestra.org
Greg Johnson, Music Director — greg.johnson@renojazzorchestra.org
Lee Koch, Marketing / Development Director — lee.koch@renojazzorchestra.org
Diana Stewart, Event Manager — diana@renojazzorchestra.org
Danne Polk, Web Master / Graphic Design — danne.polk@renojazzorchestra.org
Nichole Heglund, Education Director — nichole.heglund@renojazzorchestra.org
Alana Ridge, Social Media Manager — alana@renojazzorchestra.org
Vernon Scarbrough, Library and House Manager — vernon.scarbrough@renojazzorchestra.org

We Thank Our Corporate Sponsors
and Industry Partners

For more information about our Corporate Sponsor benefits, please contact Lee Weber Koch, Marketing & Development Director.

Contact Lee Koch

This program has been funded, in part, by the Nevada Arts Council, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

We Thank Our Supporting Members

Thank you to our audience of friends, fans, partners, corporate donors, board members, volunteers, and musicians for helping to make this music possible. We especially appreciate everyone who donated this past year.

RJO Diamond Donors
$20,000 + Donations
- Anonymous
- Anonymous
- Susan Mazer and Dallas Smith
- Walters Family Trust
RJO Emerald Donors
$10,000 - $19,999
- Sandra Cath and David Contis
- Lana and Stephen Hardy
- Christine and Parky May
- Eleanor and Richard Preger
- Julie and Craig Rauchle
- John Snow Foundation
- Ursula and Richard Tracy
RJO Crystal Donors
$5,000 - $9,999
- Mike and Catherine Eardley
- Jean and Maurice Heley
- Alicia and Jim House
- Janet and Monte Klein Family Foundation
- Seminetta Family Foundation
- Jane and Jim Nichols
- Mary Replogle
- Baiba and Ainars Rodins
- Linda and King Won - in Honor of Sue Ying Fong
RJO Bronze Donors
$1,000 - $4,999
- Cynthia and Calvin Albright
- Suzanne and Matthew Booher
- Thomas Brown
- Don Coppa
- Patty Engels and Dick Medland
- Ruthie and Jim Garaventa
- Lauren and Joe Gorman
- Susan Wyman and Victor Henney
- Mary Ann and James Kidder
- Ginnie Kersey
- Martha and Bruce MacKay
- Deanna Nelson
- Candy and Chuck Reider
- Nancy Rose
- Jennifer Stern
- Lois and Robert Strejc
- Scott Thunder
- Timothy Young

Help us Invest in Music Education

If you are looking for ways to offer support, please consider the RJO's Education Programs.

students on stage playing music

Our mission is to build a greater appreciation of jazz in Northern Nevada by providing outstanding big band performances and supporting jazz education programs throughout Northern Nevada and California.

With your support and sponsorship, we can continue to inspire the next generation through these “free to the students” RJO education programs.

Here are our ongoing programs:

Jazz Mentor Program
(Fall & Spring)

This eight-week program provides local jazz ensembles additional instruction from mentors in the areas of improvisation, instrument technique, jazz style and more.

Discover Jazz Workshop
(Fall & Spring)

The RJO provides a Saturday workshop for Northern Nevada and California students who would like to work on improvisation, jazz theory, ear training and small group performance.

Gems Jazz Combo Workshop
(Fall & Spring)

This educational program inites female and non-binary student musicians to play jazz. In this 8-week program, students will work on standard jazz tunes, style & improvisation in the context of a cjazzz combo. The culminating project will be a performance.

Lessons Program
(Fall & Spring)

In partnership with Title I schools, students learn proper technique on their instruments, reinforce the skills they are learning in class and work in a small group setting to master their skills.

Jazz in the Schools
(Every February)

Over 350 middle and high school musicians from over a dozen Northern Nevada jazz bands perform at the University of Nevada, Reno. Ensembles receive complimentary feedback from nationally recognized clinicians, attend improvisation clinics and hear RJO and RYJO perform.

Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra (RYJO)
(November-July)

This award-winning group of top middle and high school jazz musicians and vocalist rehearses weekly and performs several times throughout the season. Students must be enrolled in their school programs to audition.

Be a Part of our Inspiration

To make a tax-deductible donation, please visit RenoJazzOrchestra.org/donate
or use this QR code:

MAILING ADDRESS

Reno Jazz Orchestra
2590 Orovada Street
Reno, NV 89512

PHONE, EMAIL, WEBSITE
775-372-6160
info@renojazzorchestra.org
renojazzorchestra.org

Share Your Time and Your Love of Jazz
Volunteer!

Volunteers are vital to the Reno Jazz Orchestra. The RJO relies on donations of time to strengthen our organization and to ensure our many events run smoothly. Opportunities exist to assist with performances and special events throughout the year in Reno, Tahoe and Northern Nevada.

Interested in becoming a volunteer? Call or email now to join our pool of volunteers.

Contact Diana Stewart at 775-372-6160 or Diana Raquel at Diana@renojazzorchestra.org.

Jazz Radio for Reno & Sparks

Saturday Night Jazz
89.5 on your FM dial

KNCJ Saturday Night Jazz Radio

Jazz music Saturday nights between 6 and 10 PM, with Scot Marshall, Dallas Smith, and Graham Marshall as your hosts.

Listen to the latest releases and classics of America's great musical art form.