Concert Program

JUMP TO THE SETLIST

MAKE A DONATION

Trekkin' Tahoe
Trekkin' Reno
A Jazz/Rock Odyssey
Reno Jazz Orchestra
Greg Johnson, Music Director
featuring
Matt Mauser
with Guest Performer Dave Murdy

July 28, 2026
Sand Harbor State Park
July 29, 2026
Bartley Ranch Regional Park

The Musicians
Reno Jazz Orchestra

Saxophone
- Karl Busch, alto I
- Nichole Heglund, alto II
- Jim Garaventa, tenor I
- Chris Clark, tenor II
- David Brennan, baritone
Trombone
- Gary Mayne, trombone I
- John Bennum, trombone II
- Scott Thunder, trombone III
- Eric Rodgers, bass trombone

Trumpet
- Paul Lenz, trumpet I
- Josh Reed, trumpet II
- Josh Dunlap, trumpet III
- Tony Cataldo, trumpet IV
Rhythm
- Kendell Hoopes, piano
- Jordon Taylor, guitar
- Hans Halt, bass
- Andy Heglund, drums

Setlist

(Intermission will be announced)
Tunes to be selected from the following:

All Shook Up – Elvis Presley arr. Greg Johnson
Disco Inferno – LeRoy Green/Ron Kersey arr. Greg Johnson
Volare – Domenico Modugno arr. Greg Johnson
I've Got You Under My Skin – Cole Porter arr. Greg Johnson
It's Not Unusual – Tom Jones/Les Reed
The Way You Look Tonight– Jerome Kern/Dorothy Fields
Beyond the Sea – Charles Trenet/Jack Lawrence
More – Riz Ortolani/Nino Oliviero
Mac the Knife – Kurt Weill/Bertolt Brecht
Fools Rush In – Elvis Presley arr. Greg Johnson
Jumpin’ Jack Flash – Mick Jagger/Keith Richards arr. Greg Johnson
You May Be Right – Billy Joel arr. Greg Johnson
Copacabana – Barry Manilow arr. Greg Johnson
You'll Never Find – Lou Rawls arr. Greg Johnson
Fireball – Pitbull arr. Greg Johnson
My Way – Revaux/Thibaut/Francois

Reno Jazz Orchestra
Featuring Matt Mauser with Guest Performer Dave Murdy

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

Guest Artists

Matt Mauser

Music is the heart and soul of singer-songwriter and entertainer, Matt Mauser. As the lead singer of the popular Southern California-based band, Tijuana Dogs, Matt has been entertaining audiences with his distinctive sound and dance moves since 1997. From '80s pop anthems to '70s classic rock, '90s hip hop, and early 2000s hits, the genre-blending Tijuana Dogs bring a high-energy concert experience packed with powerful stage presence, incredible versatility, and infectious energy.

In addition to fronting Tijuana Dogs, Matt headlines The Matt Mauser Big Band (formerly The Sinatra Big Band)—a dynamic ensemble born from his creative partnership with renowned producer, conductor, and musician Pete Jacobs. Inspired by the golden age of swing, The Matt Mauser Big Band channels the timeless charm of a young Frank Sinatra at the height of his career—singing with The Count Basie Orchestra at The Sands Hotel in Las Vegas —while also paying tribute to legendary artists like Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, and other acts from that iconic era. With a unique ability to infuse classic songs with a fresh, modern flair, Matt brings his own signature style to the stage, entertaining audiences while also offering insight into the rich musical history behind each timeless tune.

Matt also collaborated with NBA great Kobe Bryant on a range of songwriting projects, including original music for Bryant’s podcast, The Punies. His late wife, Christina, who served as Kobe’s assistant coach, tragically passed away alongside Bryant and seven others in a helicopter crash in January of 2020. In the wake of her passing, Matt wrote Bittersweet Treasures: A Father’s Journey Through Loss & Healing, a heartfelt memoir that recounts his childhood, meeting the love of his life, and the devastating helicopter crash that took her life—ultimately sharing his path through grief toward resilience and renewed purpose. He further honored her legacy and impact on young women by establishing The Christina Mauser Foundation, a scholarship program supporting female high school student-athletes in pursuing their college education. To date, the foundation has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships.

An America’s Got Talent finalist who performs regularly with 16-time Grammy Award winner David Foster, Mauser delivers a versatile mix of music—from heartfelt torch-style ballads to high-energy dance tracks and everything in between. His original songs are available on Spotify and all major streaming platforms, showcasing a dynamic sound that resonates with a wide range of listeners.

When he’s not on stage or writing music, Matt enjoys spending quality time with his three children—balancing school and sports schedules—and staying active by swimming laps in the pool.

Dave Murdy

Dave received his bachelors degree from U.S.C. in Jazz and Commercial Guitar. Since graduating Dave has gone on to lead a very diverse musical career; he has performed with a wide range of artists, whose genres range from jazz to classical, pop, rock and country.

Dave was an original member of the highly successful pop/jazz band, Kilauea. In addition to touring the county with Kilauea, Dave performed on four CDs, two of which went "Top 10" on the Billboard Music chart. While performing with Kilauea, Dave released his own jazz CD, “That Goes to Show Ya,” which made it to the airplay charts and was heard around the country.

Dave has performed with jazz artists as varied as Art Davis, Brandon Fields, Eric Marienthal, Tony Guerrero, Bobby Shue, Warren Hill, and many others. Dave has also performed with '60s pop stars Mel Carter and Jackie Deshannon.

Currently Dave has released two CDs with his trio, Toxic Jazz, and also performs with the Frank Sinatra Big Band, Wartime Radio Revue (Big Band), and the hottest cover band in Orange County: The Tijuana Dogs.

In the summer of 2002, he performed and toured along the East Coast with “Steely,” an independent artist with a national release and airplay.

Dave continues to be very active as a session musician playing on numerous independent releases, as well as arranging and writing. Dave has written, arranged and recorded original music for Universal Studios theme parks, as well as composed original music for “Muzak” which is heard around the world.

Dave continues to be involved with education, teaching the studio guitar course at Orange Coast College and several private students and has written his own guitar book.

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!

Reno Jazz Orchestra
A Tribute to
George Benson
featuring
Colin Cook & Kyle Rea

August 23, 2026 at Nightingale Concert Hall

Enjoy a night of George Benson’s legendary blend of jazz and R&B as dynamic guitarist Colin Cook and powerhouse vocalist Kyle Rea ignite the stage with the Reno Jazz Orchestra’s big band classics, smooth grooves and iconic hits for a feel-good evening honoring one of music’s most influential artists. From silky ballads to funk-charged hits, expect classic Benson tunes that shimmer with lush harmonies, crisp rhythms, and memorable melodies that linger long after the last note.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Second Show
Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe

July 29, 2026 at Bartley Ranch

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

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 — 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 Bob Preger
- Candy and Chuck Reider
- Julie and Craig Rauchle
- John Snow Foundation
- Ursula and Richard Tracy
RJO Crystal Donors
$5,000 - $9,999
- Cindy and Chuck Bluth
- Scott Brase
- Mike and Catherine Eardley
- Michael Gross
- Jean and Maurice Heley
- Alicia and Jim House
- Janet and Monte Klein Family Foundation
- Jane and Jim Nichols
- Mary Anna Replogle
- Baiba and Ainars Rodins
- Seminetta Family Foundation
- 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
- Jennifer Mannix
- Deanna Nelson
- Brian Passalacqua
- Roz Reynolds
- Nancy Rose
- Mary and Steve Self
- Meri Shadley
- Gloria and Dean Smith
- Jennifer Stern
- Lois and Robert Strejc
- Scott Thunder
- Timothy Young

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.

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.

The RJO is Dedicated to Education!

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.