Pacific Jazz Orchestra feat. Nayanna Holley & Adam ‘Aejaye’ Jackson: A Tribute to Quincy Jones

Sunday, October 18, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center

The Pacific Jazz Orchestra is Los Angeles' premier jazz orchestra and the city's first resident jazz ensemble since the Henry Mancini Institute closed in 2006. Founded in 2022 by seven-time Grammy-nominated composer, arranger, and conductor Chris Walden, the 40-piece hybrid big band and string orchestra has earned widespread critical acclaim for performances described as "lush" and "full golden sound" by Stage and Cinema, and praised by Variety for shows that "entertain, inspire, and enrich." Deftly navigating jazz, Latin, R&B, hip-hop, and cinematic styles, the ensemble features powerhouse studio musicians and has performed throughout Southern California and toured Japan. Walden, a mentee of Quincy Jones himself, has arranged for artists including Aretha Franklin, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, and Barbra Streisand, and served as lead arranger for the Academy Awards, the Kennedy Center Honors, and the Super Bowl.

For their Ventura Music Festival appearance, PJO presents a tribute to Quincy Jones featuring two of Los Angeles' most versatile vocalists. Nayanna Holley is an LA-based singer, vocal contractor, and daughter of renowned vocal director Dorian Holley. A Jazz Studies graduate with film credits spanning Encanto, Mulan, and The Color Purple, she has lent her voice to productions with Beyoncé, Stevie Wonder, John Legend, and Pharrell Williams, and spent over a decade as a vocalist on NBC's The Voice. Joining her is Detroit-born R&B and soul vocalist Adam "AeJaye" Jackson, a Los Angeles fixture whose career credits include performances with Josh Groban, Toni Braxton, Stevie Wonder, David Foster, and Gladys Knight. Together with Walden and the full orchestra, they bring to life the sweeping legacy of Quincy Jones, from his landmark jazz arrangements of the 1950s and 60s to his iconic film and television scores.