Why the CJO?
As we celebrate our 40th year, we’re sharing stories and memories from CJO board members (current and former) and fans.
Jeanne Lyons
CJO donor, initiated “Holly’s High Notes” program
Jeanne Lyons
What was your introduction to jazz?
Jazz music entered my life when I was a toddler. My parents spent an hour after dinner each night of the week singing and playing guitar. My father was in a “swing band” and I was gifted with songs from The Great American Songbook until I graduated from high school. Music became my spiritual energy as I grew up and continues today. I dare anyone not to be moved in some way or another by this evolutionary art form.
“Music became my spiritual energy as I grew up and continues today. I dare anyone not to be moved in some way or another by this evolutionary art form.”
What is one of your fondest memories from a jazz concert?
My very best memory attending a Cleveland Jazz Orchestra concert was the unique program titled “Home for the Holly-days”, when my sister Holly Hofmann was guest artist in 2022. The artists of the Orchestra and Holly created a program that was infused with fun, great arrangements of jazz, holiday songs, and a sublime performance that put the audience in the holiday spirit.
What introduced you to the CJO?
The CJO came to me late in life, but I’ve been a fan since the first concert. At first, I attended programs at the Bop Stop, and then emigrated to performances at the Maltz Performing Arts Center. The Orchestra is blessed to have such a beautiful, acoustically-rich building to perform in, which is also gifted with great sight lines. I often host friends and neighbors to different jazz concerts, and the consensus is an overwhelming “wow.”
“The talented musicians of the CJO exude an energy I’ve never seen before. Their enthusiasm is palpable, reaching out to the audience as if to touch each person with their talent.”
What do you hope for the future of the CJO?
My hope for the future of CJO would be the continued support and expansion of the educational outreach programs. Young people lucky enough to have music in their lives, especially within the school systems, blend creativity, confidence, mental stimulation, and camaraderie. It is the reason I became a donor, creating a program in my sister’s name that offers private instruction from a CJO instructor in the Cleveland Metropolitan Schools.
What is unique about the CJO?
Attending hundreds of jazz concerts in storied jazz halls gives me a unique perspective about the individuals that make up a band. The talented musicians of the CJO exude an energy I’ve never seen before. Their enthusiasm is palpable, reaching out to the audience as if to touch each person with their talent. I walk away feeling uplifted, happy and excited to see them again. There are no egos, no attitudes, just a cadre of great performers, loving what they do and gifting me with joyfulness.