THE COUNT BASIE ORCHESTRA Timeless Jazz Excellence and Legacy with 18 GRAMMY® Awards.

The Count Basie Orchestra, founded by legendary pianist and bandleader William James “Count” Basie, remains a global force in Jazz over 30 years after his passing.

Now led by Scotty Barnhart, the ensemble features musicians handpicked by Basie and boasts 18 Grammy Awards. Their dynamic blend of swing, blues, and improvisation has captivated audiences in film, television, and on prestigious stages worldwide. From Kansas City clubs to Carnegie Hall, the orchestra continues to honor Basie’s vision and showcase Jazz’s timeless power and universal appeal.

Nnenna Freelon

Six-time GRAMMY® Award nominee Nnenna Freelon is a compelling artist and captivating performer with numerous accolades and activities including another GRAMMY® Award nomination for 2021’s Time Traveler! With her son Pierce Freelon, they made Grammy history by being the first mother and son nominated for the 64th GRAMMY® awards in separate categories.  Their collaborative new recording, “AnceStars” (2023), marks her first family music recording with Pierce. Nnenna’s new podcast “Great Grief with Nnenna Freelon” garnered Ambie Awards in 2022 and 2021, her debut seasons. She received the 2022 Jazz Masters Award from the prestigious “Women’s Jazz and Blues Association of Palm Springs,” and more.   In 2023, Nnenna continues to star alongside TAKE 6, Tom Scott, Kirk Whalum and Clint Holmes in the critically acclaimed show Georgia on My Mind: Celebrating the Music of Ray Charles, where she is no stranger to the music of the master singer—she toured with Ray Charles, as well as many other greatest jazz artists including Al Jarreau, George Benson, Benny Golson, Ellis Marsalis and others.