AJO puts the swing in Christmas

It’s time to come in out of the cold and heat up the dance floor to the sound of big band music when the Asheville Jazz Orchestra returns to the White Horse Black Mountain at 8 p.m.Friday, Dec. 11, for a special program of holiday music, swing-style. Tickets are $15.

Nothing evokes the cheer and nostalgia of the season like the strains of classic holiday songs, and the AJO has been adding bringing jazz pizazz to Christmas events since its founding in 2006.

Under the direction of trombonist/arranger Dave Wilken, it plays music from swing era masters like Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Benny Goodman, as well as progressive big band charts from the likes of Thad Jones and Stan Kenton.

Not content to simply rely on gems of the past, the orchestra refreshes the swing tradition with new music as well, including special arrangements of well-loved seasonal tunes.

A swingin’ Christmas

Who: Asheville Jazz Orchestra

When: 8 p.m. Dec. 11

Where: White Horse Black Mountain

Cost: $15