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The Conrad O.
Johnson Orchestra
"The Big Blue Sound" — Live at Emmit's Place
Jazz
Blues
Soul
Swing
Funk
Houston's premier big band orchestra performs every first Sunday at Emmit's Place — an intimate evening of live big band music in the heart of the community.
Every First Sunday
Date
May 3
Sunday, 2026
Time
6:00 PM
to 8:00 PM
Venue
Emmit's Place
4852 Benning Dr · Houston, TX 77035
281-814-6183
Online
$13
Door
$15
Get Tickets
Announcement
Congratulations,
The Conrad O. Johnson Orchestra
We are proud and honored to be selected as a 2026 recipient of the City of Houston's Initiative grant, awarded through the Houston Arts Alliance. Thank you, Houston.
2026 Grant Recipient
City of Houston
HAA
Houston Arts Alliance
2026
In partnership with
Community Music Center of Houston
Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs
The Conrad O. Johnson Orchestra
presents
Featuring the Music of
Darwin Young
Funded in part by the City of Houston through a grant from the Houston Arts Alliance in partnership with the Community Music Center of Houston.
Special Concert Event
Date
June 6
Saturday, 2026
Time
7:30 PM
Venue
The Ensemble Theatre
3535 Main St · Houston, TX
Tickets
$25
Get Tickets
Jazz
Blues
Soul
Swing
Funk
Houston, Texas
Next Show CJO Live at Emmit's Place
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See All Events
Live Performances

Upcoming Events

CJO performs every first Sunday at Emmit's Place and takes the stage for special concerts throughout the year.

3
May 2026
CJO Live at Emmit's Place
6:00–8:00 PM · Emmit's Place · 4852 Benning Dr, Houston TX 77035 · $13 online / $15 door
Monthly
26
May 2026
Battle Royale
7:00 PM · Sterling High School · Houston, TX
Special
6
Jun 2026
Featuring the Music of Darwin Young
7:30 PM · The Ensemble Theatre · 3535 Main St, Houston TX · $25 · Get Tickets
Special
7
Jun 2026
CJO Live at Emmit's Place
6:00–8:00 PM · Emmit's Place · 4852 Benning Dr, Houston TX 77035
Monthly
5
Jul 2026
CJO Live at Emmit's Place
6:00–8:00 PM · Emmit's Place · 4852 Benning Dr, Houston TX 77035
Monthly
Live Performances

Watch & Listen

Recorded live at Emmit's Place, Houston — March 1, 2026.

Georgia On My Mind
Live at Emmit's Place · March 1, 2026
Saturday Night at Eldorado Ballroom
Live at Emmit's Place · March 1, 2026
I Can't Help It
Live at Emmit's Place · March 1, 2026
More on YouTube →
About the Orchestra

The People Behind
The Big Blue Sound

Conrad O. Johnson, Sr.
Founder

Conrad O. Johnson, Sr.

Conrad O. Johnson, Sr. was a Houston original — a bandleader, musician, and cultural pillar whose love of big band jazz and blues ran bone-deep. He built the Conrad O. Johnson Orchestra from the ground up, drawing together the finest musicians in the city and forging them into an ensemble that became one of Houston's most beloved institutions.

"Music is the heartbeat of a community. We play to keep that heartbeat strong."

Conrad Sr.'s vision was never just about entertainment — it was about preservation. He devoted his life to keeping big band music alive in Houston, and his legacy lives in every note the orchestra plays today.

Music Director

James Williams, Jr.

James Williams, Jr. took up the baton as Music Director with a deep reverence for what Conrad Sr. built and a clear-eyed passion for where the orchestra can go. A gifted conductor, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist, James brings both technical mastery and infectious energy to every performance.

"We carry Conrad's spirit in everything we do. The music is always the mission."

Under James's leadership, the CJO has continued to grow its audience and deepen its Houston roots — from the monthly residency at Emmit's Place to special engagements across the city.

James Williams, Jr.
The Orchestra
The Big Blue Sound

The Orchestra

A full big band ensemble — trumpets, trombones, saxophones, and a driving rhythm section of piano, bass, and drums. Together they deliver the rich, layered sound that has made CJO a Houston institution for decades. Every musician brings deep experience and genuine love for the music.

Founded
Established in Houston, TX by Conrad O. Johnson, Sr. in the late 1970s
The Sound
Big band jazz, blues & soul — a distinctly Houston voice
Residency
Every 1st Sunday at Emmit's Place — 6:00 PM
Today
Under Music Director James Williams, Jr. — carrying the legacy forward
Book the Band

Bring the Sound
to Your Event

Available for private events, festivals, corporate engagements, and more.

Or call James Williams, Jr. directly: 281-814-6183