The Columbus Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of Byron Stripling, welcomes Central Ohio Home for the Holidays.

Celebrating the sounds of the season, the Columbus Jazz Orchestra presents their annual holiday spectacular as part of the Swingin' at the Southern series. The event will be held Wednesday, Nov.28 to Sunday, Dec. 2 at the Southern Theatre. Each performance will begin at 8 p.m., except for Sunday when the matinee begins at 2 p.m. and is repeated at 7:30 pm.

Featuring Columbus' own Mary McClendon and Gene Walker, the CJO brings gifts of swingin' splendor and musical merriment. Each year Home for the Holidays promises a new surprise, and this year is no exception.

Columbus native Mary McClendon has been a regular on the Central Ohio jazz scene since the late 1970s. She has often worked with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra as a vocalist and her smooth vocals and scat singing have made her an audience favorite. McClendon has shared the stage with many jazz greats, including Benny Carter, Clark Terry and the great Sarah Vaughan.

Jazz saxophonist, composer, bandleader and studio recording artist Gene Walker currently performs with his own group, Gene Walker's Generations. Since 1956 Walker has toured with The Beatles, Sam Cooke, Jimmy McGriff, the Drifters and the Platters.

Single tickets ($35-48) for the concerts are available for purchase online at www.jazzartsgroup.org or from the Jazz Arts Group ticket office, (614-294-5200, ext. 3).