Gen Z Jazz Orchestra to Perform at Jazz Central

National standouts led by rising composer to take the stage in Syracuse next month.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Joey Stempien Big Band, a 19-piece jazz orchestra composed of young, up-and-coming musicians, will perform at Jazz Central in Syracuse, New York on March 7th. The group, led by composer Joey Stempien, has already garnered acclaim for their work, with Stempien's compositions being performed by prestigious military and university jazz ensembles.

Why it matters

The performance by the Joey Stempien Big Band aligns with CNY Jazz's mission to preserve and advance jazz for the next generation. The concert will showcase the talent and creativity of this new wave of jazz artists, providing Syracuse audiences a glimpse of the future of the big band tradition.

The details

The Joey Stempien Big Band is a collection of 'young lions' of jazz with roots in the Rochester area, the Eastman School of Music, and the University of Rochester. They will be performing compositions by Stempien, a jazz prodigy who has already gained recognition for his work, including being named the winner of the Midwest Clinic's 2025 Barbara Buehlman Prize for his composition 'Montréal at Night'.

  • The Joey Stempien Big Band will perform at Jazz Central on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
  • Their debut album 'Wind Vane' was recently released on the Stereo Field Recordings label.

The players

Joey Stempien

A jazz composer and conductor who has already gained recognition for his work, including being named the winner of the Midwest Clinic's 2025 Barbara Buehlman Prize.

CNY Jazz

An organization dedicated to preserving and advancing the art of jazz, hosting the 'Live from Jazz Central' series where the Joey Stempien Big Band will perform.

Larry Luttinger

The founder and former director of Syracuse University Jazz Ensembles, who praised the Joey Stempien Big Band's abilities.

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What they’re saying

“This group can walk into any jazz club in the country and kill audiences.”

— Larry Luttinger, Founder and former director of Syracuse University Jazz Ensembles (syracuse.com)

What’s next

Tickets for the Joey Stempien Big Band's performance at Jazz Central on March 7th are now on sale at cnyjazz.org/tickets.

The takeaway

The upcoming performance by the Joey Stempien Big Band at Jazz Central in Syracuse highlights the vibrant and talented new generation of jazz musicians who are poised to shape the future of the art form. This concert aligns with CNY Jazz's mission to nurture and promote jazz for years to come.