The Knoxville Jazz Orchestra was founded in 1999 by trumpeter/composer/arranger Vance Thompson. It is a 501(c)3 non profit corporation whose mission is to promote jazz music through public performances, education initiatives, and commissioning new works by aspiring and established composers. As such, the KJO works in tandem with the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

Vance Thompson, founder and prime motivator of this ambitious endeavor, received a Master of Music degree from DePaul University with emphasis on jazz trumpet. He has recorded and performed with Stefon Harris, Donald Brown, Greg Tardy, and many others. Somewhere along the way Mr. Thompson developed the skills to market and budget events as well as write grants, making it possible for the band to always move forward in its quest to promote great jazz.

The Knoxville Jazz Orchestra performs well over a dozen concerts each year and does its fair share of touring. Their home concerts are well known for featuring internationally acclaimed artists such as Monty Alexander, Hank Jones, Mulgrew Miller, James Moody, and Marvin Stamm.

Vance Thompson and The Knoxville Jazz Orchestra , with their passion , energy, and wherewithal to endure, have turned Knoxville, Tennessee into a mecca for jazz musicians and jazz lovers.