Two big bands take one stage at The Ruins on September 10 as Hood River’s Jazz Collective Big Band joins Portland’s NoPo Big Band for the End of Summer Big Bands Royale, an evening of swing, contemporary big band music and a combined finale. This performance marks the beginning of the 2026-27 concert season.

CGOA’s four ensembles are about to get busy! Across choral, orchestral, jazz, and theater programming, the Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association is lining up a 2026–2027 season packed with something for nearly every taste: centuries-spanning choral journeys, Russian orchestral drama, a full year of big band swing, and an exciting new production from CGOA's Stages Musical Theatre. Here's a first look at what's coming, and trust us, you'll want to grab your calendar.