Christian Wiggs Big Band Comes Home

Christian Wiggs Big Band Comes Home is bringing a full-throttle, old-school-meets-modern jazz experience to a true listening-room setting. This special night is more than a concert—it’s a live taping, so you’ll be part of the captured performance as this powerhouse big band delivers a cinematic, swing-filled evening.

Fronting the band is vocalist and bandleader Christian Wiggs, a multi-hyphenate force in the jazz world. Wiggs isn’t just a singer; he’s a lyricist, producer, director, artist manager, educator, record label executive, and founder and CEO of Bandstand Presents. He also hosts the PBS series “Jazz Tonight,” bringing jazz into living rooms across the country.

On stage, Wiggs channels a tone and delivery often compared to Kurt Elling, with the agility and flexibility of James Moody. His theatrical background and deep roots in the jazz tradition have led him to legendary stages like Birdland, Blue Note, Dizzy’s Club, and SXSW, and now he’s turning that same energy toward this intimate Austin recording.

For this homecoming, Wiggs leads a formidable ensemble that sounds every bit like a classic big band updated for today:

• Christian Wiggs – Voice
• Jakob Hartz – Piano
• Marco Antonio Santos – Guitar
• Utah Hamrick – Bass
• Brandon Guerra – Drums
• Saxophones: Seth Carper, Paulo Santos, Russell Haight, John Mills, Aidan Brown
• Trumpets: Eric Johnson, Matthew Collins, Jonah Springs, Steve Butts
• Trombones: Jacob Martinez, Kevin Hrabak, Aaron Garcia

Behind the scenes, Wiggs is a creative engine for some of the biggest names in contemporary jazz. He manages 2x GRAMMY and Tony Award-winner Bryan Carter, works closely with pianist Emmet Cohen, and serves as musical manager for global icon Jeff Goldblum. His production work spans major live and studio projects at venues like Sydney Opera House, Royal Albert Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and the In Memoriam performance at the 78th BAFTA Awards.

In 2026, he launched a 57-piece orchestral show with Jeff Goldblum as part of “The Night Blooms World Tour,” collaborating with ensembles such as The Metropolitan Orchestra, The Heritage Orchestra, and major American symphonies in cities from St. Louis to Seattle. As an educator, he co-founded the Global Jazz Workshop with Artistic Director Chad LB, shaping the next generation of improvisers.

This particular event is designed as a focused, audiophile-friendly experience. Because it’s a live taping, the venue will enforce a whisper-only policy during the performance to keep the recording pristine. It’s a rare chance to soak in the details of big band arrangements—from burning brass hits to airy sax harmonies—without the usual barroom noise.

The evening is also delightfully relaxed and social. It’s BYOB, and you’ll find cold still and sparkling water available for purchase on site. Ice, wine keys, and 9oz cups are provided, so you can bring your favorite bottle, settle in, and treat the show like your own private jazz club.

There are two seatings to choose from, each with its own energy:

• First Show: Doors at 7:15 pm, music at 7:30 pm
• Second Show: Doors at 9:15 pm, music at 9:30 pm

Expect a night of tightly arranged charts, soaring solos, and a vocalist who bridges the golden age of big band jazz with a modern, cinematic sensibility. If you love the sound of a full horn section, intimate club vibes, and the thrill of being part of a live recording, Christian Wiggs Big Band Comes Home is the kind of event you’ll talk about long after the final chord fades.