The bands
Big band for hire: the Local Edition & LMR Jazz Orchestras
Two Bay Area jazz orchestras led by Niel Levonius, and event bands built from the same players.
At a glance
- Local Edition Jazz Orchestra: led by Niel Levonius; plays every Tuesday, 8–11 PM, at Local Edition, 691 Market St., San Francisco. Niel took over the Fil Lorenz Orchestra's Tuesday tradition in 2021 and renamed it.
- LMR Jazz Orchestra: all-star ensemble founded at Long Meadow Ranch in St. Helena in 2013; Niel is musical director.
- For events, Niel builds 3-, 6-, and 13-horn bands, each with a rhythm section, playing traditional to modern jazz for concerts and dancing.
- Guests with LEJO have included Kurt Elling, Billy Valentine, and Tom Scott.
Bandleader
Local Edition Jazz Orchestra
The Local Edition Jazz Orchestra is the Tuesday-night residency big band at Local Edition in downtown San Francisco. In 2021 Niel took over the long-running Tuesday tradition started by the Fil Lorenz Orchestra and renamed it. The band draws on a deep library, from 1940s swing and dance music to contemporary and modern jazz, and has backed guests including Kurt Elling, Billy Valentine, and Tom Scott.
It is the easiest way for a planner to hear the band before booking: drop in any Tuesday. localeditionjazz.com · YouTube
Musical director
LMR Jazz Orchestra
Niel is musical director of the LMR Jazz Orchestra, the all-star ensemble founded at Long Meadow Ranch in St. Helena in 2013. The orchestra has appeared at Festival Napa Valley and San Jose Jazz Summer Fest, and Niel co-produced its album Missa Iubileum Aureum: Golden Jubilee Jazz Mass (Origin Records), featuring Tierney Sutton and Kurt Elling.
Ensemble sizes
Event bands in three sizes, each with a rhythm section
3
3-horn band
Three horns plus rhythm section, for receptions, dinners, and smaller rooms.
6
6-horn band
Six horns plus rhythm section: big-band color on a mid-size footprint.
13
13-horn big band
A full big band for galas, holiday parties, dances, and concerts.
Watch
The Local Edition Jazz Orchestra live
Recorded at the band's Tuesday residency at Local Edition in San Francisco.
The Swizzle
Benny Carter's “The Swizzle,” arranged by Greg Johnson, recorded live at Local Edition in San Francisco on January 20, 2026. Niel plays trumpet and was the audio engineer.
Greg Johnson sings with the Local Edition Jazz Orchestra
Greg Johnson sings standards, including “Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall” and “Change Partners,” with the Local Edition Jazz Orchestra.
Book a big band or a smaller horn band
Send the date, venue, and headcount; Niel will recommend the right size.
Request a proposal