JUSTIN ECHOLS TO PERFORM HOLIDAY JAZZ CONCERT TO BENEFIT UPWARD TRANSITIONS

OKLAHOMA CITY – When Oklahoma City Police Officer and Army Reserve solider, Justin Echols, was injured in Iraq, he worried his career as a policeman was over. After watching a Harry Connick, Jr. concert, Echols decided if he could not be a policeman, he wanted to do that – be a musician. After teaching himself to play piano and blues guitar, Echols changed the course of his future. In a few years, he was inducted into the 2012 Jazz Hall of Fame and featured in an Emmy nominated PBS documentary episode.

 In the years since, the accolades and awards have continued. The world-renowned performing artist has been featured in Forbes.com and five international tours as well as a four-show debut at Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola & Lincoln Center in New York City. He has released seven CDs, has been presented the 2020 South OKC Chamber’s Native Son Award and the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Lee Allen Smith Legacy Award in 2021, and was honored with the Charlie Christian Jazz Music Award for his significant contributions to jazz and his impact on the genre in 2025.

This holiday season, the public will have an opportunity to hear Justin Echols and his band perform live jazz holiday favorites on December 16th in a concert he has arranged at Will Rogers Theatre in Oklahoma City to benefit local nonprofit, Upward Transitions.

One of Oklahoma City’s oldest and most treasured nonprofit organizations, Upward Transitions, celebrates its centennial year in 2025. Its programs serve the most vulnerable in Central Oklahoma. Those who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness are provided with case management and stabilizing resources to help meet their basic needs. With programs that assist paying rent and utilities to prevent evictions; that assist stranded travelers; and that assist in retrieving birth certificates and State IDs, the organization’s ultimate goal is to serve individuals and families during times of financial devastation, so they remain or can return to being productive contributors to their community.

“As a police officer, I witnessed firsthand the challenges many individuals in our community face. When I first encountered Upward Transitions in my patrol district, I was struck by the organization’s dedication to providing support and opportunity to those in need. It’s a privilege to now be in a position where I can give back in a new way—through music and my experience in the business sector,” Echols stated. “By combining my business background with my passion for jazz, I’m proud to help raise funds for this cause that means so much to me. This fundraiser is more than just an event; it’s a chance to uplift those who are navigating their own transitions, just as I have been uplifted by the mission of this incredible organization.”

Upward Transitions has plans to put the money raised by the concert, titled “Hope for the Holidays,” towards their endowment fund celebrating their centennial with the intention of guaranteeing that the organization will be able to assist those in need for another 100 years.

“We are so delighted to host this special holiday event with Justin Echols,” said Periann Pulliam, CEO of Upward Transitions. “He has been an incredible supporter of Upward Transitions, and I’ve been following his career for more than 15 years! Justin and his music have buoyed my spirits during some difficult times and provided the soundtrack to many celebrations. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the holidays during Upward Transitions’ Centennial year.”

The concert will be held at Will Rogers Theatre on Western Avenue in Oklahoma City. The venue was chosen for its unique and classic environment with an art deco feel. Echols and Pulliam determined that its beautiful interior and unique ambiance was suited for the timeless feel wanted for the holiday centennial fundraiser. A cash bar will be available during the concert with specialty cocktails created just for the occasion.

Tickets and sponsorships are available for purchase now at www.upwardtransitions.org/hope-for-the-holidays. Tickets are $55 each or $100 for two. The December 16th performance begins at 7:30 p.m., and doors open at 7:00 p.m. Seating is first-come, first-served.

For information about Upward Transitions and its programs and services, visit www.upwardtransitions.org, or contact Conna Dewart, Development and Public Relations Manager at 405-232-5507 or cdewart@upwardtransitions.org.

For more information and history on Justin Echols’ music, visit www.justinecholsmusic.com.

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