Camille Saba Smith — vocalist Erwin Stuckey — piano Jack Early — bass Bernie Phelon — drums Sassy, irrepressible, and wonderfully profound…Cleveland native Camille “Saba” Smith—is a FORCE. A powerhouse of talent, Smith is the quintessential slash artist. Blessed with a five-octave range—she is a self-taught vocalist. Singing brings her joy and has fascinated her for over twenty years! Camille founded the musical ensemble “Saba Jazz” and other groups. She is in demand as an accomplished, versatile studio vocalist and band leader. She has also worked with several well-known artists around the globe. Smith believes that the key to making great music—is diversity. Being well-versed in a variety of genres has taken her far. She has an acute ability to sense the changing needs of her listeners. She considers her performances—a vehicle to connect with the divine while sharing inspiring messages with the world. A $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Joined by a first-rate band, trumpeter Eric Lechliter will present an eclectic set comprised of tunes by John Swana, Fats Navarro, Ray Noble, and Kenny Dorham, as well as a few original compositions. Featuring: Josh Kline - saxophone Chris Caporale - piano Aaron Jacobs - bass Tom Buckley - drums Special guests: Michael Mavridoglou - trumpet Dr. Scott Belck - trumpet Be sure to stick around afterward to see the Original Farm League Big Band! https://tickets.caffevivace.com/shows/1665/?date=2024-04-24 

The Original Farm League Big Band is a 17-piece Jazz Orchestra dedicated to expanding the modern big band repertoire while featuring the work of local arrangers/composers. Formed in 2015, the ensemble comprises many of the Cincinnati/Dayton area's most exciting up-and-coming Jazz players and performs entirely original material. A $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Mandy Gaines — vocalist Brad Myers — guitar Mandy Gaines and Brad Myers will highlight the music of Antonio Carlos Jobim, better known as “Tom Jobim” in his homeland, who is arguably one of the most important songwriters of the 20th century, rivaling Gershwin, Porter, McCartney & Lennon, and Wonder for sheer consistency and diversity of output. Mandy Gaines began singing at an early age in school and church. She holds a B.A. from the College of Wooster in Speech/Arts. She has continued her studies through private vocal instruction and workshops emphasizing oral interpretation, jazz improvisation, vocal technique, theatre, and broadcasting/media studies. Brad Myers is a jazz, rock & roots musician, composer, teacher, producer, & engineer. He plays acoustic & electric guitar, bass guitar, and mandolin, & sings. A $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be within 24 hours of the start of the performance. 

Valérie Agulhon Graschaire — vocalist Phil DeGreg — piano Chris Berg — bass Jim Leslie — drums Valérie Graschaire has been one of the major voices of jazz in France for over 20 years and a keeper of the great tradition of swing. Active in many projects, from duo to big band, she recorded five albums with some of the most talented French jazz musicians. She's a great improviser as well as a recognized teacher. A $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Antonio Hart — alto saxophone Dan Karlsberg — piano Justin Dawson — bass Phillip Tipton — drums Jazz Vivace and Jazz Alive proudly present Antonio Hart in their Spring Jazz Series. When Antonio Hart was in ninth grade, the music and art programs were cut out of the public schools. Antonio was devastated because the one thing that made school enjoyable was taken away from him. Hart had a friend who attended the then-new Baltimore School for the Performing Arts and somehow got Antonio an audition. Most of the students who attended this school had been playing music and had private instruction. This did not stop Antonio because he knew this would be the place for him. The night before the audition, Antonio spent hours on the phone with his friend, learning a song from one of his music books. He did the best he could because he could not read the level of music he was trying to play. The school was a hotel that had been made into one of the best learning institutions in the country. Hart was taken to a room to warm up, and three teachers came in for the audition. He played his piece ‘Hungarian Dance #5’, and then played some scales for them. The teachers said thank you, and that was it. Hart prayed daily but did not think he would get in. One week later, he received a transfer letter in the mail; he had been accepted! Hart considers this the beginning of his life as a young man and musician. This was such a change for Hart because this was a very serious school. The academics were hard, and the music courses were very challenging. Hart found himself in summer school because he did not cut it that first year, but that was the only summer he went to summer school. After that adjustment period, Hart started to grow very fast. He gives much credit to his private teacher, Chris Ford. ‘Mr. Ford took me from the beginning to a level much higher than the average high school student.’ At school, Hart played a lot of classical music but started to like Jazz. He felt more connected with Jazz because of the people he saw playing it and the chance to improvise. Hart’s actual study of Jazz began at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. He studied with Bill Pierce, Andy McGhee, and Joe Viola there. The three teachers gave him the foundation to develop into a professional musician. Hart spent many hours in the library listening to all his favorite musicians and practicing and playing as much as possible. There were also many late hours in the practice room. Because of the lessons learned at the School for the Arts, Hart thought it was essential to balance music and academia, so in his sophomore year, he became a Music Education Major. These courses added other challenges that inspired Hart. He made many friends at Berklee, but the most important was Roy Hargrove. They spent three years touring the world and recording Hargrove’s first three records. Hart considers Hargrove to be his brother in life and music. He even used Hargrove’s first recording ‘For the First Time.’ Hart wanted to continue his education and study from some true masters of Jazz, so during those first few years on the road, he also worked on a master’s Degree at Queens College. There, he had the opportunity to learn from the great Jimmy Heath and Donald Byrd. Hart felt blessed and honored when Mr. Heath produced his second recording, ‘Don’t You Know I Care.’ His 1997 release, ‘Here I Stand’ Impulse Records, earned Hart a 1997 Grammy nomination for ‘Best Jazz Instrumental Solo.’ He has also been in much demand as a guest on over 100 recordings. Since then, Hart has recorded eight CDs as a leader. The latest, ‘Blessings” JLP Jazz Legacy productions. Hart balances his time as a full-time tenured Professor at The Aaron Copland School of Music, Queens College, and traveling on the road with his band, The Dave Holland Big Band and The Dizzy Gillespie Big Band. In his off time, he likes to practice martial arts. And listen to other styles of music for inspiration. He constantly tries to get to higher levels on his horn and writing. A $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Brent Gallaher — tenor saxophone Matt Harris — piano Aaron Jacobs — bass Philip Tiption — drums Join us for an evening of soulful jazz at Caffe Vivace on April 30th, 2024, featuring the renowned tenor saxophonist Brent Gallaher. As the owner of Caffe Vivace, Gallaher brings his passion for jazz to life, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for music enthusiasts to enjoy. Accompanying him is the talented pianist Matt Harris, whose refined style and innovative arrangements will add depth and sophistication to the evening's ambiance. Join us for an intimate night of exceptional music as Gallaher and Harris take the stage together, weaving a captivating tapestry of jazz melodies that will linger long after the night ends. If the total amount of beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum, a $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Cincinnati's legendary Blue Wisp Big Band celebrates its 44th year of swingin' Big Band music at Caffe Vivace. Founded in January 1980 by drummer John Von Ohlen and trumpeter Don Johnson, the Blue Wisp Big Band got its start in and its name from the late Blue Wisp Jazz Club. Von Ohlen, a native of Indianapolis, moved to the Cincinnati area after many years on the road playing with world-class jazz orchestras, most notably those of Stan Kenton and Woody Herman. After hearing all of the fine musicians in the area, he felt there was a need to form a group because most of them “weren’t playing any jazz, which is the reason they started playing in the first place.” He felt the desire to start a “world-class big band and wanted to put it in a tavern, a beer joint.” Don Johnson, who had been on the Cincinnati scene for years, suggested which instrumentalists should play in the band. Von Ohlen states, “Don was the horn connection.” Pianist Steve Schmidt and bassist Michael Sharfe were already playing with Von Ohlen at the Blue Wisp in the Steve Schmidt Trio, Wednesday through Saturday nights, so the rhythm section was easily formed. Von Ohlen remembers approaching Paul and Marjean Wisby, the original owners of the Blue Wisp, with the idea, “Wednesday is a slow night. Why don’t we bring in a big band and blow the roof off the place? It worked real good.”Since its inception, the Blue Wisp Big Band has been the top jazz orchestra in Cincinnati. The hard bop-oriented big band started recording in 1981: first, an LP sponsored by the Cincinnati television station WKRC, and then four for the Mopro label, founded by Fred and Helen Morr, in the 1980s. The Mopro LPs were reissued in the mid -’90s on two CDs on the California label Sea Breeze, with one of the sets recorded in Los Angeles during a West Coast tour in 1984. Through the devoted and hard work of Helen Morr, the LPs were distributed around the country and Europe, garnering notice, good reviews, and airplay around the world. Among the group’s more notable members were trumpeter Tim Hagans and bassist Lynn Seaton. The band continued to perform at the Blue Wisp Jazz Club in Cincinnati on Wednesday nights until its closure in the summer of 2014. After a six-month tenure at Japp’s Annex in downtown Cincinnati, a short stint at Pirate’s Den in Westwood, and three years at the Urban Artifact in Northside, the band has a new home at Caffè Vivace in Walnut Hills. A $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Ralph DiSylvestro — trumpet Eric Wurzelbacher — tenor saxophone Joe Duran — alto saxophone Garett Arrowood — trombone Ben Tweedt — piano Justin Dawson — bass Alex Merk — drums The Cincinnati Jazz Messengers are a 7-piece ensemble assembled by trumpeter Ralph DiSylvestro to celebrate the iconic and exciting music of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers from the 1950s through the 1980s. Art Blakey’s band featured some of the most influential composers and instrumentalists of the 20th century such as Benny Golson, Cedar Walton, Wayne Shorter, Freddie Hubbard and Bobby Watson. The goal of the Cincinnati Jazz Messengers is to keep the music of these jazz titans alive, and in the spirit of the Jazz Messengers, contribute their own compositions to the diverse and rich songbook. A $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

“Staying true to his Spanish language Folk-Funk-Rock hybrid has paid off.” — Billboard Jazz Vivace proudly presents Alex Cuba as part of the 2024 Spring Jazz Series. Alex Cuba is a Grammy/Latin Grammy and Juno-winning singer-songwriter/producer and musician, born Alexis Puentes in Artemisa, Cuba. He was immersed in music at a very young age, joining his father’s (guitarist and teacher Valentin Puentes) group of 24 guitarists. Alex went on to study electric and upright bass, touring and recording nationally and internationally. His sound is the unique confluence of tradition and global influences in articulate arrangements that convey emotions through melody and lyrics. In 2022, he won a Grammy for Best Latin Pop for Mendó as a producer, artist, and engineer. A $15 food/drink minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Conrad Herwig — trombone Phil DeGreg — piano Aaron Jacobs — bass Jim Leslie — drums New York jazz artist Conrad Herwig has recorded 26 albums as a leader and received four GRAMMY®-nominations for his projects. His latest CD release is The Latin Side of Mingus (Savant, 2022). This album marks 25+ years of the “Latin Side . . .” series and is a follow-up project to The “Latin Side of …” tributes to Horace Silver (Savant; 2020), Joe Henderson (Half Note; 2014), Herbie Hancock (Half Note; 2010) Wayne Shorter (Half Note; 2008), Miles Davis (Half Note; 2004), and John Coltrane (Astor Place; 1996). These exciting and individualized projects feature an array of special guests, including Randy Brecker, Ruben Blades, Michel Camilo, Joe Lovano, Eddie Palmieri, Paquito D’Rivera, Dave Valentin, and many of the hottest players on the international scene. A $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Paul Patterson — classical/12-string guitars Justin Dawson — bass Dan Dorff — drums/percussion Sylvia Mitchell — violin/accordion A night of Paul’s original music with flavors of Brazilian jazz guitar and ambient 12-string guitar. If the total amount of beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum, a $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Tivon Pennicott — tenor saxophone Vittorio Stropoli — piano Dean Torrey — bass Kenneth Salters — drums "He's a careful craftsman, a fearless improviser, one of the most fluent and engaging saxophonists on the scene today..." Joshua Redman Jazz Vivace proudly presents Antonio Hart in their Spring Jazz Series. Tivon Pennicott has been transporting audiences to a higher level of consciousness for years. His latest single releases begin a new foundation on a canvas for genuine expression. A vocal performance with Tell Me Again (Dox Records, 2022), Let Our Hearts Decide (Dox Records, 2023), a melodic “feel good” with Faith in Grace (Dox Records, 2023), and a fiery performance of Tour Life (Dox Records, 2023) display his versatility and a renewed authenticity as an artist. The highly sought saxophone player, composer, and multi-instrumentalist is a key contributor to three GRAMMY Award-winning albums, appearing on Esperanza Spalding’s disruptive recording Radio Music Society (Heads Up International, 2012) and Gregory Porter’s Liquid Spirit (Blue Note, 2013) and Take Me to the Alley (Blue Note, 2017). He has collaborated extensively with visionaries like Roy Hargrove and Ari Hoenig and performed at The Royal Albert Hall, the Berliner Philharmonie, and Carnegie Hall. On-screen, Pennicott appears regularly on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” as a member of the Stay Human Band with Jon Batiste. His evolving sound results from a soulful, sophisticated foundation for groove he honed in the church and a penchant for unbound harmonic exploration. He has collaborated with such visionaries as Roy Hargrove and his RH Factor project and Ari Hoenig as a core member of his band and a key player on The Pauper & the Magician (AH-HA, 2016) and NY Standard (Fresh Sound Records, 2018). After recording with Kenny Burrell for his 2010 release Be Yourself on High Note Records, Pennicott continues to enjoy a decade-long association with the prolific guitarist and his Jazz Heritage All-Stars. Touring the world with Porter, Pennicott has performed at iconic venues, including The Royal Albert Hall in London, the Berliner Philharmonie in Germany, and Carnegie Hall in New York. On-screen, he has become a fixture on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” as a regular member of the Stay Human Band with Jon Batiste, an artist with whom he has played a week-long engagement at The Village Vanguard. A Georgia native in New York City, Pennicott earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. As a player, Pennicott expresses an evolving sound—the result of a soulful and sophisticated foundation for groove he honed in the church and through his Jamaican heritage and a penchant for harmonic exploration that reflects the depth of his ear. Strong intention and receptive impulses that allow Pennicott to serve every situation—from Ari Hoenig’s rhythmic labyrinths to Al Foster’s resonating soundscapes— also pervade his original compositions. While he has played an elemental role in advancing and transforming the sounds of many innovative artists, Pennicott’s work as a leader is only beginning. In 2014, Pennicott released his debut recording, Lover of Nature, on New Phrase Records, a project that features equally curious musical minds: Mike Battaglia, Spencer Murphy, and Kenneth Salters. As his career continues its upward trajectory, Pennicott most recently released his soul-filling sophomore recording in the fall of 2020, Spirit Garden (self-released), featuring a 26-piece string orchestra alongside several combinations of a chord-less quartet. It is his most audacious endeavor, delightfully composing, orchestrating, and performing on his musical canvas. A $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Brent Gallaher — tenor saxophone Michael Mavridoglou — trumpet Steve Schmidt — piano Aaron Jacobs — bass Jim Leslie — drums You can expect to hear some classic and newer tunes, swinging and funky, by Horace Silver, Art Blakey, Wayne Shorter, and other jazz greats, as well as some original songs by some of the Bears! Please come and plan on having fun - without bearly trying! :) A $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Tierney Sutton — vocalist Tamir Hendelman — piano Singer Tierney Sutton and pianist Tamir Hendelman have a musical relationship lasting over 20 years. While Sutton racked up 9 Grammy nominations for her 14 albums as leader, Hendelman was arranging, recording, and performing with Barbra Streisand and Natalie Cole, leading his trio, and being the featured pianist of the Jeff Hamilton Trio and Grammy-Winning Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. And alongside all this, Tierney and Tamir still found time to tour as a duo in Italy, Japan, China, and the U.S. Yet the pandemic cemented and deepened the partnership of these 2 LA-based artists. Throughout 2020 and 2021, Tierney and Tamir created and presented live-streamed themed shows and created “By Request” video dedications for fans worldwide. Says Sutton: “This is truly one of my very favorite projects. No pianist in the world swings harder than Tamir, and he’s an encyclopedia of songs so that I can be so free and improvisational. This project is a joy.” A $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Miguel Zenón — alto saxophone Luis Perdomo — piano Jazz Vivace proudly presents Miguel Zenón & Luis Perdomo as part of the Spring 2024 Jazz Series. As an instrumentalist, I spend a lot of my time working on making the saxophone an extension of my creative process. This process is always filtered through interpretation and expressiveness, and more often than not, I find myself looking up to some of my favorite singers (people like Ismael Rivera, Cheo Feliciano, and Andy Montañez) as sources of inspiration. In their individual voices, I can hear a reflection of their unique personalities, all manifested at the highest level through their interpretation of songs. These melodies become vehicles for their creativity—a canvas on which they’ll portray their feelings and states of mind. But these are not just any songs. These are songs they have heard hundreds of times, familiar pieces of music they know very well, and that is sort of the way I feel about the repertoire on this album. We chose compositions from the Bolero era that we could play right away, without giving it a second thought: songs from the times of our parents and grandparents that somehow stuck around long enough for us to get to know them and truly love them. They are all as essential to our development as the music of Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, or Thelonious Monk, but perhaps even more familiar. When we play these songs, we can hear the lyrics in the back of our minds—something that provides a very deep connection, one that is hard to replicate in any other situation. It is almost beyond familiar. These songs are part of us. We recorded this music as a live show, all in one take, without much preparation other than discussing tonalities and some basic elements of form. We were pleasantly surprised with the results and decided they deserved to be shared. There is nothing like making music with someone else, finding a common language we can grab onto, and then just going and exploring that together. We hope this comes across here and that you enjoy the music. Miguel Zenón A $15 food/drink minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Alex Nicodemus — Hammond organ Jack Mansfield — drums Tristen Krueger — guitar Keith Humphrey — guitar The Interstate Commerce Commission Organ Quartet comprises your traditional organ trio with an extra guitar player! Hear a nice blend of funk, standards, fusion, and originals on any night out with the I.C.C! A $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Cincinnati's legendary Blue Wisp Big Band celebrates its 44th year of swingin' Big Band music at Caffe Vivace. Founded in January 1980 by drummer John Von Ohlen and trumpeter Don Johnson, the Blue Wisp Big Band got its start in and its name from the late Blue Wisp Jazz Club. Von Ohlen, a native of Indianapolis, moved to the Cincinnati area after many years on the road playing with world-class jazz orchestras, most notably those of Stan Kenton and Woody Herman. After hearing all of the fine musicians in the area, he felt there was a need to form a group because most of them “weren’t playing any jazz, which is the reason they started playing in the first place.” He felt the desire to start a “world-class big band and wanted to put it in a tavern, a beer joint.” Don Johnson, who had been on the Cincinnati scene for years, suggested which instrumentalists should play in the band. Von Ohlen states, “Don was the horn connection.” Pianist Steve Schmidt and bassist Michael Sharfe were already playing with Von Ohlen at the Blue Wisp in the Steve Schmidt Trio, Wednesday through Saturday nights, so the rhythm section was easily formed. Von Ohlen remembers approaching Paul and Marjean Wisby, the original owners of the Blue Wisp, with the idea, “Wednesday is a slow night. Why don’t we bring in a big band and blow the roof off the place? It worked real good.”Since its inception, the Blue Wisp Big Band has been the top jazz orchestra in Cincinnati. The hard bop-oriented big band started recording in 1981: first, an LP sponsored by the Cincinnati television station WKRC, and then four for the Mopro label, founded by Fred and Helen Morr, in the 1980s. The Mopro LPs were reissued in the mid -’90s on two CDs on the California label Sea Breeze, with one of the sets recorded in Los Angeles during a West Coast tour in 1984. Through the devoted and hard work of Helen Morr, the LPs were distributed around the country and Europe, garnering notice, good reviews, and airplay around the world. Among the group’s more notable members were trumpeter Tim Hagans and bassist Lynn Seaton. The band continued to perform at the Blue Wisp Jazz Club in Cincinnati on Wednesday nights until its closure in the summer of 2014. After a six-month tenure at Japp’s Annex in downtown Cincinnati, a short stint at Pirate’s Den in Westwood, and three years at the Urban Artifact in Northside, the band has a new home at Caffè Vivace in Walnut Hills. A $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Mandy Gaines — vocalist Steve Schmidt — piano Mandy Gaines began singing at an early age in school and church. She holds a B.A. from the College of Wooster in Speech/Arts. She has continued her studies through private vocal instruction and workshops emphasizing oral interpretation, jazz improvisation, vocal technique, theatre, and broadcasting/media studies. Pianist Steve Schmidt was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. He took two years of basic piano lessons in grade school but spent more time playing baseball and basketball. An attraction to the guitar - to blues and blues-oriented rock bands - drew Steve into pursuing music. Throughout high school, he spent much of his free time playing guitar along with records and jamming with others around the city. Blues led to jazz, and he switched to piano the summer after high school to teach himself the chords and melodies of jazz. A $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Ron Jones — alto saxophone Rob Allgeyer — piano Chris Berg — bass Jim Leslie — drums Step into the timeless jazz world with alto saxophonist Ron Jones as he brings to life the unforgettable melodies of the great American Songbook. With masterful technique and a deep appreciation for the classics, Jones mesmerizes audiences with his soulful interpretations and virtuosic improvisations. From Gershwin's sultry allure to Ellington's swinging rhythms, Jones effortlessly navigates through the rich tapestry of jazz standards, captivating listeners with each note. Experience the magic of jazz history reimagined through the lens of a true virtuoso as Ron Jones pays homage to the iconic sounds that continue to resonate with audiences. $15 drink/food minimum charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the resale of your seats with no refund. There are no refunds within 24 of the start of the performance. 

Camille Saba Smith — vocalist Erwin Stuckey — piano Jack Early — bass Bernie Phelon — drums Sassy, irrepressible, and wonderfully profound…Cleveland native Camille “Saba” Smith—is a FORCE. A powerhouse of talent, Smith is the quintessential slash artist. Blessed with a five-octave range—she is a self-taught vocalist. Singing brings her joy and has fascinated her for over twenty years! Camille founded the musical ensemble “Saba Jazz” and other groups. She is in demand as an accomplished, versatile studio vocalist and band leader. She has also worked with several well-known artists around the globe. Smith believes that the key to making great music—is diversity. Being well-versed in a variety of genres has taken her far. She has an acute ability to sense the changing needs of her listeners. She considers her performances—a vehicle to connect with the divine while sharing inspiring messages with the world. A $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Kurt Rosenwinkel — guitar Mark Turner — tenor saxophone Ben Street — bass Jeff Ballard — drums The Next Step Reunion Tour marks a historic moment in jazz. It brings together Kurt Rosenwinkel and the original “The Next Step” band, reuniting them for unforgettable performances. The tour will celebrate the music that defined a generation and honor the legacy of the album “The Next Step.” Kurt Rosenwinkel’s label, Heartcore Records, will release “The Next Step: Live at Smalls (1996)” as part of the tour. This album captures the essence of the original “The Next Step” band’s performance at Smalls in 1996 and is a testament to their musical brilliance. A $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

The Original Farm League Big Band is a 17-piece Jazz Orchestra dedicated to expanding the modern big band repertoire while featuring the work of local arrangers/composers. Formed in 2015, the ensemble comprises many of the Cincinnati/Dayton area's most exciting up-and-coming Jazz players and performs entirely original material. A $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Rachel Miller — Harp Stanislav Przedlacki — vocalist Immerse yourself in the captivating world of romantic ballads as vocalist Stanislav Przedlacki and harpist Rachel Miller unite in a spellbinding performance. Their intimate set transports you across languages and cultures, offering a mesmerizing collection of beautiful ballads. Stanislav's velvety voice effortlessly conveys the emotions of each song, while Rachel's harp adds an ethereal touch, creating an enchanting atmosphere that resonates deep within your soul. Together, they create an unforgettable musical experience that celebrates the timeless power of love. In their harmonious collaboration, Stanislav and Rachel breathe new life into romantic classics, taking you through the diverse landscapes of Italian bel canto, passionate flamenco tunes, and heartfelt French chansons. The combination of Stanislav's magnetic stage presence and Rachel's delicate harp melodies creates an intimate ambiance that invites you to lose yourself in the beauty of each heartfelt lyric. Join them for an evening of enchantment, where languages converge and love's melodies transcend borders, leaving you captivated by the universal language of music. $15 drink/food minimum charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the resale of your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Rusty Burge — vibraphone Steve Schmidt — piano Chris Berg — bass Jim Leslie — drums Join us for an enchanting evening of jazz at Caffe Vivace with vibraphonist Rusty Burge and pianist Steve Schmidt as they explore Chick Corea's captivating repertoire. Corea was an American jazz pianist, keyboardist, and composer whose innovative and influential music spanned multiple genres, including jazz fusion, Latin jazz, and classical. Immerse yourself in Corea's music's rich harmonies and infectious rhythms, interpreted with finesse and creativity by these talented musicians. $15 drink/food minimum charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the resale of your seats with no refund. There are no refunds within 24 of the start of the performance. 

Christian McBride — bass Steve Wilson — alto and soprano saxophone Warren Wolf — vibraphone Peter Martin — piano Carl Allen — drums Jazz Vivace proudly presents Christian McBride & Inside Straight as part of the Spring 2024 Jazz Series. Christian McBride is an eight-time GRAMMY Award-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader. McBride is the Artistic Director of the historic Newport Jazz Festival, New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), the TD James Moody Jazz Festival, and the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. Christian is also a respected educator and advocates as the Artistic Director of Jazz House Kids and the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Summer Sessions. In addition to consistent touring, McBride hosts NPR's “Jazz Night in America” and "The Lowdown: Conversations With Christian" on SiriusXM. Christian McBride is always of the music, whether behind the bass or away from it. From jazz to R&B, pop/rock, hip-hop/neo-soul, to classical, he is a luminary with one hand ever reaching for new heights and the other extended in fellowship—and perhaps the hint of a challenge—inviting us to join him. A $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Christian McBride — bass Steve Wilson — alto and soprano saxophone Warren Wolf — vibraphone Peter Martin — piano Carl Allen — drums Jazz Vivace proudly presents Christian McBride & Inside Straight as part of the Spring 2024 Jazz Series. Christian McBride is an eight-time GRAMMY Award-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader. McBride is the Artistic Director of the historic Newport Jazz Festival, New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), the TD James Moody Jazz Festival, and the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. Christian is also a respected educator and advocates as the Artistic Director of Jazz House Kids and the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Summer Sessions. In addition to consistent touring, McBride hosts NPR's “Jazz Night in America” and "The Lowdown: Conversations With Christian" on SiriusXM. Christian McBride is always of the music, whether behind the bass or away from it. From jazz to R&B, pop/rock, hip-hop/neo-soul, to classical, he is a luminary with one hand ever reaching for new heights and the other extended in fellowship—and perhaps the hint of a challenge—inviting us to join him. A $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Emily Jordan — vocalist Steve Schmidt — piano Emily Grace Jordan is a vocalist, instrumentalist, and music educator based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Originally from Washington, D.C., Emily moved to Cincinnati to study at the College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), at the University of Cincinnati. There, she earned a bachelor's degree in music education with a concentration in saxophone. Upon graduating, Emily taught primary music in the Winton Woods City School District for four years. With an ever-growing passion for singing jazz, Emily began to perform in local jazz venues. Given the opportunity to refine this passion, Emily returned to CCM in the fall of 2021 to complete her master’s degree in jazz studies, where she studied jazz voice and maintained a graduate assistantship with the Music Education department. A fixture of the Cincinnati jazz scene today, Emily can be heard regularly in venues around Cincinnati, including Caffe Vivace, Ghost Baby, Muse Cafe, Schwartz’s Point, and the Hilton Netherland Plaza. Emily is also a member of the Queen City Sisters Jazz, a cappella singing group. She teaches choir and theater at Aiken High School in the Cincinnati Public Schools district. Pianist Steve Schmidt was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. He took two years of basic piano lessons in grade school but spent more time playing baseball and basketball. An attraction to the guitar - to blues and blues-oriented rock bands - drew Steve into the pursuit of music. Throughout high school, he spent much of his free time playing guitar along with records and jamming with others around the city. Blues led to jazz, and he switched to piano the summer after high school to teach himself the chords and melodies of jazz. A $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Joe Duran's Projections explores a variety of musical traditions through the lens of jazz composition. Eric Lechliter — trumpet Spencer Merk — trombone Joe Duran — alto saxophone Billy Wolfe — tenor saxophone Phil Hilger — baritone saxophone Brandon Coleman — electric guitar Emily Jordan — vocalist Dan Karlsberg — piano Aaron Jacobs — bass Tom Buckley — drums Joe Duran's Projections explores a variety of musical traditions through the lens of jazz composition. Arrangements of French impressionist music give way to blistering electronica-inspired originals, jazz standards are deconstructed until entirely unrecognizable, and favorites from the film music canon find themselves thoughtfully reimagined. While a love of big band music is an apparent motivation for the material, the reduced scope of the five-horn group brings its individual members' efforts into focus, which are as soulful as they are virtuosic. A $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Phil DeGreg — piano Aaron Jacobs — bass John Taylor — drums Join the Phil DeGreg Trio on an enchanting musical journey as they reimagine the timeless songs of the Beatles through the lens of jazz. Experience the iconic melodies of the Fab Four like never before, as these virtuosic musicians infuse their signature style, improvisational prowess, and creative arrangements into beloved classics such as "Yesterday," "Let It Be," and "Hey Jude." With their remarkable synergy and a deep understanding of jazz and Beatles repertoire, the Phil DeGreg Trio breathes new life into these beloved tunes, captivating audiences with their soulful interpretations, rhythmic explorations, and imaginative reharmonizations. A $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Eugene Goss — vocalist Steve Schmidt — keyboards Sam Reuscher — bass Francis Wyatt — drums Get ready to groove and sing along as Eugene Goss, the acclaimed jazz vocalist, pays a heartfelt tribute to the living legend Stevie Wonder. In an evening filled with passion and musical mastery, Goss will captivate the audience with his soul-stirring interpretations of Stevie Wonder's most beloved hits. From "My Cherie Amour" to "I Just Called to Say I Love You," Goss brings a unique blend of jazz and soul to these timeless classics, creating a performance that resonates with the soul. Join us for a night of celebration and appreciation for the musical genius of Stevie Wonder, brought to life by the incomparable talent of Eugene Goss. It's an event you won't want to miss! A $15 food/drink minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Mandy Gaines — vocalist Phil DeGreg — piano Justin Dawson — bass Josiah Wolfe — drums Mandy Gaines began singing at an early age in school and church. She holds a B.A. from the College of Wooster in Speech/Arts. She has continued her studies through private vocal instruction and workshops emphasizing oral interpretation, jazz improvisation, vocal technique, theatre, and broadcasting/media studies. If the total amount of beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum, a $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Brent Gallaher — tenor saxophone Matt Harris — piano Justin Dawson — bass Philip Tiption — drums Join us for an evening of soulful jazz at Caffe Vivace on April 30th, 2024, featuring the renowned tenor saxophonist Brent Gallaher. As the owner of Caffe Vivace, Gallaher brings his passion for jazz to life, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for music enthusiasts to enjoy. The talented pianist Matt Harris is Accompanying him, whose refined style and innovative arrangements will add depth and sophistication to the evening's ambiance. Join us for an intimate night of exceptional music as Gallaher and Harris take the stage together, weaving a captivating tapestry of jazz melodies that will linger long after the night ends. If the total amount of beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum, a $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Cincinnati's legendary Blue Wisp Big Band celebrates its 44th year of swingin' Big Band music at Caffe Vivace. Founded in January 1980 by drummer John Von Ohlen and trumpeter Don Johnson, the Blue Wisp Big Band got its start in and its name from the late Blue Wisp Jazz Club. Von Ohlen, a native of Indianapolis, moved to the Cincinnati area after many years on the road playing with world-class jazz orchestras, most notably those of Stan Kenton and Woody Herman. After hearing all of the fine musicians in the area, he felt there was a need to form a group because most of them “weren’t playing any jazz, which is the reason they started playing in the first place.” He felt the desire to start a “world-class big band and wanted to put it in a tavern, a beer joint.” Don Johnson, who had been on the Cincinnati scene for years, suggested which instrumentalists should play in the band. Von Ohlen states, “Don was the horn connection.” Pianist Steve Schmidt and bassist Michael Sharfe were already playing with Von Ohlen at the Blue Wisp in the Steve Schmidt Trio, Wednesday through Saturday nights, so the rhythm section was easily formed. Von Ohlen remembers approaching Paul and Marjean Wisby, the original owners of the Blue Wisp, with the idea, “Wednesday is a slow night. Why don’t we bring in a big band and blow the roof off the place? It worked real good.”Since its inception, the Blue Wisp Big Band has been the top jazz orchestra in Cincinnati. The hard bop-oriented big band started recording in 1981: first, an LP sponsored by the Cincinnati television station WKRC, and then four for the Mopro label, founded by Fred and Helen Morr, in the 1980s. The Mopro LPs were reissued in the mid -’90s on two CDs on the California label Sea Breeze, with one of the sets recorded in Los Angeles during a West Coast tour in 1984. Through the devoted and hard work of Helen Morr, the LPs were distributed around the country and Europe, garnering notice, good reviews, and airplay around the world. Among the group’s more notable members were trumpeter Tim Hagans and bassist Lynn Seaton. The band continued to perform at the Blue Wisp Jazz Club in Cincinnati on Wednesday nights until its closure in the summer of 2014. After a six-month tenure at Japp’s Annex in downtown Cincinnati, a short stint at Pirate’s Den in Westwood, and three years at the Urban Artifact in Northside, the band has a new home at Caffè Vivace in Walnut Hills. A $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Andy Smith — Hammond organ Daniel Nail — tenor saxophone Carlos Vargas-Ortíz — guitar Isaiah Cook — drums Hydrophonics is a funk and soul organ quartet based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Their sound is a melting pot of styles reflecting the different musical backgrounds of the band members, with priority always given to danceable grooves and tasteful melodies. Hydrophonics’ catalog includes original music and arrangements of the works of Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers, and more. If you like Soulive, Medeski, Martin, Scofield & Wood, Jimmy Smith, Cory Henry & the Funk Apostles, then you’ll enjoy the soulful sounds of Hydrophonics. A $15 food/drink minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Eric Lechliter — trumpet Mandy Gaines — vocalist Dan Karlsberg — piano Chris Berg — bass Phillip Tipton — drums Caffe Vivace proudly presents a night of pure jazz magic with the Eric Lechliter Quintet featuring the sensational jazz vocalist Mandy Gaines in their highly anticipated show titled "Together Again." Join us for an evening filled with soulful melodies, swinging rhythms, and electrifying performances that will transport you to the golden jazz era. Led by the virtuosic trumpeter Eric Lechliter, this quintet promises to dazzle audiences with its seamless blend of tight arrangements and spontaneous improvisations. With Mandy Gaines's velvety vocals adding an extra layer of sophistication and charm, "Together Again" guarantees an unforgettable musical experience that will leave you craving more. If the total amount of beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum, a $15 food/drink minimum is charged per person in the party, per set. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Mike Wade — trumpet Dwayne Irvin — saxophones Sergio Pamies — piano Jim Anderson — bass James Gaiters — drums 🎺 Join us for an intimate and soulful evening as jazz trumpeter Mike Wade pays homage to the incomparable Freddie Hubbard. Wade captures the essence of Hubbard's legendary sound with grace and reverence in this heartfelt tribute concert. Through his tender melodies and heartfelt improvisations, Wade takes audiences on a journey through Hubbard's iconic repertoire, celebrating the genius of a jazz icon. Don't miss this special opportunity to experience the timeless music of Freddie Hubbard through the sensitive interpretation of Mike Wade. Join us for a night of pure musical beauty and heartfelt tribute. 🎶 If the total amount of beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum, a $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Sylvain Acher — guitar/vocals Dave McMahan — keyboards Eric Sayer — bass Teddy Wilburn — drums Transatlanits is a Mélange of original French compositions combined with world rhythms, which, in the hands of four accomplished musicians, results in a new and exciting multicultural experience. Drawing from genres such as traditional French songs, Gypsy, Jazz, Brazilian (and even a little Cajun), their music transports listeners and transforms events into a musical journey worldwide. A $15/food drink minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Ralph DiSylvestro — trumpet Eric Wurzelbacher — tenor saxophone Joe Duran — alto saxophone Garett Arrowood — trombone Ben Tweedt — piano Justin Dawson — bass Alex Merk — drums The Cincinnati Jazz Messengers are a 7-piece ensemble assembled by trumpeter Ralph DiSylvestro to celebrate the iconic and exciting music of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers from the 1950s through the 1980s. Art Blakey’s band featured some of the most influential composers and instrumentalists of the 20th century such as Benny Golson, Cedar Walton, Wayne Shorter, Freddie Hubbard and Bobby Watson. The goal of the Cincinnati Jazz Messengers is to keep the music of these jazz titans alive, and in the spirit of the Jazz Messengers, contribute their own compositions to the diverse and rich songbook. A $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Michael Sharfe — bass John Zappa — trumpet Brian Batchelor-Glader — piano Tim McCord — tenor saxophone Ali Schweitzer — percussion Baba Charles Miller — percussion Celebrating the classic mambo, Latin jazz, and cha-cha of Tito Puente, Cal Tjader, Poncho Sanchez, and Mark Levine, Mambo Combo has its compass set toward Cuba. It produces music that is powerfully exciting rhythmically, by turns celebratory and yearning. A $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Ben Levin — piano/vocals Art Gore - drums Sean Carney — guitar/vocals Walter Cash Jr. — bass Ben Levin is a blues pianist/vocalist from Cincinnati, OH. Ben has released four albums on the Vizztone label and has two Blues Music Award nominations and five Blues Blast Awards nominations. Ben's latest album, "Take Your Time," featured collaborations with Blues legends Lil' Ed, Bob Stroger, and Lil'Jimmy Reed. Based on the success of their single "I've Been Drinking Muddy Water," Ben and Lil' Jimmy collaborated again in the studio, with Ben producing and co-writing songs with Jimmy. "Back to Baton Rouge" was released in May 2023 on NOLA Blue and reached number two on the Living Blues radio charts. "Both musicians have perfectly matched and understood themselves to give us a repertoire that includes five covers and five original songs that are a heartfelt tribute to the most traditional old-time blues. A magnificent and mandatory to listen album, one of those small treasures which are barely recorded, to be deeply savored in these times of modernity and technology." -La Hora De Blues (Spain) Ben also released an EP on Vizztone, "Waiting Just For You," in October 2023 with jazz vocalist Stella Heath. The two musicians collaborated on four duets with an all-star rhythm section, including Jim Anderson on upright bass and Art Gore on drums. "With Stella’s background in jazz and a love for blues, and Ben’s background in blues with a love for jazz, the two met musically in the middle. “Waiting Just For You” showcases four duets in a style where blues and jazz intersect to create a beautiful, classic sound." -American Blues Scene Art Gore's drumming style is characterized by signature driving cymbal beats, crisp, sharp snare accents, and well-placed bass drum "bombs." During his six-decade career, he has performed and recorded with such artists as George Benson, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Lonnie Liston Smith, Pharoah Sanders, Woody Shaw, Larry Young, Bobby Watson, Freddie Hubbard, John Scofield, Hank Marr, J.J. Johnson, Joey Defrancesco, Kenny Dorham, Hank Crawford, James Moody, and Ahmad Jamal, to name a few. Dr. Lonnie Smith has said of Art, "Art has the kind of rhythm and drive that's always right there." Art Gore was born into a family of musicians, which began his early exposure to music. By age sixteen, he was playing professionally. After graduating high school, Art attended Berklee College of Music and was drafted into the armed forces for two years. His musical development continued by playing with the First Armored Division Band and orchestra and leading his groups. After serving in the military, Art attended the Berklee College of Music, where he studied with renowned drum instructor Alan Dawson and later at the New England Conservatory of Music under Vic Firth. In 1972, Art joined Dr. Lonnie Smith, leading to traveling and recording with the Grammy-winning guitarist and vocalist George Benson. Upon leaving George Benson's band, Art began working with Lonnie Liston Smith. Art's recordings with Lonnie were some of the most important of his early career. Many jazz enthusiasts consider one of the recordings, "Expansions" (RCA 1975), a jazz-fusion classic. "Voodoo Woman," one of the compositions that Art recorded with Lonnie, is included in the Recommended Recordings of the Decade for the Smithsonian Collection of Jazz in the Seventies. A $15 food/drink minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. There are no refunds within 24 hours of the start of the performance. 

Paul Patterson — classical/12-string guitars Justin Dawson — bass Dan Dorff — drums/percussion Sylvia Mitchell — violin/accordion A night of Paul’s original music with flavors of Brazilian jazz guitar and ambient 12-string guitar. If the total amount of beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum, a $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Cincinnati's legendary Blue Wisp Big Band celebrates its 44th year of swingin' Big Band music at Caffe Vivace. Founded in January 1980 by drummer John Von Ohlen and trumpeter Don Johnson, the Blue Wisp Big Band got its start in and its name from the late Blue Wisp Jazz Club. Von Ohlen, a native of Indianapolis, moved to the Cincinnati area after many years on the road playing with world-class jazz orchestras, most notably those of Stan Kenton and Woody Herman. After hearing all of the fine musicians in the area, he felt there was a need to form a group because most of them “weren’t playing any jazz, which is the reason they started playing in the first place.” He felt the desire to start a “world-class big band and wanted to put it in a tavern, a beer joint.” Don Johnson, who had been on the Cincinnati scene for years, suggested which instrumentalists should play in the band. Von Ohlen states, “Don was the horn connection.” Pianist Steve Schmidt and bassist Michael Sharfe were already playing with Von Ohlen at the Blue Wisp in the Steve Schmidt Trio, Wednesday through Saturday nights, so the rhythm section was easily formed. Von Ohlen remembers approaching Paul and Marjean Wisby, the original owners of the Blue Wisp, with the idea, “Wednesday is a slow night. Why don’t we bring in a big band and blow the roof off the place? It worked real good.”Since its inception, the Blue Wisp Big Band has been the top jazz orchestra in Cincinnati. The hard bop-oriented big band started recording in 1981: first, an LP sponsored by the Cincinnati television station WKRC, and then four for the Mopro label, founded by Fred and Helen Morr, in the 1980s. The Mopro LPs were reissued in the mid -’90s on two CDs on the California label Sea Breeze, with one of the sets recorded in Los Angeles during a West Coast tour in 1984. Through the devoted and hard work of Helen Morr, the LPs were distributed around the country and Europe, garnering notice, good reviews, and airplay around the world. Among the group’s more notable members were trumpeter Tim Hagans and bassist Lynn Seaton. The band continued to perform at the Blue Wisp Jazz Club in Cincinnati on Wednesday nights until its closure in the summer of 2014. After a six-month tenure at Japp’s Annex in downtown Cincinnati, a short stint at Pirate’s Den in Westwood, and three years at the Urban Artifact in Northside, the band has a new home at Caffè Vivace in Walnut Hills. A $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Spencer Merk — trombone Eric Lechliter — trumpet Josh Kline — tenor saxophone Chris Caporale — piano Justin Dawson — bass Alex Merk — drums After one year in Baltimore, Spencer Merk returns to Caffe Vivace to play with an All-Star lineup of friends, family, and mentors. He'll have plenty of new music and familiar favorites to celebrate his return to Cincinnati. If the total amount of beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum, a $15 food/drink minimum is charged per person in the party, per set. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Chris Potter — tenor saxophone Matt Brewer — bass Kendrick Scott — drums A world-class soloist, accomplished composer, and formidable bandleader, saxophonist Chris Potter has emerged as a leading light for his generation. Down Beat called him “One of the most studied (and copied) saxophonists on the planet,” while Jazz Times identified him as “a figure of international renown.” Jazz sax elder statesman Dave Liebman called him simply “one of the best musicians around,” a sentiment shared by the readers of Down Beat in voting him second only to tenor sax great Sonny Rollins in the magazine’s 2008 Readers Poll. A potent improviser and the youngest musician ever to win Denmark’s Jazzpar Prize, Potter’s impressive discography includes 15 albums as a leader and sideman appearances on over 100 albums. He was nominated for a Grammy Award for his solo work on “In Vogue,” a track from Joanne Brackeen’s 1999 album Pink Elephant Magic. He was prominently featured on Steely Dan’s Grammy-winning album from 2000, Two Against Nature. He has performed or recorded with many leading names in jazz, such as Herbie Hancock, Dave Holland, John Scofield, the Mingus Big Band, Jim Hall, Paul Motian, Dave Douglas, Ray Brown and many others. A $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Chris Potter — tenor saxophone Matt Brewer — bass Kendrick Scott — drums A world-class soloist, accomplished composer, and formidable bandleader, saxophonist Chris Potter has emerged as a leading light for his generation. Down Beat called him “One of the most studied (and copied) saxophonists on the planet,” while Jazz Times identified him as “a figure of international renown.” Jazz sax elder statesman Dave Liebman called him simply “one of the best musicians around,” a sentiment shared by the readers of Down Beat in voting him second only to tenor sax great Sonny Rollins in the magazine’s 2008 Readers Poll. A potent improviser and the youngest musician ever to win Denmark’s Jazzpar Prize, Potter’s impressive discography includes 15 albums as a leader and sideman appearances on over 100 albums. He was nominated for a Grammy Award for his solo work on “In Vogue,” a track from Joanne Brackeen’s 1999 album Pink Elephant Magic. He was prominently featured on Steely Dan’s Grammy-winning album from 2000, Two Against Nature. He has performed or recorded with many leading names in jazz, such as Herbie Hancock, Dave Holland, John Scofield, the Mingus Big Band, Jim Hall, Paul Motian, Dave Douglas, Ray Brown and many others. A $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Dixie Karas — vocalist Ted Karas — guitar Steve Weingart — keyboard Bill Jackson — bass John Taylor — drums Get ready to be captivated by the mesmerizing melodies of Dixie Karas and her talented quintet at Caffe Vivace this November! Experience an unforgettable evening as Dixie Karas takes the stage, enchanting the audience with her soulful voice and a repertoire of favorite Jazz and Adult Contemporary tunes. Mark your calendars now for a night of musical magic you won't want to miss. Join us at Caffe Vivace and let the rhythms of jazz and soul sweep you away on a journey of pure musical delight! A $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be within 24 hours of the start of the performance. 

The Original Farm League Big Band is a 17-piece Jazz Orchestra dedicated to expanding the modern big band repertoire while featuring the work of local arrangers/composers. Formed in 2015, the ensemble comprises many of the Cincinnati/Dayton area's most exciting up-and-coming Jazz players and performs entirely original material. A $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Jazz Vivace proudly presents the Joshua Redman Group as part of the Summer 2024 Jazz Series. For decades, the Blue Note label has epitomized excellence in jazz, and Joshua Redman upholds this tradition. With a career spanning thirty years, Redman, as a saxophonist, composer, and bandleader, consistently pushes the boundaries of jazz while staying true to its essence. His latest album, "Where Are We," marks his debut with Blue Note and showcases his evolution as an artist. Redman's decision to collaborate with a vocalist marks a departure from his previous work. Redman explores new musical territories by playing with Gabrielle Cavassa, a rising star in the jazz scene. The album's creation was influenced by the isolating conditions of the pandemic, with virtual planning sessions shaping its unique sound. "Where Are We?" takes listeners on a journey across the USA, blending different genres and generations. Redman and Cavassa offer a fresh perspective on American music through innovative mash-ups and reinterpretations of classics. The album features renowned musicians such as drummer Brian Blade and pianist Aaron Parks, who add depth and soul to Redman's compositions. Each track on "Where Are We" reflects a different aspect of American life, from the melancholy of "After Minneapolis" to the celebration of "This Land is Your Land." Redman's lyrical saxophone and Cavassa's emotive vocals guide listeners through a landscape of beauty, longing, and introspection. Ultimately, "Where Are We?" mediates the complexities of American identity. Redman invites listeners to contemplate the country's past, present, and future through music, leaving them inspired and enriched by his artistry. Experience Joshua Redman at his finest with "Where Are We" – a testament to the enduring power of jazz. A $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Cincinnati's legendary Blue Wisp Big Band celebrates its 44th year of swingin' Big Band music at Caffe Vivace. Founded in January 1980 by drummer John Von Ohlen and trumpeter Don Johnson, the Blue Wisp Big Band got its start in and its name from the late Blue Wisp Jazz Club. Von Ohlen, a native of Indianapolis, moved to the Cincinnati area after many years on the road playing with world-class jazz orchestras, most notably those of Stan Kenton and Woody Herman. After hearing all of the fine musicians in the area, he felt there was a need to form a group because most of them “weren’t playing any jazz, which is the reason they started playing in the first place.” He felt the desire to start a “world-class big band and wanted to put it in a tavern, a beer joint.” Don Johnson, who had been on the Cincinnati scene for years, suggested which instrumentalists should play in the band. Von Ohlen states, “Don was the horn connection.” Pianist Steve Schmidt and bassist Michael Sharfe were already playing with Von Ohlen at the Blue Wisp in the Steve Schmidt Trio, Wednesday through Saturday nights, so the rhythm section was easily formed. Von Ohlen remembers approaching Paul and Marjean Wisby, the original owners of the Blue Wisp, with the idea, “Wednesday is a slow night. Why don’t we bring in a big band and blow the roof off the place? It worked real good.”Since its inception, the Blue Wisp Big Band has been the top jazz orchestra in Cincinnati. The hard bop-oriented big band started recording in 1981: first, an LP sponsored by the Cincinnati television station WKRC, and then four for the Mopro label, founded by Fred and Helen Morr, in the 1980s. The Mopro LPs were reissued in the mid -’90s on two CDs on the California label Sea Breeze, with one of the sets recorded in Los Angeles during a West Coast tour in 1984. Through the devoted and hard work of Helen Morr, the LPs were distributed around the country and Europe, garnering notice, good reviews, and airplay around the world. Among the group’s more notable members were trumpeter Tim Hagans and bassist Lynn Seaton. The band continued to perform at the Blue Wisp Jazz Club in Cincinnati on Wednesday nights until its closure in the summer of 2014. After a six-month tenure at Japp’s Annex in downtown Cincinnati, a short stint at Pirate’s Den in Westwood, and three years at the Urban Artifact in Northside, the band has a new home at Caffè Vivace in Walnut Hills. A $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Phil DeGreg — piano Rusty Burge — vibraphone Kim Pensyl— trumpet Aaron Jacobs — bass John Taylor — drums Brasilia fuses the improvisational influences of American jazz with the wide palette of Brazilian musical styles. The band includes pianist Phil DeGreg, trumpeter Kim Pensyl, vibraphonist Rusty Burge, bassist Aaron Jacobs, and drummer John Taylor, all professors at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and nationally well-respected players. The band frequently performs around the Midwest. Brasilia was formed in 2008 following Phil’s four-month Fulbright Fellowship residency at the University of Campinas, near Sao Paulo, Brazil. The group performs classic popular Brazilian repertoire and original music with plenty of room for improvisation. Their repertoire includes songs in samba, bossa-nova, choro, baião, and frevo styles, including works by Antonio Carlos Jobim, Edu Lobo, João Donato, Hermeto Pascoal, and others. A $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Paul Patterson — violin Brian Lovely — guitar George Cunningham — guitar Don Aren — bass Guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stephane Grappelli fronted the Quintette of the Hot Club of France in and around Paris from 1934 to 1939. They constituted the first generation of European jazz musicians. The Hot Club blended backgrounds in traditional gypsy and European popular and classical music with the then-new sounds of American jazz artists like Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller, and Benny Goodman to create a new musical genre, now often called "gypsy jazz." The Faux Frenchmen adapt the Hot Club’s instrumentation and style in forging their own re-Americanized take on gypsy jazz. Their four CD releases, Faux Frenchmen (2007), Oblivion (2008), The Swing Shift (2010), and 3 AM Waltz (2011), bend the relationship between American and European jazz, utilizing elements of both to create a distinctive stylistic voice. A $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Paul Patterson — classical/12-string guitars Justin Dawson — bass Dan Dorff — drums/percussion Sylvia Mitchell — violin/accordion A night of Paul’s original music with flavors of Brazilian jazz guitar and ambient 12-string guitar. If the total amount of beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum, a $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

A jazz piano pantheon member, Fred Hersch has been an influential creative force over more than three decades as an improviser, composer, educator, bandleader, collaborator, and recording artist. Vanity Fair has proclaimed him “the most arrestingly innovative pianist in jazz over the last decade” and “a living legend” by The New Yorker. A seventeen-time Grammy nominee, Hersch has garnered jazz’s most prestigious awards, including a Doris Duke Artist (2016), Jazz Pianist of the Year from the Jazz Journalists Association (2011, 2016, 2018), and the Jazz Magazine (France) International Artist of the Year (2021). The Fred Hersch Trio was voted the #1 Jazz Group in the 2019 DownBeat Critics Poll. An acclaimed and influential solo pianist, he has twelve solo recordings in his catalog, including the 2024 release Silent, Listening, which collaborates with legendary producer Manfred Eicher for the ECM label. All About Jazz has remarked that “when it comes to the art of solo piano in jazz, there are two classes of performers: Fred Hersch and everybody else,” The New York Times calls him “a master who plays it his way.” The Fred Hersch Trio has remained at the pinnacle of modern jazz through more than twelve albums, venerated as the epitome of thrilling interplay and dynamic spontaneity. The Wall Street Journal calls the trio “one of the major ensembles of our time,” while The New Yorker has applauded it for playing with “high lyricism and high danger.” They were named the #1 Jazz Group of the Year by DownBeat magazine. And appeared at major European and US jazz festivals and have regularly headlined at the legendary Village Vanguard since 1997. Hersch has more than sixty albums to his credit as leader or co-leader. His 2022 Breath By Breath features him playing his compositions inspired by his insight meditation practice with his trio and the Crosby Street String Quartet. A 2022 duo project with Italian trumpet maestro Enrico Rava, The Song Is You (ECM), was followed by the 2023 release of Alive at the Village Vanguard, a duo with dazzling jazz vocalist Esperanza Spalding that was named a 2023 Top Ten Jazz Album by DownBeat and was nominated for two 2024 Grammy Awards. His last album with his long-standing trio, 2018’s Live in Europe (Palmetto), documents one remarkable evening in Brussels and has been hailed as its best to date. An exceptionally responsive and intuitive collaborator, Hersch has engaged in duo partnerships with several spirited artists, including clarinetist Anat Cohen; guitarists Bill Frisell, Gilad Hekselman and Julian Lage; saxophonists Chris Potter, Joe Lovano, and Miguel Zenon; trumpeters Avishai Cohen and Enrico Rava; and vocalists Kurt Elling, esperanza spalding, Kate McGarry, Audra McDonald, Cécile McLorin Salvant, and Renée Fleming. His many sideman credits include Joe Henderson, Art Farmer, Stan Getz, Charlie Haden, and other jazz legends. Hersch’s memoir, Good Things Happen Slowly (Crown Archetype), compellingly reveals the story of his life in music along with a frank recounting of his health struggles and triumphs as the first openly gay, HIV-positive jazz musician. The book was named one of 2017’s Five Best Memoirs by the Washington Post and the New York Times and acclaimed as 2018’s Book on Jazz of the Year by the JJA. His story has also been told in a feature documentary by filmmakers Carrie Lozano and Charlotte Lagarde, The Ballad of Fred Hersch, which premiered to a sold-out house at the Full Frame Film Festival in 2016 and is now streaming. His acclaimed jazz/theater piece My Coma Dreams, created with librettist/director Herschel Garfein for actor/singer, eleven musicians and immersive video, premiered in 2011 and is also available online. While widely renowned for his playing, Hersch has earned similar distinction with his composing, garnering a Guggenheim Fellowship in composition, among other awards. His large-scale setting of Walt Whitman’s poetry for two voices and instrumental octet, Leaves of Grass, was selected to open the 2017 Jazz at Lincoln Center season at the Appel Room. He has received commissions from Roomful of Teeth, Igor Levit, the Lucerne Festival, the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, the Doris Duke Millennium Fund, and the Gilmore Keyboard Festival. He has been awarded ten composition residencies at MacDowell and one at Bellagio. For two decades, Hersch has been a passionate spokesman and fundraiser for AIDS services and education agencies. He has produced and performed on four benefit recordings and in numerous concerts for charities; to date, his efforts have raised more than $300,000. He has also been a keynote speaker and performer at international medical conferences in the U.S. and Europe. In 2020, he raised $50,000 for the Jazz Foundation of America with a live duo EP with vocalist Esperanza Spalding and Eight x 88, a streaming event featuring eight of New York’s greatest jazz pianists in solo and duo formats. A committed educator, Hersch has taught at the New England Conservatory, the Juilliard School, the New School, Rutgers University, and the Manhattan School of Music and has given master classes worldwide. Hersch’s influence has been widely felt by a new generation of jazz pianists, from former students Brad Mehldau, Sullivan Fortner, Dan Tepfer, and Ethan Iverson to his piano colleague Jason Moran, who has said, “Fred at the piano is like LeBron James on the basketball court. He’s perfection.” If the total amount of beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum, a $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

A jazz piano pantheon member, Fred Hersch has been an influential creative force over more than three decades as an improviser, composer, educator, bandleader, collaborator, and recording artist. Vanity Fair has proclaimed him “the most arrestingly innovative pianist in jazz over the last decade” and “a living legend” by The New Yorker. A seventeen-time Grammy nominee, Hersch has garnered jazz’s most prestigious awards, including a Doris Duke Artist (2016), Jazz Pianist of the Year from the Jazz Journalists Association (2011, 2016, 2018), and the Jazz Magazine (France) International Artist of the Year (2021). The Fred Hersch Trio was voted the #1 Jazz Group in the 2019 DownBeat Critics Poll. An acclaimed and influential solo pianist, he has twelve solo recordings in his catalog, including the 2024 release Silent, Listening, which collaborates with legendary producer Manfred Eicher for the ECM label. All About Jazz has remarked that “when it comes to the art of solo piano in jazz, there are two classes of performers: Fred Hersch and everybody else,” The New York Times calls him “a master who plays it his way.” The Fred Hersch Trio has remained at the pinnacle of modern jazz through more than twelve albums, venerated as the epitome of thrilling interplay and dynamic spontaneity. The Wall Street Journal calls the trio “one of the major ensembles of our time,” while The New Yorker has applauded it for playing with “high lyricism and high danger.” They were named the #1 Jazz Group of the Year by DownBeat magazine. And appeared at major European and US jazz festivals and have regularly headlined at the legendary Village Vanguard since 1997. Hersch has more than sixty albums to his credit as leader or co-leader. His 2022 Breath By Breath features him playing his compositions inspired by his insight meditation practice with his trio and the Crosby Street String Quartet. A 2022 duo project with Italian trumpet maestro Enrico Rava, The Song Is You (ECM), was followed by the 2023 release of Alive at the Village Vanguard, a duo with dazzling jazz vocalist Esperanza Spalding that was named a 2023 Top Ten Jazz Album by DownBeat and was nominated for two 2024 Grammy Awards. His last album with his long-standing trio, 2018’s Live in Europe (Palmetto), documents one remarkable evening in Brussels and has been hailed as its best to date. An exceptionally responsive and intuitive collaborator, Hersch has engaged in duo partnerships with several spirited artists, including clarinetist Anat Cohen; guitarists Bill Frisell, Gilad Hekselman and Julian Lage; saxophonists Chris Potter, Joe Lovano, and Miguel Zenon; trumpeters Avishai Cohen and Enrico Rava; and vocalists Kurt Elling, esperanza spalding, Kate McGarry, Audra McDonald, Cécile McLorin Salvant, and Renée Fleming. His many sideman credits include Joe Henderson, Art Farmer, Stan Getz, Charlie Haden, and other jazz legends. Hersch’s memoir, Good Things Happen Slowly (Crown Archetype), compellingly reveals the story of his life in music along with a frank recounting of his health struggles and triumphs as the first openly gay, HIV-positive jazz musician. The book was named one of 2017’s Five Best Memoirs by the Washington Post and the New York Times and acclaimed as 2018’s Book on Jazz of the Year by the JJA. His story has also been told in a feature documentary by filmmakers Carrie Lozano and Charlotte Lagarde, The Ballad of Fred Hersch, which premiered to a sold-out house at the Full Frame Film Festival in 2016 and is now streaming. His acclaimed jazz/theater piece My Coma Dreams, created with librettist/director Herschel Garfein for actor/singer, eleven musicians and immersive video, premiered in 2011 and is also available online. While widely renowned for his playing, Hersch has earned similar distinction with his composing, garnering a Guggenheim Fellowship in composition, among other awards. His large-scale setting of Walt Whitman’s poetry for two voices and instrumental octet, Leaves of Grass, was selected to open the 2017 Jazz at Lincoln Center season at the Appel Room. He has received commissions from Roomful of Teeth, Igor Levit, the Lucerne Festival, the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, the Doris Duke Millennium Fund, and the Gilmore Keyboard Festival. He has been awarded ten composition residencies at MacDowell and one at Bellagio. For two decades, Hersch has been a passionate spokesman and fundraiser for AIDS services and education agencies. He has produced and performed on four benefit recordings and in numerous concerts for charities; to date, his efforts have raised more than $300,000. He has also been a keynote speaker and performer at international medical conferences in the U.S. and Europe. In 2020, he raised $50,000 for the Jazz Foundation of America with a live duo EP with vocalist Esperanza Spalding and Eight x 88, a streaming event featuring eight of New York’s greatest jazz pianists in solo and duo formats. A committed educator, Hersch has taught at the New England Conservatory, the Juilliard School, the New School, Rutgers University, and the Manhattan School of Music and has given master classes worldwide. Hersch’s influence has been widely felt by a new generation of jazz pianists, from former students Brad Mehldau, Sullivan Fortner, Dan Tepfer, and Ethan Iverson to his piano colleague Jason Moran, who has said, “Fred at the piano is like LeBron James on the basketball court. He’s perfection.” If the total amount of beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum, a $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Jane Monheit is a jazz and adult contemporary vocalist passionate about the Great American Songbook. With many highly acclaimed solo albums, countless awards and accolades, and over two decades of international touring experience, Jane has not only been an extremely successful bandleader but has had the privilege of making music with some of the greatest musicians, arrangers, and producers in jazz. During her childhood, Jane studied woodwinds and piano, spent a decade performing in award-winning choirs, and participated in community theater on Long Island. Throughout this, her focus remained on jazz, especially her interpretation of the Songbook. At 20, during her senior year at the prestigious Manhattan School Of Music, Jane placed second in the Thelonious Monk Competition, now known as the Hancock Competition. This led to an incredible career trajectory, catapulting Jane into the jazz stratosphere nearly overnight. By 22, Jane worked with legends such as Tommy Flanagan, Ron Carter, and Kenny Barron, recording her first albums and touring the planet. This led to collaborations with jazz luminaries such as Terence Blanchard, Ivan Lins, Tom Harrell, John Pizzarelli, Christian McBride, Vince Mendoza, Jorge Calandrelli, and many more. Countless television appearances followed, including David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, CBS Sunday Morning, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show, The View, and many popular international talk shows. Several successful film soundtracks have also included Jane’s music, including Sky Captain And The World Of Tomorrow and Never Let Me Go. After more than twenty years, twelve studio albums, and countless recorded guest appearances, Jane has continued to tour the world nearly nonstop, including playing iconic venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl and headlining at nearly every legendary jazz club on the planet, most notably NY stalwarts such as the Village Vanguard and Birdland. In addition to touring, she also writes English lyrics for Ivan Lins. She uses the knowledge and experience she has gained at the Manhattan School Of Music and on the legendary bandstands of the world to educate and uplift students worldwide. Jane resides in Los Angeles with her husband, Rick Montalbano, and their son, who has been a drummer for over twenty years. A $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Joe Alterman — piano Aaron Jacobs — bass Jim Leslie — drums Atlanta native Joe Alterman expresses a certain upbeat naivete with a broad smile and bright eyes that make you feel welcome. One would not guess that this is a man hailed by greats; Ramsey Lewis describes his piano playing as a joy to behold’; Les McCann states, ‘As a man and musician he is already a giant.’ Journalist Nat Hentoff championed three of Alterman’s albums, as well as his writing (Joe wrote liner notes to three Wynton Marsalis/JALC albums), calling one of Joe’s columns “one of the very best pieces on the essence of jazz, the spirit of jazz, that I’ve ever read, and I’m not exaggerating.” Joe Alterman began at NYU with a BA and Master in Jazz Piano from NYU and has since performed at many world-renowned venues, including the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Birdland, and Blue Note alongside Houston Person, Les McCann, Dick Gregory, Ramsey Lewis, and his trio, among others. Downbeat describes his sound as “rooted in the blues and with a touch reminiscent of the great pianists of the 1950s—Red Garland, Ahmad Jamal, Bill Evans.” It is clear Joe hits all of the necessary points for Jazz critics and fans alike. But there is more to the story, of course. The twenty-first century has thus far seen yet another transition for this thing called Jazz. In one moment, we see the push and pull between tradition and progression; in another, we see Pop and Hip-Hop musicians emulating and sampling. In Joe Alterman, we find none of this struggle; the music sounds good. Our conscious faculties are instantly disabled as we tap our feet, feeling the intent and joy of his playing. An old classic is new when you feel good at the moment. Joe Alterman’s new release, The Upside Of Down, captures this fresh and joyful intent. Taken from two live shows at Birdland in November 2019 and February 2020, the album reminds us of a not-too-distant time when we gathered and danced. Joined by Nathaniel Schroeder on bass and Marlon Patton on drums, Alterman cruises gently and delightedly through timeless selections from Les McCann, Oscar Peterson, Henry Mancini, and more, with some of his compositions in the mix. A $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Refunds must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance.