Kelly MacKenzie-Thurley — vocalist Phil DeGreg — piano Kris Keith — woodwinds Teddy Mechley — bass Alex Merk — drums Celebrate the season's spirit with "Up Jumped Spring" at Caffè Vivace on April 26, 2025! Acclaimed jazz vocalist Kelly MacKenzie-Thurley joins forces with Cincinnati jazz legend Phil DeGreg for an evening of elegant melodies and swinging rhythms. With Kelly’s rich, expressive vocals and Phil’s masterful touch on the piano, this duo brings fresh life to timeless standards and spring-inspired favorites. Don’t miss this intimate night of top-tier jazz in the perfect setting—reserve your spot now! Kelly MacKenzie-Thurley is a graduate of Northern Kentucky University and the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. She has sung in operas, musicals, cabarets, festivals, and concerts throughout the United States, Australia, Italy, the Czech Republic, Austria, the United Kingdom, and Germany, including performances at Cincinnati’s Music Hall, Harlech Castle in North Wales, and the Sydney Opera House. Kelly has been on the voice faculty at NKU’s School of the Arts for nine years and has also run voice studios in Sydney, London & Cincinnati, where she worked with private students, recording studios, and vocal ensembles and was recently invited to join the voice faculty of the University of Dayton. In 2018, she became the NKU Vocal Jazz Ensemble director and continued her studies with Darmon Meader of New York Voices. In October 2021, Kelly served as a Jazz Ambassador for the Cincinnati-Nancy Sister Jazz Initiative in Nancy, France, and Kelly continues to perform regularly throughout Southwest Ohio. 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. Tickets for this performance are non-refundable. If you cannot attend, a one-time transfer to a future show of equal value will be accepted. The transfer 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. Tickets for this performance are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, a one-time transfer to a future show of equal value will be accepted. The transfer must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Matthew's musical journey began at age three with a keyboard gift from his grandfather. He's now an artist, captivating audiences globally and appearing on notable T.V. shows like Showtime at the Apollo, the Today Show, Ellen, and a feature on 60 Minutes. ​Matthew is a versatile artist, starring, producing, and scoring the All-Arts Emmy-nominated documentary "About Tomorrow" and scoring the film "Starkeisha," which is currently streaming on Hulu. He also appeared in and contributed music to the Emmy-winning Apple T.V. commercial "The Greatest." Matthew made his musical director debut with the award-winning "Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For." A musical on the life of pianist and composer Billy Strayhorn, which premiered in Pittsburgh, PA, in the fall of 2023. He’s had guest soloist appearances with orchestras and symphonies, including the Aspen Chamber Symphony, under the baton of guest conductor Marin Alsop, and the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa, CN, Alexander Shelley, conductor. He also composed a song for the 82-piece Bulgarian Symphony Orchestra in Sofia, Bulgaria, which was included in the aforementioned All-Arts documentary, “About Tomorrow.” Matthew created the musical score ‘Finding Free’ for the Alvin Ailey Dance Company’s 2024-2025 season, choreographed by Hope Boykin it premiered in New York City and toured across the U.S. ​Matthew believes that music connects us all and that every child should have access to music education. Beyond music, Matthew advocates for persons with disabilities and consults companies on improving accessibility features. He is a three-time ASCAP Foundation Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composers Award winner, with three studio albums as a leader; "Outta The Box," "Now Hear This," and "Connections." His fourth recording, "On Their Shoulders: An Organ Tribute," (2024) an homage to some of Matthew's heroes on the instrument, is nominated for Outstanding Jazz Album by the 2025 NAACP Image Awards. Matthew has collaborated with industry greats like pianist, multiple Grammy-award winning composer, vocalist, and band leader Jon Batiste; Grammy-award winning bassist Christian McBride; bassist, composer, and producer Derrick Hodge; pianist, composer; musical director Ray Chew; and NEA Jazz Master, violinist Regina Carter; and Anderson Paak during the 2024 Paralympics Handover Ceremony. These shows are sponsored by It's Commonly Jazz, Cincinnati's longest running free jazz summer series, and by A Tribe for Jazz, a non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve the legacy and advance the future of jazz through visual storytelling, live & virtual performances, education, and community engagement. 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. Tickets for this performance are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, a one-time transfer to a future show of equal value will be accepted. The transfer must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Kurt Rosenwinkel — guitar Jean-Paul Brodbeck — piano Lukas Traxel — bass Jorge Rossy — drums Rosenwinkel and Brodbeck team up again on the heels of their successful first collaboration, “The Chopin Project.” This time, with their telepathic quartet intact, they tackle the music of Johannes Brahms—the Brahms Project. Brodbeck's new arrangements take up Johannes Brahms's yearning melodies and classical-romantic harmonic structures and find a new form of expression with these familiar and carefully selected compositions. The "folk style" to which Brahms felt connected becomes a refreshing jazz sound in which the ritual element of Hungarian dances is revived, as is the touching beauty of the late piano pieces. Rosenwinkel's long expanding phrases open up a new world of sound and emotion and the expressiveness of his playing come to the fore in a powerful way on this recording. In addition, Brodbeck's selected orchestrations with the Traxel-Rossy rhythm duo move within an extremely song- serving framework. We experience earthy groove- emphasised music upon which improvisations expand. Brahms' famous lullaby rounds off the programme and canonises this extraordinary repertoire. 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. Tickets for this performance are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, a one-time transfer to a future show of equal value will be accepted. The transfer must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Eugene Goss — vocalist George Simon — guitar 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. The transfer must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Jennifer Barnes — alto saxophone Phil DeGreg — piano Aaron Jacobs — bass Steve Barnes — drums Jennifer Barnes is a highly sought-after vocalist, educator, clinician, arranger, and Professor of Music at the University of North Texas. As Director of Vocal Jazz Studies, Ms. Barnes oversees all vocal activities within the highly lauded Division of Jazz Studies at UNT, including four vocal jazz ensembles and directing the flagship vocal ensemble, UNT Jazz Singers, who were DownBeat magazine’s 2020 Graduate College Vocal Jazz Large Ensemble Winners. She has previously directed award-winning Vocal Jazz Ensembles at seven other universities, has served as a guest conductor for District and All-State Music Festivals in sixteen states, taught jazz vocals at the Jamey Aebersold Jazz Camps from 1998 through 2015, and her vocal arrangements are published by SMP (Sound Music Publications), Sheet Music Plus and UNC Jazz Press. She was awarded the 2016 Jazz Education Achievement Award by DownBeat Magazine, as only the second vocal educator to receive that honor. Jennifer previously resided in Los Angeles, where she was an active vocalist in both studio and live performances. Her voice has been heard and featured on feature films including “Wall-E”, “Ice Age 2, 3 & 4”, “Enchanted”, “Star Trek”, “Ready Player One” and the Fox hit television show, “Glee” as well as the World of Warcraft video games. She has sung on or appeared in advertising for Chili’s Bar & Grill, Epson, Old El Paso and McDonald’s and released a highly acclaimed solo jazz recording, “You Taught My Heart”. Jennifer is the alto vocalist in the professional vocal group Vertical Voices (with Julia Dollison, Greg Jasperse, and Kerry Marsh). Phil DeGreg is a Cincinnati-based pianist who has made his mark in the jazz world over the past four decades as a recording artist, composer, and pedagogue. He has toured with The Woody Herman Orchestra and performed with Randy Brecker, Ira Sullivan, Claudio Roditi, J.J. Johnson, Harry Allen, Conrad Herwig, and many others. He has released 12 albums as a leader. As an educator, Phil retired after 27 years as a Professor of Jazz Studies at the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. He continues to teach private students and master classes locally and worldwide and has taught with Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshops for 36 years. 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. Tickets for this performance are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, a one-time transfer to a future show of equal value will be accepted. The transfer must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Colin Palmieri — alto/soprano saxophones Alec Davis — tenor saxophone Kosta Brunson — trombone Alex Nicodemus — piano Teddy Mechley — bass Alex Merk — drums Higher Heights is a sextet that performs original music and arrangements from their favorite modern jazz groups. The band consists of six classmates from UC’s College-Conservatory of Music and was formed under the concept of the members pushing each other through complex writing in a setting outside of school. Spearheaded by drummer Alex Merk, the group features original music from every member and seeks to push its musical boundaries continually. 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. Tickets for this performance are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, a one-time transfer to a future show of equal value will be accepted. The transfer must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Cincinnati's legendary Blue Wisp Big Band celebrates its 45th 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. Tickets for this performance are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, a one-time transfer to a future Blue Wisp Big Band show of equal value will be accepted. The transfer must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Ralph DiSylvestro — trumpet Eric Wurzelbacher — tenor saxophone Colin Palmieri — alto saxophone Zachary Granger — 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 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. Tickets for this performance are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, a one-time transfer to a future show of equal value will be accepted. The transfer must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Al West Jr. — vocalist Greg Chako — guitar David Lloyd — bass Michael Meloy — drums Al West, Jr., conceived in Mississippi, born in St. Louis, and raised in Chicago, is a jazz vocalist whose journey follows the genealogy and geography of this uniquely American musical art form. His silky smooth vocals and classic-man vibe naturally suit his expansive repertoire. Al interprets a broad range of selections from the Great American Songbook with emotion, sensitivity, and vitality that poignantly conveys each story. Straddling classic and contemporary jazz worlds, he easily moves from intimate lounge settings to larger performance halls. 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. Tickets for this performance are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, a one-time transfer to a future show of equal value will be accepted. The transfer must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Dr. Eddie Henderson — trumpet Michael Wade — trumpet Dennis Reynolds — trumpet Myles Ellington Twitty — trumpet Ben Tweedt — piano Peter Gemus — bass Francis Wyatt — drums Get ready for an unforgettable night of powerhouse trumpet playing as F.A.T.S. (Famous American Trumpet Section) with Jazz Legend Dr. Eddie Henderson takes the stage! Featuring an all-star lineup of Mike Wade, Dennis Reynolds, and Myles Ellington Twitty, this ensemble brings the fire, precision, and spirit of America’s finest trumpet traditions. Dr. Eddie Henderson, a legendary force in jazz known for his work with Herbie Hancock’s Mwandishi band and beyond, leads this electrifying section in a night of hard-swinging grooves, deep blues, and soaring improvisations. Don’t miss this celebration of trumpet mastery! 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. The transfer must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Scott Belck — trumpet Bill Prince — clarinet Vaughn Wiester — trombone Brian Cashwell — piano Chris Berg — bass Jim Leslie— drums Cincinnati's newly formed all-star Traditional jazz band led by trumpeter Scott Belck. 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. Tickets for this performance are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, a one-time transfer to a future show of equal value will be accepted. The transfer 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. Tickets for this performance are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, a one-time transfer to a future show of equal value will be accepted. The transfer must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

José James is both a conductor and conduit. Across 17 years as a singer, songwriter, bandleader, and producer — not to mention co-head of the fearless Rainbow Blonde Records since 2018 — he’s dived deep, over and over again, into genres, eras, scenes, and songbooks, exploring with the verve of a reverent musicologist and then churning it all up with the confidence of a master practitioner. Blessed with a silken baritone that sounds classic against any backdrop, James first turned heads on his 2008 debut, The Dreamer, by subtly swirling contemporary jazz with hip-hop instrumentation. As it turned out, mixing those two fluid, frenetic, and frequently time-traveling strains set off a deeply soulful discography that knows no bounds. There was his stunning Blue Note breakthrough No Beginning No End (2013), recorded with fellow genre upsetters like Pino Palladino and Robert Glasper. There was an album of standards, For All We Know (2010); the Rock-addled While You Were Sleeping (2014); then, he ditched the band and became a modern R&B star for Love in a Time of Madness (2017). He’s also taken a Method approach to cover projects — even matching his wardrobe to his subjects’ worlds — like 2015’s Yesterday I Had the Blues (Billie Holiday), 2018’s Lean On Me (Bill Withers), and 2023’s On & On (Erykah Badu). He’s released dynamic live LPs, a Christmas set, and a four-album series inspired by hooky, funky, disco-dipped songcraft of the ’70s, culminating in his latest, 1978: Revenge of the Dragon (2025). That last one is as immediate, unpredictable, and vibrant as anything James has made, affirming the mantra in the lead single’s title: “They Sleep, We Grind.” 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. Tickets for this performance are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, a one-time transfer to a future show of equal value will be accepted. The transfer must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Andy Brown — guitar Dan Drees — tenor saxophone Rob Allgeyer — Hammond organ Ben Cliness — drums Join us at Caffè Vivace on May 16 as we welcome the Andy Brown Organ Trio, featuring Cincinnati saxophonist Dan Drees! A master of classic jazz guitar, Andy Brown brings his deep swing, refined touch, and Chicago flair back to the city where his journey began. With the soulful drive of the organ trio format, this promises to be an unforgettable night of straight-ahead jazz at its finest. Secure your seats now! 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. Tickets for this performance are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, a one-time transfer to a future show of equal value will be accepted. The transfer must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Peter Bernstein — guitar Steve Schmidt — piano Justin Dawson — bass Jim Leslie — drums The jazz guitarist, among the most sought-after in the New York area, has a feather-light touch, an encyclopedic knowledge of chords, and the ability to play standards like he’s inventing them on the spot. - The Los Angeles Daily News Mr. Bernstein is a fluidly improvising guitarist in the post-bop tradition, with control over harmony and a beautiful sound. - The New York Times Peter Bernstein produces a warm, ringing, muscular tone that echoes that of giants such as Wes Montgomery, Jim Hall, and Kenny Burrell. - Jazziz Jazz guitarist Peter Bernstein has been a part of the jazz scene in New York and abroad since 1989. During that time, he has participated in over 80 recordings and numerous festivals, concerts, and club performances with musicians from all generations. As a leader, Peter has released nine albums and a DVD, Live at Smoke. He got his first break while attending the New School when he met the legendary guitarist Jim Hall. Hall asked Peter to participate in his Invitational Concert as part of the 1990 JVC Jazz Festival. The event featured such guitarists as John Scofield and Pat Metheny and was released as Live at Town Hall Vol. 2. by Music Masters. Hall noted that Peter “…has paid attention to the past and future. He is the most impressive guitarist I’ve heard. He plays the best for swing, logic, feel, and taste.” Also in 1990, Peter Bernstein was discovered by alto saxophonist Lou Donaldson and took part in the first of four recordings with him. He was a regular member of his group throughout the 1990s. “Some people just have it,” Donaldson said. “…most of the time, you have to teach someone what to do, but Peter knows it all.” Peter has also enjoyed long musical associations with legendary drummer Jimmy Cobb (Cobb’s Mob), organist Larry Goldings, and drummer Bill Stewart as a member of their highly acclaimed trio and the New York Times called them “the best organ trio of the last decade”. Together, they recorded a dozen records, all displaying their distinctive sound, whether exploring the depths of jazz standards or playing their original compositions. From 1995 through 1997, Peter played on Redman’s Freedom in the Groove CD as a Joshua Redman's band member. He played with Diana Krall’s quartet from 1999 through 2001 and with Dr. Lonnie Smith, the legendary organist who made his debut on the George Benson Cookbook albums. He has also recorded five CDs with organist Melvin Rhyne, known for his association with Wes Montgomery. In addition, Peter has appeared in groups led by Nicholas Payton, Sonny Rollins, Lee Konitz, Tom Harrell, and Eric Alexander. His current projects include his recent album, Monk, which was recorded for the newly reactivated Xanadu label. Together with Doug Weiss and Bill Stewart, he put their own spin on the rich legacy of Thelonious Monk. In September, Bernstein released a solo guitar record, Solo Guitar—Live at Smalls (Smalls Live). 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. Tickets for this performance are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, a one-time transfer to a future show of equal value will be accepted. The transfer 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: Tickets for this performance are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, a one-time transfer to a future show of equal value will be accepted. The transfer must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Cincinnati's legendary Blue Wisp Big Band celebrates its 45th 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. Tickets for this performance are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, a one-time transfer to a future Blue Wisp Big Band show of equal value will be accepted. The transfer must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Mandy Gaines — vocalist, Brad Myers — guitar 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, and roots musician, composer, teacher, producer, and engineer. He plays acoustic and electric guitar, bass guitar, and mandolin and sings. 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. Tickets for this performance are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, a one-time transfer to a future show of equal value will be accepted. The transfer must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Charles McPherson — alto saxophone Terell Stafford — trumpet Randy Porter — piano Boris Koslov — bass Billy Drummond — drums “Charles is the very definition of excellence in our music. He’s the definitive master of his instrument. He plays with exceptional harmonic accuracy and sophistication. He performs free-flowing, melodic, and thematically developed solos with unbelievable fire and an unparalleled depth of soul.” Wynton Marsalis, a long-time admirer Charles McPherson, born in Joplin, Missouri 1939, moved to Detroit at age nine and studied with pianist Barry Harris. At nineteen, he began performing professionally and relocated to New York in 1959. A year later, he joined Charles Mingus’s band, remaining until 1972 and collaborating with notable artists like George Coleman and Lonnie Hillyer. McPherson has toured internationally with his own groups and jazz legends including Wynton Marsalis, Dizzy Gillespie, and Lionel Hampton. He’s been featured with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and appeared in the Clint Eastwood film Bird as the alto saxophonist. He has released recordings on Prestige, Fantasy, Xanadu, Smoke Sessions, and more. A recipient of numerous awards, including the Don Redman Lifetime Achievement Award, McPherson holds an Honorary Doctorate from California State University San Marcos. He served as Resident Composer for the San Diego Ballet, where his Jazz Dance Suites earned praise and topped readers’ polls in DownBeat and JazzTimes. Even during the pandemic, McPherson remained active, performing virtually and teaching at institutions like Michigan State and Arizona State. His most recent recording Reverence, a tribute to Barry Harris, showcases his quintet’s strength and artistry. A celebrated educator, McPherson has mentored students who now lead jazz programs and have earned major scholarships. He’s currently the subject of an upcoming memoir and was the focus of a doctoral dissertation on his saxophone style. As Wynton Marsalis says, “Charles is the very definition of excellence in our music.” 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. Tickets for this performance are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, a one-time transfer to a future show of equal value will be accepted. The transfer must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance. 

Charles McPherson — alto saxophone Terell Stafford — trumpet Randy Porter — piano Boris Koslov — bass Billy Drummond — drums “Charles is the very definition of excellence in our music. He’s the definitive master of his instrument. He plays with exceptional harmonic accuracy and sophistication. He performs free-flowing, melodic, and thematically developed solos with unbelievable fire and an unparalleled depth of soul.” Wynton Marsalis, a long-time admirer Charles McPherson, born in Joplin, Missouri 1939, moved to Detroit at age nine and studied with pianist Barry Harris. At nineteen, he began performing professionally and relocated to New York in 1959. A year later, he joined Charles Mingus’s band, remaining until 1972 and collaborating with notable artists like George Coleman and Lonnie Hillyer. McPherson has toured internationally with his own groups and jazz legends including Wynton Marsalis, Dizzy Gillespie, and Lionel Hampton. He’s been featured with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and appeared in the Clint Eastwood film Bird as the alto saxophonist. He has released recordings on Prestige, Fantasy, Xanadu, Smoke Sessions, and more. A recipient of numerous awards, including the Don Redman Lifetime Achievement Award, McPherson holds an Honorary Doctorate from California State University San Marcos. He served as Resident Composer for the San Diego Ballet, where his Jazz Dance Suites earned praise and topped readers’ polls in DownBeat and JazzTimes. Even during the pandemic, McPherson remained active, performing virtually and teaching at institutions like Michigan State and Arizona State. His most recent recording Reverence, a tribute to Barry Harris, showcases his quintet’s strength and artistry. A celebrated educator, McPherson has mentored students who now lead jazz programs and have earned major scholarships. He’s currently the subject of an upcoming memoir and was the focus of a doctoral dissertation on his saxophone style. As Wynton Marsalis says, “Charles is the very definition of excellence in our music.” 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. Tickets for this performance are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, a one-time transfer to a future show of equal value will be accepted. The transfer must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance.