Caffe Vivace's Upcoming Shows

Colin Palmieri - Alto/Tenor/Soprano Saxophones Spencer Merk - Trombone Chris Caporale - Piano Teddy Mechley - Bass Alex Merk - Drums Ever since Alex Merk began writing music in 2020, he has found composing to be the most special part of being a musician. He has also been particularly fascinated with music written by other drummers, finding such music to be a unique insight into the possibilities of ensemble writing. For this show, Alex will highlight some of his favorite music written by his drumming heroes of past and present, such as Max Roach, Philly Joe Jones, Louie Bellson, Tony Williams, Victor Lewis, and Brian Blade, as well as his own compositions inspired by these drummer composers. Alex will be joined onstage by his new band Agency. This band consists of musicians who share a strong musical bond and are dedicated to performing all facets of music at the highest level possible. 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.

Jeremy Long — alto saxophone Jamie Walkenhauer — alto saxophone Brent Gallaher — tenor saxophone Dan Drees — tenor saxophone Larry Dickson — baritone saxophone Jeff Owen — trombone Clarence Pawn — trombone Brian Stevens — trombone Gary Langhorst — bass trombone Jeff Folkens — trumpet Hank Mautner — trumpet John Zappa — trumpet Kim Pensyl — trumpet Steve Schmidt — piano Mike Sharfe — bass Jim Leslie — drums Cincinnati's legendary Blue Wisp Big Band celebrates its 46th 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 resell 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.

Eric Lechliter — trumpet Mandy Gaines — vocalist Phil DeGreg — piano Peter Gemus — bass Matt McAllister — drums Join us for an extraordinary evening as Mandy Gaines and Eric Lechliter pay homage to the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong through a mesmerizing jazz tribute concert. Prepare to be transported to a bygone era of sophistication and musical brilliance as Gaines channels the essence of Fitzgerald's timeless artistry with her rich and soulful vocals. From swinging standards to heartfelt ballads, Gaines effortlessly captures the depth and charm of Fitzgerald's repertoire. Leading the ensemble with his mesmerizing trumpet, Eric Lechliter sets the stage ablaze with his virtuosic talent. His soulful interpretations and masterful improvisations pay homage to the legendary Louis Armstrong, capturing the spirit and energy that made Armstrong a jazz icon. Lechliter's seamless command of the stage and captivating presence guarantee an unforgettable musical experience. Joining Eric Lechliter is the enchanting Mandy Gaines, whose velvety voice and captivating stage presence add dimension to the tribute. With her impeccable phrasing and emotive delivery, Gaines honors Ella Fitzgerald's legacy, infusing each lyric with warmth and authenticity. Her interpretations of Fitzgerald's beloved repertoire will leave you spellbound, capturing the essence of Fitzgerald's unparalleled vocal prowess. Together, Eric Lechliter and Mandy Gaines create an exquisite musical fusion that transports you back to the golden age of jazz. Backed by a stellar ensemble of talented musicians, they deliver breathtaking renditions of beloved classics like "Dream a Little Dream of Me," "What a Wonderful World," and "Someone to Watch Over Me." The chemistry between Lechliter and Gaines on stage is palpable, weaving a tapestry of musical brilliance that pays homage to the enduring legacy of Fitzgerald and Armstrong. Don't miss this extraordinary jazz tribute concert where Eric Lechliter leads the way, joined by the incomparable Mandy Gaines. Prepare to be captivated by their artistry as they honor the indelible contributions of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, leaving you with cherished memories of an unforgettable evening of jazz magic. 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.

Sophia Troyer - bass/vocals Sergio Pamies - piano Alex Merk - drums The Sophia Troyer Trio brings the magic of classic cinema to life with a curated selection of beloved songs from the Silver Screen. Featuring music associated with iconic stars such as Audrey Hepburn: “Moon River,” “How Long Has This Been Going On?,” “Isn’t It Romantic?” Marilyn Monroe: “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” “Bye Bye Baby,” “I’m Through With Love” Judy Garland: “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” “Get Happy” and more Silver Screen stars and timeless favorites from the Great American Songbook. 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.