Caffe Vivace's Upcoming Shows

Kelly MacKenzie-Thurley - vocals & percussion Erwin Stuckey - piano & vibraphone Teddy Mechley - bass Matt McAllister - drums Kris Keith - flute & tenor sax, percussion Batucada brings the authentic sound of Brazilian music direct from the streets of Rio de Janeiro. With a vibrant explosion of rhythm and energy, Batucada ignite the stage with infectious grooves, soaring melodies, and dazzling percussion. With Batucada you will experience the soul of Samba, the heart of the Carnival, and the pulse of a nation! 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. 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 show of equal value will be accepted. The transfer must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance.

Organized Gentlemen is a Cincinnati-based trio featuring Brian Batchelor-Glader on organ, George Simon on guitar, and Jeff Mellott on drums. Originally rooted in the classic organ trio tradition, they cut their teeth playing instrumental covers of funk, soul, pop, and R&B gems from the ’60s through the ’90s. Over time, their creative chemistry led them into original territory—writing and recording music that balances groove-driven joy with audience connection. As their sound evolves, their dedication to the craft continues to deepen, always grounded in the spirit of exploration. 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 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 show of equal value will be accepted. The transfer must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance.

Grammy-nominated saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Tia Fuller and acclaimed pianist, composer, and educator Shamie Royston are two of the most compelling creative voices in contemporary jazz. Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, the sisters share a deep musical lineage and a commitment to artistic excellence that bridges performance, composition, and education. Together, they represent a rare convergence of virtuosity, intellect, and soul. Tia Fuller is a force across jazz, pop, R&B, and beyond, blending technical command with melodic imagination and a commanding stage presence. A Mack Avenue recording artist, she balances an active international touring and recording career with her role as a full-time professor at Berklee College of Music. Fuller’s artistry reflects both rigorous academic training and real-world performance at the highest levels. Fuller’s career reached global audiences through her work with Beyoncé, touring worldwide on the I Am… Sasha Fierce and Beyoncé Experience tours, appearing on major television broadcasts, and performing as a featured soloist at the White House for President Obama. As a bandleader, she has released five albums, including the Grammy-nominated Diamond Cut, produced by Terri Lyne Carrington and featuring luminaries such as Dave Holland, Jack DeJohnette, James Genus, Bill Stewart, Adam Rogers, and Sam Yahel. Her earlier releases have topped JazzWeek charts and earned widespread critical acclaim from The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and leading jazz publications. Shamie Royston is recognized for a pianistic voice that blends traditional soul with contemporary post-bop innovation. She studied under the late Ron Miles at the University of Denver and has been praised by The New York Times as “rhythmically vanguardist.” Her compositions have been commissioned by artists including Dianne Reeves and Terri Lyne Carrington, underscoring her reputation as both a distinctive composer and a deeply musical collaborator. As a recording artist, Royston has released critically lauded albums including her trio debut Portraits and Beautiful Liar, the latter featured on NPR’s Fresh Air and entering the first round of Grammy voting. A committed educator, she has served on faculty at Berklee College of Music, is the Director of the NJYS Jazz Orchestra, and was the inaugural recipient of the Berklee Jazz, Gender and Justice Fellowship for a residency at the UCROSS Foundation. She frequently collaborates with her husband, acclaimed drummer Rudy Royston, while maintaining an active international performance schedule. Together, Tia Fuller and Shamie Royston exemplify artistry with purpose—musicians whose work reflects excellence, depth, and service. Whether on stage, in the studio, or in the classroom, both artists are dedicated to shaping the future of jazz while honoring its traditions, serving as powerful creative lights for audiences and students alike. 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.

Nduduzo Makhathini - piano/voice Zwelakhe Duma Bell Le Pere - bass Kabelo Mokhatla - drums Since his Blue Note debut in 2020, South African pianist and composer Nduduzo Makhathini has emerged as one of the most compelling spiritual voices in contemporary jazz. A Zulu healer and educator, Makhathini approaches improvisation as a sacred act — music not merely as expression, but as communion. His work has been praised by The New York Times for its authenticity and devotion to ancestral practice at a time when “spiritual jazz” has often been reduced to trend. His latest suite, uNomkhubulwane, reaches even deeper. Named for the Zulu rain goddess associated with balance, fertility, and abundance, the project unfolds as a three-part journey through mourning, cleansing, and transcendence. Drawing on ritual, chant, groove, and luminous lyricism, Makhathini creates music that feels both ancient and urgently present. Joined by bassist Zwelakhe-Duma Bell le Pere and drummer Francisco Mela, Makhathini leads a trio whose interplay is intuitive and transportive. Together, they shape an immersive experience — one that honors African spiritual cosmology while speaking powerfully to modern audiences. This is music as meditation, as prayer, and as invitation. 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.

Ben Levin - piano/vocals Art Gore - drums Candice Ivory - vocals Walter Cash Jr. - bass Joe Polen - saxophones Pianist and composer Ben Levin presents a special evening of blues and jazz featuring Art Gore and special guest Candice Ivory. Known for traditional blues piano, Ben also celebrates the crossover blues/jazz sounds of artists such as Eddie Vinson, Jimmy Witherspoon, and Percy Mayfield. Ben is an international touring artist and has performed throughout the U.S., Europe, Brazil, and Japan. Art Gore was born into a family of musicians, which began his early exposure to music. By age sixteen, he was playing professionally, working with national artists such as Jon Thomas and Amos Milburn. After studying at Berklee College of Music and The New England Conservatory of Music, Art joined Dr. Lonnie Smith, leading to traveling and recording with the Grammy-winning guitarist and vocalist George Benson. Art has performed and recorded with countless celebrated artists including Lonnie Listons Smith, who's jazz-fusion classic "Voodoo Woman" is included in the Recommended Recordings of the Decade for the Smithsonian Collection of Jazz in the Seventies. Special guest Grammy nominated vocalist Candice Ivory will join the group. 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 show of equal value will be accepted. The transfer must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance.

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.

Hear Ye Hear Ye, come one, come all to hear the energetic ditties of Roundtable! Roundtable is a jazz quintet focusing on the original music of its members, and attempts to combine its collective influences into one cohesive sound. The group features pianist Zachary Karp, Saxophonist Alec G Davis, Trumpeter Gabriel Pimentel, Drummer Alex Merk, and vocalist/bassist Sophia Troyer. Presenting debuts of original compositions, arrangements, and wonderful vibes, join us to hear the new sound in Cincy’s 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 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 show of equal value will be accepted. The transfer must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performan

Kurt Rosenwinkel – guitar Alexandar Claffy – bass Jimmy Macbride – drums Kurt Rosenwinkel is a highly acclaimed and influential jazz guitarist, composer, and bandleader. Hailed as one of the most important jazz musicians of his generation, Rosenwinkel has spent decades pushing the boundaries of the jazz genre and developing a signature sound that has captivated audiences worldwide. With a career spanning over 30 years, Kurt Rosenwinkel has released a series of groundbreaking albums, collaborated with jazz legends, and continues to inspire the next generation of jazz musicians. His innovative approach to composition and improvisation has made him a household name among jazz enthusiasts. 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.

Michael Mayo - vocalist Andrew Freedman - piano Nick Campbell - bass Robin Baytas - drums Michael Mayo is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, composer, arranger, and genre-defying artist whose work blurs the lines between jazz, neo-soul, and contemporary R&B. Known for his intricate harmonies, fluid improvisation, and rhythmically rich vocal textures, Mayo creates music that is deeply personal and emotionally direct. His voice is an instrument of exploration—layered, looped, and often intertwined with beatboxing or live vocal effects that push beyond traditional boundaries. A graduate of the New England Conservatory and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, Mayo has studied and performed with a wide range of forward-thinking artists, including Herbie Hancock, Jacob Collier, Gretchen Parlato, and Kneebody. His approach is grounded in jazz but equally influenced by pop, soul, and experimental music. Mayo’s latest album, Fly (Mack Avenue Records/Artistry Music), is a bold, instinct-driven project that highlights his growth as a songwriter and vocal sculptor. Built from a foundation of improvisation and first-thought creativity, Fly explores themes of vulnerability, joy, and self-acceptance through spontaneous vocal layering and richly produced arrangements. It’s a follow-up to his acclaimed debut, Bones, and signals his arrival as one of the most exciting vocalists redefining jazz for a new generation. 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 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 show of equal value will be accepted. The transfer must be requested at least 24 hours before the start of the performance.

Myles Ellington Twitty - trumpet Craig Bailey - alto saxophone Dan Karlsberg - piano Justin Dawson - bass Phillip Tipton - drums Get an early start to your summer with the fiery trumpet playing of the Myles Ellington Twitty Quartet. The Cincinnati-born trumpeter returns from a year of study on the East Coast, bringing the energy and influence of New York City to Caffè Vivace for a special Miles Davis Centennial Celebration. Drawing from across Miles’s groundbreaking career—from hard bop and modal jazz to his electric explorations—this performance honors one of the most influential voices in jazz history. Expect an evening inspired by Miles’s legacy alongside fresh originals, reimagined classics, and joyful spontaneity from one of jazz’s most exciting young voices. 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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

Featuring: Matt McAlister on Drums and percussion, Aaron Jacobs on Bass, Nick Fryer on Pedal Steel Guitar, special guest Paul Patterson on Fiddle, and Brad Myers on Guitar and Vocals. After a sold out debut performance, The Love of Country Jazz Quintet is BACK at Caffe Vivace! Cincinnati Jazz Guitarist and vocalist Brad Myers aka Tex Message presents his new project, The Love of Country Jazz Quintet as an open marriage, of sorts, between Classic Country & Western Swing songwriting and Brazilian Rhythms and deep compositions of Antonio Carlos Jobim. Seen through the filter of jazz improvisers, these tunes are re-imagined in a way which proves that timeless classic songs are not beholden to the limits of genre and a good song is a good song. Period. Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and more meet Antonio Carlos Jobim in Cowboy Bossa Nova: Old Country with a New Flair. Brad Myers, as a guitarist, he is known to be a musical shape shifter, of sorts, moving between gigs accompanying Mandy Gaines, swinging with the Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra, getting funky with Steve Schmidt’s Organ Trio and John Zappa’s Now Hear This, or deep musical conversations with Michael Sharfe and an array of Cincinnati’s best drummers in the Sanguinaria Trio. He also is part of Tinfoil Hat Cowboys: A Country Western Conspiracy, Aja: a Tribute to the Music of Steely Dan, Joe’s Truck Stop, The Hiders, and Ray’s Music Exchange. He also teaches at UC’s College Conservatory of Music and the CCM Prep Jazz Department. 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.

Walfredo Reyes Jr. — drums and percussion Steve Weingart – keyboards Matt Wiles – bass Walfredo is the current drummer for the legendary band Chicago. He has been a recording and touring percussionist and drummer with artists such as Santana, Steve Winwood, Robbie Robertson, Lindsey Buckingham, Joe Sample, Sergio Mendes, and many more. With the trio, he infuses many music styles, funky grooves, and melodies of songs we love. 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.

Dan Wilson — guitar Clifford Barnes — Hammond organ Dave Throckmorton — drums Growing up in Akron, Ohio, Dan Wilson spent the majority of his youth within the church community, where his musical path began. Traces of his major guitar influences – including Wes Montgomery, Charlie Christian, Joe Pass, and George Benson, to name a few – can be discerned through his playing. Still, his musical identity has been shaped by a diverse range of influences, including gospel and blues, as well as traditional jazz, hip-hop, and horn players such as Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson. After graduating from Hiram College, Wilson made his recording debut with pianist Joe McBride. He performed to worldwide acclaim with Joey DeFrancesco and Christian McBride’s Tip City, eventually recording his debut as a leader, To Whom It May Concern. Wilson has had the honor of sharing the stage with jazz greats including Eric Marienthal, Russell Malone, Les McCann, René Marie, Jeff Hamilton, David Sanborn, and Dave Stryker. He also teaches jazz guitar and music theory through private lessons. Wilson’s career took him on an exploratory journey into foundations laid down by the guitar/organ tradition, eventually leading to an invitation to perform with jazz great Joey DeFrancesco’s trio quartet, with which Wilson went on to earn a GRAMMY® Award nomination with for DeFrancesco’s Project Freedom album (Mack Avenue Records, 2017). This collaboration enabled the guitarist to infuse his style into the musical prowess and respect that DeFrancesco had earned throughout his career. Wilson had been playing with DeFrancesco for a few years when he met bassist, composer, arranger, Christian McBride. From there, Wilson went on to tour with McBride’s trio Tip City, eventually leading McBride to serve as producer on "Vessels of Wood and Earth" and release the album on his newly formed imprint Brother Mister Productions through Mack Avenue Music Group. A $20 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 show of equal value will be accepted. The transfer must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance.

Emmet Cohen is a leading jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader known for his virtuosity, deep swing, and commitment to jazz tradition and innovation. A prodigy who began studying piano at age three, he has become a central figure in contemporary jazz, praised for both his artistry and vision. During the 2020 lockdown, Cohen created Live From Emmet’s Place, a widely acclaimed livestream series that has garnered over 100 million views and evolved into a global platform connecting generations of jazz artists. A Mack Avenue recording artist, his recent releases include Future Stride, Uptown in Orbit, Vibe Provider, and Universal Truth. Cohen has performed worldwide at venues such as the Village Vanguard, Birdland, and Carnegie Hall, and has collaborated with artists including Christian McBride, Joshua Redman, and Samara Joy. Winner of the 2019 American Piano Awards and DownBeat’s 2025 Pianist of the Year, he continues to shape the future of jazz while honoring its rich legacy. Emmet Cohen - piano Philip Norris - bass Joe Farnsworth - drums A $20 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.