Caffe Vivace's Upcoming Shows

Ralph DiSylvestro — trumpet

Josh Kline — tenor saxophone

Philip Hilger — alto saxophone

Zachary Granger — trombone

Ben Tweedt — piano

Mason Daugherty — 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.

Kelly MacKenzie-Thurley, vocals

Erwin Stuckey, piano

Saulo Moura, bass

Kiko Sebrian, drums

Kris Keith, woodwinds, hand percussion

Stan Ginn, 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!

The band features lead vocalist Kelly MacKenzie-Thurley, Kris Keith on flute, sax & percussion, bass player Saulo Moura, Kiko Sebrian on drums, Stan Ginn, aux percussion and musical director Erwin Stuckey on piano. Their skilled musicianship and passion for storytelling through music transport audiences straight to the heart of Brazil’s rich culture. The band's dynamic style appeals to both jazz aficionados and new listeners alike.

Batucada, 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.

Michael Mavridoglou - trumpet

Josh Kline - tenor saxophone

Phil DeGreg - piano

Aaron Jacobs - bass

Tom Buckley - drums

Join Michael “Maddog” Mavridoglou and some of the area’s finest musicians as they explore the undercurrent of the greatest jazz music - the Blues. The blues can take many forms in the jazz idiom, and this fine group will lead you through all the emotion and soul it provides.

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.

Spencer Merk - Trombone

Ben Tweedt - Piano

Sophia Troyer - Vocals and Bass

Alex Merk - Drums

The Troyers and Merks are both musical families from Cincinnati who have a deep love for jazz music. Although they will be without Charlie Merk who currently lives in Germany, this versatile group will play a wide range of styles in their own compositions, as well as provide unique spins on their favorite standards. Join them for a collaboration that has matured over decades of family ties and proves how music is made even more special through close relationships.

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.

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 swinging big band jazz at Caffè Vivace. Founded in 1980 by drummer John Von Ohlen and trumpeter Don Johnson, the ensemble grew out of the historic Blue Wisp Jazz Club, where Von Ohlen envisioned a world-class jazz orchestra performing weekly in an intimate club setting. Drawing on Cincinnati's deep pool of talent, the band quickly established itself as the region's premier jazz orchestra.

Over the decades, the Blue Wisp Big Band has earned international recognition through recordings, touring, radio airplay, and a tradition of excellence that has featured notable artists such as Tim Hagans and Lynn Seaton. Following the closure of the Blue Wisp Jazz Club in 2014, the band continued its weekly tradition at several Cincinnati venues before finding its current home at Caffè Vivace, where it remains a cornerstone of the city's jazz scene.

Joining the Blue Wisp Big Band for this special performance is acclaimed drummer Jeff Hamilton. Widely regarded as one of the finest jazz drummers of his generation, Hamilton has performed and recorded with legends including Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown, Ella Fitzgerald, and Diana Krall. He is a co-founder and co-leader of the acclaimed Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, one of the world's leading contemporary big bands.

Celebrated for his impeccable swing feel, masterful brushwork, and deep connection to the great traditions of jazz drumming, Hamilton brings a lifetime of big band experience to this rare Cincinnati appearance. His performance with the Blue Wisp Big Band promises an evening that honors the rich history of big band jazz while showcasing one of its most respected living masters.

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.