Caffe Vivace's Upcoming Shows

Lovell Bradford — piano

Lovell “Skip” Bradford Jr. — bass

Malcolm Charles — drums

Join acclaimed pianist Lovell Bradford for an evening celebrating the extraordinary music of jazz master Mulgrew Miller. Revered for his lyrical touch, impeccable swing, and profound sense of melody, Miller left an enduring mark on modern jazz as both a pianist and composer. Bradford's soulful artistry and deep respect for the jazz tradition make him an ideal interpreter of this timeless repertoire.

Throughout his remarkable career, Mulgrew Miller performed with many of the greatest names in jazz, including Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Betty Carter, Woody Shaw, Tony Williams, Ron Carter, and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Equally admired as a sideman, bandleader, and educator, Miller's compositions and recordings continue to inspire pianists around the world with their elegance, harmonic sophistication, and emotional depth.

This special performance will explore music from across Miller's celebrated career, highlighting the beautiful melodies, infectious swing, and expressive storytelling that made him one of the most beloved pianists of his generation. Whether you're discovering his music for the first time or returning to a longtime favorite, this promises to be an unforgettable evening of world-class jazz in the intimate setting of Caffè Vivace.

About Lovell Bradford

Lovell Bradford is a renowned Charlotte, North Carolina–based jazz pianist, educator, and bandleader whose musical voice seamlessly blends the traditions of gospel, jazz, and R&B. A native of Gary, Indiana, Bradford began playing in church under the guidance of his grandmother, whose influence laid the foundation for a lifetime in music. He later studied at Central State University in Ohio before launching his professional career in Columbus and ultimately establishing himself as one of the leading figures on the Charlotte jazz scene.

An accomplished performer, Bradford has shared the stage with jazz luminaries including Wynton and Branford Marsalis, Slide Hampton, and Wes Anderson. In addition to leading his own quartet, he serves as an adjunct professor of piano at Davidson College and is an educator with JazzArts Charlotte. His artistry can also be heard on numerous acclaimed jazz and gospel recordings, reflecting a career dedicated to both performance and education.

A $15 food/drink minimum applies per person, per set. Tickets are non-refundable, with a one-time transfer available when requested at least 24 hours in advance. Check-in within 15 minutes of set time is required to hold seats.

Javon Jackson - Tenor Saxophone

Jeremy Manasia - Piano, Fender Rhodes

Isaac Levien - Bass, Electric Bass

Ryan Sands - Drums

Making his first appearance at Caffè Vivace, tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson brings his acclaimed Jackson Plays Dylan project to Cincinnati on Saturday, September 26, 2026. A former member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers and one of the leading voices in modern jazz, Jackson reimagines the music of Bob Dylan with creativity, reverence, and the improvisational spirit of jazz. Drawing from Dylan's vast catalog, Jackson transforms these iconic songs into compelling jazz vehicles while preserving the honesty, humanity, and storytelling that have made Dylan one of America's most influential songwriters.

Rather than simply covering familiar tunes, Jackson explores Dylan's music as living repertoire, finding new possibilities within classics such as "Blowin' in the Wind," "The Times They Are A-Changin'," "Like a Rolling Stone," "Mr. Tambourine Man," and "Hurricane." The result is a performance that feels both timeless and contemporary, connecting Dylan's folk-inspired vision with the freedom and expressive power of modern jazz.

The project has earned enthusiastic praise from critics around the world. DownBeat awarded the album 4½ stars, writing that "Jackson explores each song with profound sensitivity and understanding." Stereophile praised his "clarion, persuasive tenor saxophone voice" and noted that he casts Dylan's music "in a fresh light," while All About Jazz called the recording "a heartfelt musician's dialogue with timeless material."

Whether you're a lifelong Dylan fan, a devoted jazz listener, or simply someone who appreciates great American music, Jackson Plays Dylan offers a unique opportunity to experience familiar songs through a new lens. With masterful musicianship, thoughtful arrangements, and a deep respect for the source material, Javon Jackson's Caffè Vivace debut promises an unforgettable evening of music and discovery.

Missouri-born tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson left Berklee College of Music in 1986 to join Art Blakey's legendary Jazz Messengers, where he remained until Blakey's passing in 1990. He later performed and recorded with jazz icons including Elvin Jones, Freddie Hubbard, Betty Carter, Christian McBride, Dr. Lonnie Smith, and the legendary pianist and vocalist Les McCann, while building an acclaimed career as a bandleader, educator, and recording artist. Over the course of more than three decades, Jackson has established himself as one of the most respected tenor saxophonists in jazz, known for his powerful sound, deep swing, and ability to bridge tradition with contemporary expression.

His recent projects have expanded beyond traditional jazz settings, including acclaimed collaborations with poet and activist Nikki Giovanni and the widely praised Jackson Plays Dylan. Throughout his career, Jackson has remained committed to exploring the connections between jazz, American culture, and social history, creating music that is both artistically compelling and deeply human.

If the total amount of beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum, a $20 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.

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.

Saxophone - Alec Davis, Christian Paradiso, Andrew Brown, Kaleb Swedlund, and Phil Black

Trumpet - Thana Rangsiyawaranon, Kahle Sykora, Layden Dukes, and Gabriel Pimental

Trombone - Spencer Merk, Kosta Brunson, Ethan Dickerson, Adam Wheeler

Guitar - Tristien Krueger

Piano - Zach Karp

Bass - Mason Daugherty

Drums - Alex Merk

Inspired by Eric Lechliter’s Original Farm League Big Band, After the Break is the latest addition to

the Cincinnati area’s flourishing Big Band scene. The band was formed with the desire to give local

composers an opportunity to write while striving to revitalize an interest in large ensemble jazz with

a younger audience. Formed by recent graduates of The University of Cincinnati’s College

Conservatory of Music Alec G. Davis and Thomas Putterbaugh, the band features a range of skilled

writers and soloists from throughout the surrounding area.

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.