Ron Jones — alto saxophone Chris Caporale — piano Chris Berg — bass Jim Leslie — drums Join us at Caffè Vivace on Friday, November 28, for an unforgettable evening of classic jazz as renowned alto saxophonist Ron Jones and his ensemble perform the timeless music of Cannonball Adderley. A cornerstone of hard bop and soul jazz, Adderley’s music is celebrated for its infectious swing, joyful spirit, and emotional depth. Ron Jones brings this legacy to life with his rich tone, dynamic improvisation, and heartfelt delivery, drawing listeners into the same spirit that made Cannonball an icon. Expect a program filled with signature classics—spirited blues, lyrical ballads, and hard-driving grooves—that showcase both the artistry of Adderley and the creativity of Jones. Whether you’re a dedicated jazz aficionado or simply curious to experience the excitement of live jazz up close, this night promises to be a memorable celebration of one of the music’s most beloved voices, all in the intimate listening environment of Cincinnati’s premier jazz lounge. Ron Jones graduated Cum Laude from Florida A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education. Jones was also a member of the world-famous FAMU Marching 100 Band. Jones is involved in jazz education, giving workshops at many Universities and High Schools in the Midwest. He has been a guest artist, clinician, and lecturer at Ohio State University, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Purdue University, Central Michigan University, Bradley University, Middle Tennessee State University, University of Kentucky, Indiana Wesleyan University, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Ball State University, Indiana State University, The University of Evansville, Vincennes University, Berea College, Ferris State University, University of Louisville, Grand Rapids Community College, University of Indianapolis, Eastern Kentucky University, and many others. In 1997 Jones recorded his first CD, “A Vision of Beauty”. The CD has received nationwide airplay and great reviews from Jazziz and Cadence Magazines. Jones has performed with some of the biggest names in jazz like Diane Reeves, Terell Stafford, Christian McBride, Wynton, Branford, & Delfeayo Marsalis, Slide Hampton, James Williams, Kenny Kirkland, Bill Cunliffe, John Von Ohlen, Richard Davis, Jimmy Rainey, Cal Collins, Nat Adderley, Rufus Reid, Conrad Herwig, Donald Brown, John McNeil, Bobby Shew, Wycliffe Gordon, Gregory Hutchison, Winard Harper, Joe Labarbera, Pat Labarbera, Bob Hurst, Don Braden, Ed Soph, David Baker, Jamey Aebersold, Dan Hearle, Jerry Coker, Adam Nussbaum, David Liebman, Hal Galper, Ed Thigpen, Richard Groove Holmes, and many others. 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. 

Kathy Wade — vocalist Phil DeGreg — piano Chris Berg — bass Melvin Broach — drums Swing into your holiday season with the snap, crackle and pop of Jazz with the Kathy Wade Quartet, featuring Phil DeGreg, piano, Chris Berg, bass, Melvin Broach, drums and two-time Emmy award winning international Jazz vocalist Kathy Wade. From jingle bells to midnight under the mistletoe, make a date and join us as we make merry melodies. Renowned international jazz vocalist and recording artist Kathy Wade, a Top Music Influencer in the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame, has been a popular Cincinnati performer for over 40 years. A two-time regional Emmy® award winner, she has sung in concerts across the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean. Kathy opened for the legendary Eartha Kitt, Dionne Warwick, Dame Cleo Laine, Shirley Horn, Nancy Wilson, Diane Schuur, Anita Baker, Alex Bugnon, Kenny G, Whitney Houston, David Sanborn, George Benson, Al. Jarreau, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Will Downing and Ramsey Lewis. Kathy debuted with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra in July 2021 as a guest performer with the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra with former conductor Keith Lockhart and the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra won rave reviews for their work in Ain’t Misbehavin’, the 60s review Beehive; Crowns at Tony recipient Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park; and Crowns at the Repertory Theater of St. Louis; Suessical, Jr., the world premiere of The Wiz, Jr. with the Children’s Theater of Cincinnati and guest performer in the national tour of The Vagina Monologues. Kathy is the 2023 Ohio Governor’s Awards for the Arts honoree in Arts Administration and presenter at the Oxford University, Oxford, UK World Literacy Summit. She co-founded Learning Through Art, Inc., a nonprofit organization celebrating 32 years of building resilient communities through art. A graduate of Xavier University with a master’s in arts administration from UC’s CCM, Kathy is the 2024 University of Cincinnati Marian A. Spencer Mosaic Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. Kathy serves on Xavier University's Board of Trustees and CCMpower Board. 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. 

Led by Professor Craig Bailey, the CCM Jazz Lab Big Band is a 17-20 member ensemble that performs a wide variety of styles from historical swing, bebop, post-bop, fusion, and Latin to avant-garde. Special emphasis is placed on the idiom's great art-music composers, such as Thad Jones, Bill Holman, Bob Brookmeyer, and Maria Schneider, and historic re-creations such as Ellington, Basie, Herman, and Kenton. 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. 

Alex Merk — drums Colin Palmieri — alto/soprano saxophones Alec Davis — tenor saxophone Kosta Brunson — trombone Chris Caporale — piano Teddy Mechley — bass 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. 

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 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 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. 

Join us at Caffè Vivace as the Phil DeGreg Trio — featuring Aaron Jacobs on bass and John Taylor on drums — revisits Vince Guaraldi’s timeless score from A Charlie Brown Christmas. Pianist Phil DeGreg brings his lyrical touch and deep swing to these classic tunes — from “Skating” to “Christmas Time Is Here” — transforming familiar melodies into a rich, modern jazz experience. Rooted in tradition yet alive with improvisation, this performance captures the warmth and sophistication that make Guaraldi’s music a perennial favorite among jazz listeners. 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 prior to the performance's start time. 

Stella Cole — vocalist Michael Kanan — piano Michael Migliore — bass Henry Allen-Barfield — drums To watch Stella Cole perform is to be transported back in time. Her sense of joy and wonder is infectious—one look at her massive social media following makes this clear. Take a quick scroll through the comments of any of her many viral videos, and you'll see not only her irresistible charm but also her ability to expose fans of all ages to the wonders of the Great American Songbook, especially when these timeless stories are told honestly by an artist with an uncanny ability to transcend generations. On her highly anticipated debut recording, Stella is presented performing interpreting a collection of classics in a variety of settings, including many featuring an orchestra arranged by multiple Grammy-winner Alan Broadbent. Featuring songs made famous by everyone from Barbra Streisand (“When the Sun Comes Out”) and Judy Garland (“The Boy Next Door” and a classic re-interpretation of “Over the Rainbow”) to Billie Eilish (“My Future”) and Audrey Hepburn (“Moon River” of course!), it is sure to be one of the most impressive vocal recordings of 2024. Upon first hearing Stella Cole, one is immediately struck by her rich tone and extraordinary vocal control. However, what is particularly rare is her ability to interpret songs initially intended for actors in character in a direct, personally vulnerable way that connects to something within herself, placing her in the lineage of the greatest interpreters of the repertoire. Perhaps most exciting to her many young fans, who have never heard these songs before, these are Stella Cole songs, making her one of her generation's most exciting artists. 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. 

Stella Cole — vocalist Michael Kanan — piano Michael Migliore — bass Henry Allen-Barfield — drums To watch Stella Cole perform is to be transported back in time. Her sense of joy and wonder is infectious—one look at her massive social media following makes this clear. Take a quick scroll through the comments of any of her many viral videos, and you'll see not only her irresistible charm but also her ability to expose fans of all ages to the wonders of the Great American Songbook, especially when these timeless stories are told honestly by an artist with an uncanny ability to transcend generations. On her highly anticipated debut recording, Stella is presented performing interpreting a collection of classics in a variety of settings, including many featuring an orchestra arranged by multiple Grammy-winner Alan Broadbent. Featuring songs made famous by everyone from Barbra Streisand (“When the Sun Comes Out”) and Judy Garland (“The Boy Next Door” and a classic re-interpretation of “Over the Rainbow”) to Billie Eilish (“My Future”) and Audrey Hepburn (“Moon River” of course!), it is sure to be one of the most impressive vocal recordings of 2024. Upon first hearing Stella Cole, one is immediately struck by her rich tone and extraordinary vocal control. However, what is particularly rare is her ability to interpret songs initially intended for actors in character in a direct, personally vulnerable way that connects to something within herself, placing her in the lineage of the greatest interpreters of the repertoire. Perhaps most exciting to her many young fans, who have never heard these songs before, these are Stella Cole songs, making her one of her generation's most exciting artists. 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. 

Brent Gallaher — tenor saxophone Spencer Merk — trombone Alex Nicodemus — piano Peter Gemus — bass Kiko Sebrian — drums Join us at Caffè Vivace for Cool Yule & Classic Jazz, an evening of timeless swing and soulful sounds to celebrate the season. Saxophonist Brent Gallaher, owner of Caffè Vivace, leads an outstanding band through classic jazz selections and a few holiday favorites reimagined with style and warmth. Settle in with a cocktail, enjoy the glow of live music, and let the spirit of the season groove right through you. 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. 

The Studio Big Band has been the home for Cincinnati’s finest musicians ever since drummer and leader Carmon DeLeone formed it back in 1967. Jazz greats like Jimmy McGary, Michael Moore, Tim Hagans, Steve Schmidt, Gordon Brisker, Lynn Seaton, Wilbert Longmire, and many more have been a part of the Studio Big Band, along with countless other Cincinnati Jazz Hall of Fame inductees. The band has performed with world-class jazz soloists like Clark Terry, Joe Williams, and Nancy Wilson. Its exceptional library of music features the compositions and arrangements of David Matthews, conductor and arranger for James Brown, Billy Joel, Paul Simon, Frank Sinatra, Julian Lennon, Nina Simone, Bonnie Raitt, and Paul McCartney. Carmon DeLeone, known as “Cincinnati’s Resident Conductor” and host of his long-running popular radio program “Sunday Morning Music Hall,” has not only conducted orchestras at New York’s Carnegie Hall and all over the world, but has been a drummer on recordings with James Brown, and in concerts with Phil Woods, Jack Sheldon, “Blue” Lou Marini, Dakota Staton, and Cal Collins. He has also toured with Henry Mancini, Alan Sherman, Juliet Prowse, and the New York State Theatre of Lincoln Center. 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. 

Dan White: Saxophones Chris Ott: Trombone/Beatbox Adam DeAscentis: Bass John Hubbell: Drums Josh Hill: Guitar Special Guest Bobby Floyd: Hammond Organ Huntertones brings people together around the globe with fun, imaginative, and fearless music. Their high energy, horn-driven sound features genre-bending composition and unconventional covers. Every show is a social experience celebrating the joy of music. The band formed in Columbus, Ohio, and is now based in Brooklyn, NY. They’ve performed in over 25 countries and continue to tour the US and abroad. Huntertones claims more authority than ever as they drive into their 10th year. Their latest release, Engine Co., is six songs tracked together in the live room of Atomic Studios in Brooklyn, NY, serving as a reminder to Huntertones and their listeners that the best way to get to the heart of any song is simply in the moment. ​ “Soulful, tasty and groovy. I dare you not to dance or be in a good mood during and after listening to this beautiful music” -Lionel Loueke "Huntertones are a band propelled forward by a horn-driven focus on explosive, imaginative, and genre-defying compositions.” -PopMatters “Honest, genuine, skillfully executed music without limitations that is uplifting and cannot be quantified.” -Jon Batiste 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. 

Dan White: Saxophones Jon Lampley: Trumpet/Sousaphone​ Chris Ott: Trombone/Beatbox Adam DeAscentis: Bass John Hubbell: Drums Josh Hill: Guitar Huntertones brings people together around the globe with fun, imaginative, and fearless music. Their high energy, horn-driven sound features genre-bending composition and unconventional covers. Every show is a social experience celebrating the joy of music. The band formed in Columbus, Ohio, and is now based in Brooklyn, NY. They’ve performed in over 25 countries and continue to tour the US and abroad. Huntertones claims more authority than ever as they drive into their 10th year. Their latest release, Engine Co., is six songs tracked together in the live room of Atomic Studios in Brooklyn, NY, serving as a reminder to Huntertones and their listeners that the best way to get to the heart of any song is simply in the moment. ​ “Soulful, tasty and groovy. I dare you not to dance or be in a good mood during and after listening to this beautiful music” -Lionel Loueke "Huntertones are a band propelled forward by a horn-driven focus on explosive, imaginative, and genre-defying compositions.” -PopMatters “Honest, genuine, skillfully executed music without limitations that is uplifting and cannot be quantified.” -Jon Batiste 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. 

Ben Levin — piano/vocals Art Gore - drums Aron Levin - guitar/vocal Walter Cash Jr. — bass Special Guest Sonny Hill Ben Levin is a pianist/vocalist based in Cincinnati, OH. He has released five albums on the Vizztone Label Group and has received three Blues Music Award nominations, including Best Piano Player of the Year (2023, 2024). Ben Levin recently released his fifth VizzTone album, a Christmas present wrapped in the blues: Ben Levin Presents A Holiday Blues Revue. For years, Levin has been inspired by classic holiday blues recordings from artists like Freddy King, Charles Brown, and Amos Milburn, among others. He recorded his first holiday-themed track in 2019 and has been building towards this album ever since. This album features many guest artists and many different blues styles. As Ben puts it: “I am honored to have been able to feature so many great artists on this album, and they each contributed perfectly to these unique styles and sounds: Lil’ Ed showcases pure Chicago blues inspired by his uncle J.B. Hutto, Sonny Hill channels soul from the chitlin’ circuit, Candice Ivory highlights how to defy genres, blending blues and jazz, and Lil’ Jimmy Reed brings out the deep blues of Baton Rouge.” Art Gore's drumming style is characterized by signature driving cymbal beats, crisp, sharp snare accents, and well-placed bass drum "bombs." During his six-decade career, he has performed and recorded with such artists as George Benson, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Lonnie Liston Smith, Pharoah Sanders, Woody Shaw, Larry Young, Bobby Watson, Freddie Hubbard, John Scofield, Hank Marr, J.J. Johnson, Joey Defrancesco, Kenny Dorham, Hank Crawford, James Moody, and Ahmad Jamal, to name a few. Dr. Lonnie Smith has said of Art, "Art has the kind of rhythm and drive that's always right there." Art Gore was born into a family of musicians, which began his early exposure to music. By age sixteen, he was playing professionally. After graduating high school, Art attended Berklee College of Music and was drafted into the armed forces for two years. His musical development continued by playing with the First Armored Division Band and orchestra and leading his groups. After serving in the military, Art attended the Berklee College of Music, where he studied with renowned drum instructor Alan Dawson and later at the New England Conservatory of Music under Vic Firth. In 1972, Art joined Dr. Lonnie Smith, leading to traveling and recording with the Grammy-winning guitarist and vocalist George Benson. Upon leaving George Benson's band, Art began working with Lonnie Liston Smith. Art's recordings with Lonnie were some of the most important of his early career. Many jazz enthusiasts consider one of the recordings, "Expansions" (RCA 1975), a jazz-fusion classic. "Voodoo Woman," one of the compositions that Art recorded with Lonnie, is included in the Recommended Recordings of the Decade for the Smithsonian Collection of Jazz in the Seventies. 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. 

Enjoy a night of jazz with the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory Of Music Prep Combos! The CCM Preparatory Department Combos are host to a variety of community members whose mission is to become familiar with the jazz idiom and repertoire. The CCM Prep Adult combo features musicians enriched in the Cincinnati jazz scene and believes that learning does not stop at any age. A $15 ($5 for students) 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. Refunds must be within 24 hours of 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. 

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 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 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. 

Steve Schmidt — Hammond organ Michael Mavridoglou — trumpet/vocalist Brad Myers — guitar Jason Smart — drums Please join the STEVE SCHMIDT ORGAN TRIO in celebrating Christmas and the Holidays for six big nights of fun - Thursday — Tuesday 12/18-12/23/25. 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. 

Steve Schmidt — Hammond organ Mandy Gaines — vocalist Brad Myers — guitar Jason Smart — drums Please join the STEVE SCHMIDT ORGAN TRIO in celebrating Christmas and the Holidays for six big nights of fun - Thursday — Tuesday 12/18-12/23/25. 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. 

Steve Schmidt — Hammond organ Mandy Gaines — vocalist Brad Myers — guitar Jim Leslie — drums Please join the STEVE SCHMIDT ORGAN TRIO in celebrating Christmas and the Holidays for six big nights of fun - Thursday — Tuesday 12/18-12/23/25. 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. 

Steve Schmidt — Hammond organ Sophia Troyer — vocalist Brad Myers — guitar Jim Leslie — drums Please join the STEVE SCHMIDT ORGAN TRIO in celebrating Christmas and the Holidays for six big nights of fun - Thursday — Tuesday 12/18-12/23/25. 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. 

Steve Schmidt — Hammond organ Mandy Gaines — vocalist Brad Myers — guitar Jim Leslie — drums Please join the STEVE SCHMIDT ORGAN TRIO in celebrating Christmas and the Holidays for six big nights of fun - Thursday — Tuesday 12/18-12/23/25. 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. 

Steve Schmidt — Hammond organ Dixie Karas — vocalist Michael Mavridoglou — trumpet/vocalist Brad Myers — guitar Jim Leslie — drums Please join the STEVE SCHMIDT ORGAN TRIO in celebrating Christmas and the Holidays for six big nights of fun - Thursday — Tuesday 12/18-12/23/25. 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. 

Mike Wade — trumpet Jessica Lynne Moon — vocalist Edgar Byars — tenor saxophone Mikey Nicht — piano Eddie Brookshire — bass Melvin Broach — drums During his career, Mike Wade was named one of the top ten unsigned jazz brass players, as rated by Jazziz Magazine (1997). His composition, “Blues for Shorty Bop,” was chosen for inclusion in the Jazziz on Disc collection. He has performed and recorded with such artists as David “Fathead” Newman, Clark Terry, Javon Jackson, Bobby Watson, Gary Bartz, Mulgrew Miller, Rene Marie, Don Braden, and Steve Wilson. Steve Wilson has said of Mike, “Mike Wade has secured his place among the legacy of great trumpeters…people get ready!” Mulgrew Miller has said of Mike, “Mike Wade is a very exciting and creative jazz trumpeter. He is also a very charismatic bandleader. He is dedicated and ambitious. It was a pleasure to play with him”. Craig Bailey has said of Mike, “Mike Wade is one the most inspiring musicians of the new millennium. He has the fire and energy that it takes to be a great leader as well as a great artist. His hustle ability on and off the horn will take him to many new horizons. He is a name not to forget and a trumpet player not to miss.” Jessica Lynne Moon is a Nashville, Tennessee native and a long-time resident of Cincinnati, Ohio. A classically trained vocalist, worship leader, actor and entertainer, for almost 30 years Lynne has shared her gifts in churches, concert halls, and other illustrious venues throughout the United States and Europe. While her roots are in classical and sacred music, Lynne has also lent her vocals to locally and nationally acclaimed jazz, blues, and r&b artists. Her versatility is evident as she flows seamlessly between genres with a voice that has been described as smooth and sweet, yet powerful. Friends have jokingly said, "Lynne can sing the phone book", but whatever she is singing, you'll know it's from the heart. 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. 

Eric Lechliter — trumpet Michael Mavridoglou — trumpet TBA— piano TBA — bass Jim Leslie — drums Two powerhouse trumpeters, Eric Lechliter and Michael Mavridoglou, come together for a thrilling Trumpet Summit at Caffè Vivace. Paying tribute to legendary trumpet collaborations—Roy Eldridge & Dizzy Gillespie, Freddie Hubbard & Woody Shaw, Red Rodney & Ira Sullivan—this performance will celebrate the fiery interplay, virtuosity, and deep musical conversations that defined these iconic recordings. Backed by a stellar rhythm section, Lechliter and Mavridoglou will bring these timeless sounds to life with their dynamic chemistry and modern edge. Don’t miss this electrifying night of high-energy trumpet mastery! 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.