Michael Mayo — vocalist Addison Frei — piano Kyle Miles — 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. 

Evan Gidley — tenor saxophone Alex Nicodemus — piano Mason Daughtery — bass Alex Merk — drums The Evan Gidley Quartet presents Tales of the Hudson: A Tribute to Michael Brecker. Hear music from the iconic album along with other compositions made popular by saxophonist Michael Brecker. Evan Gidley boasts an impressive resume as a bandleader, composer, and saxophonist fluent in both classical and jazz performance. Based in Cincinnati, OH, Evan can regularly be heard performing at Schwartz’s Point Jazz Club, Juniper’s, and other local venues with his jazz quartet or at Caffe Vivace as a substitute in the Blue Wisp Big Band. In addition to his active performance career, Evan serves as a private woodwind instructor for students in grades 5-12. His students have earned gold ratings at District and State Solo and Ensemble contests and have been selected to perform in regional honor bands. During the 2020- In the 21st academic year, Evan served as Visiting Instructor of Saxophone/Jazz Studies at Purdue University of Fort Wayne and appeared as soloist with the school’s symphonic wind ensemble, performing Joel Love’s Solace. He has presented saxophone masterclasses at The Ohio State University, Xavier University, Purdue University Fort Wayne, and Capital University, among others. Evan holds a Master of Music in Saxophone Performance from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati and a Bachelor of Music in Music Performance from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne. His previous teachers include James Bunte, Rick VanMatre, Nathan Nabb, Farrell Vernon, and the late James Ator. 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. 

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. 

Andy Smith — Hammond organ Daniel Nail — tenor saxophone Carlos Vargas-Ortíz — guitar Isaiah Cook — drums Hydrophonics is a funk and soul organ quartet based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Their sound is a melting pot of styles reflecting the different musical backgrounds of the band members, with priority always given to danceable grooves and tasteful melodies. Hydrophonics’ catalog includes original music and arrangements of the works of Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers, and more. If you like Soulive, Medeski, Martin, Scofield & Wood, Jimmy Smith, Cory Henry & the Funk Apostles, then you’ll enjoy the soulful sounds of Hydrophonics. 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. 

James Gaiters — drums Eddie Bayard — tenor saxophone Lovell Bradford — piano Dean Hulett — bass A long-standing and original voice in modern jazz, James Gaiters has established himself as a dynamic force on stages worldwide. James leads his own acclaimed ensembles, MUV-MeNT and SoulRevival, captivating audiences with his fiery energy and deep musical conviction. James has appeared at premier jazz venues and festivals, including the Village Vanguard, Iridium Jazz Club (NYC), Newport Jazz Festival, Ottawa Jazz Festival, Toronto Jazz Festival, Indianapolis Jazz Festival, Detroit Jazz Festival, The Jazz Kitchen, and Cliff Bell’s Jazz Club, among many others. As a composer, arranger, and producer, James is known for crafting music that honors the roots of jazz while boldly pushing its boundaries. His discography includes three original albums: Looking Back Ahead and Exodus (with MUV-MeNT), and Understanding: Reimagined (with SoulRevival). Born in Columbus and raised in Zanesville, Ohio, James studied Music Education at The Ohio State University. He continues to inspire as a performer, educator, and mentor, running a successful drum studio and consistently delivering hard-driving, soulful performances that move audiences spiritually and musically. Whether behind the kit or in the classroom, James Gaiters brings a passion that leaves a lasting impression. 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. 

"For sheer vocal beauty, no contemporary singer matches Ms. Callaway." - Stephen Holden, New York Times "Just as Ella Fitzgerald was the greatest jazz singer of her era, so too is the magnificent Ann Hampton Callaway of hers." - Musical Theatre Review The Best Of Ann Hampton Callaway Don’t miss “The Best of Ann Hampton Callaway," the new show by the Tony-nominated singer-songwriter. Callaway dazzles us with highlights from her hit shows “The Streisand Songbook,” “Ann Hampton Callaway Sings the ‘70s,” “The Linda Ronstadt Songbook,” “To Ella with Love,” “From Sassy to Divine: The Sarah Vaughan Project” and “Finding Beauty: Inspired Classics and Originals.” Come see why Christopher Loudon of Jazz Times calls her the "…superbly intelligent, singularly creative pop-jazz stylist who can stand shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Streisand, Ronstadt, Shirley Horn, and Dianne Reeves…” About Ann Hampton Callaway Ann Hampton Callaway is one of America’s most gifted artists in pop and jazz. A leading champion of the great American Songbook, she’s made her mark as a singer, pianist, composer, lyricist, arranger, actress, educator, TV host, and producer. Voted by Broadwayworld.com as “Celebrity of the Year” and two years in a row as “Best Jazz Vocalist,” Ann is a born entertainer. She is best known for her Tony-nominated performance in the hit Broadway musical “Swing!” and for writing and singing the theme song to the hit TV series “The Nanny.” She debuted her feature film opposite Angelina Jolie and Matt Damon in the Robert De Niro film "The Good Shepherd.” Callaway is a Platinum Award-winning writer whose songs are featured on seven of Barbra Streisand's recent CDs. She’s recorded over 50 CDs as a soloist and guest, and her latest critically acclaimed CD, “Fever: A Peggy Lee Celebration!” has been in high rotation on Siriusly Sinatra. Ann’s honors include The Theater World Award, 16 MAC Awards, several Bistro Awards, The Mabel Mercer Award, The Johnny Mercer Award for Songwriting, The Blanton Peale Award for Positive Thinking, and her induction into The Women Songwriters Hall of Fame. Her new record, Finding Beauty, Originals Volume 1, was recently released via Shanachie Entertainment and debuted at #1 on the Billboard Jazz Chart. 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. 

Ekep Nkwelle — vocalist Piano: Julius Rodriguez Bass: Jonathon Muir-Cotton Drums: Domo Branch Her voice has captivated legendary jazz figures such as Wynton Marsalis, Kenny Barron, Dianne Reeves, the late Russell Malone, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Cyrus Chestnut, earning her multiple opportunities to collaborate with these luminaries. A dynamic performer, Ekep has left her mark on world-renowned stages, including Marian’s Jazzroom in Switzerland, the San Javier Jazz Festival in Spain, Carnegie Hall in New York City, NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert in Washington, DC, and SFJAZZ in San Francisco. After earning her Master’s Degree in 2023, she received the Juilliard Career Advancement Grant, nominated by Marsalis, in recognition of her talent and potential. In addition to performing, she is committed to arts education, having attended Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Howard University, and The Juilliard School. Her involvement with key organizations, such as The National Jazz Museum in Harlem, Jazz Houston, and The Woodshed Network, highlights her dedication to cultural engagement and giving back to her community. 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. 

Miguel Zenon - alto saxophone Luis Perdomo - piano Hans Glawischnig - bass Henry Cole - drums Grammy Winner, Doris Duke Artist, and Guggenheim and MacArthur Fellow, Miguel Zenón represents a select group of musicians who have masterfully balanced and blended the often-contradictory poles of innovation and tradition. Widely considered one of the most groundbreaking and influential saxophonists and composers of his generation, he has also developed a unique voice as a conceptualist, concentrating his efforts on perfecting a fine blend between jazz and his many musical influences. Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Zenón has released seventeen recordings as a leader, including his latest Golden City (2024), the Grammy-winning album El Arte Del Bolero Vol. 2 (2023), and the Grammy-nominated Música De Las Américas (2022), Sonero: The Music of Ismael Rivera (2019), and Yo Soy La Tradición (2018). He has worked with luminaries such as The SFJAZZ Collective, Charlie Haden, Fred Hersch, Kenny Werner, David Sánchez, Danilo Perez, The Village Vanguard Orchestra, Kurt Elling, Joey Calderazzo, Steve Coleman, Ray Barreto, Andy Montañez, Jerry Gonzalez & The Fort Apache Band, The Mingus Big Band and Bobby Hutcherson. In April 2008, he received a fellowship from the prestigious John Simon Guggenheim Foundation. Later that year, he was one of 25 distinguished individuals chosen to receive the coveted MacArthur Fellowship, also known as the “Genius Grant.” In 2011, he founded Caravana Cultural, a program that presents free jazz concerts in rural areas of Puerto Rico. In 2022, he received an Honorary Doctorate from La Universidad del Sagrado Corazón in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the institution's highest honor. In 2024, he received a Doris Duke Artist Award from the Doris Duke Foundation. Zenón has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, The Boston Globe, and The Chicago Tribune. In addition, he topped both the Jazz Artist of the Year and Alto Saxophonist of the Year categories in the 2014 JazzTimes Critics Poll. He was selected as Alto Saxophonist of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association in 2015, 2018, 2019, and 2020 (when he was also recognized as Arranger of the Year). In 2023, he was recognized by the same organization as the Composer of the Year. As a composer, he has been commissioned by SFJAZZ, NYO Jazz, The New York State Council on the Arts, Chamber Music America, Logan Center for the Arts, The Hyde Park Jazz Festival, The John Simon Guggenheim Foundation, MIT, Spektral Quartet, Miller Theater, and The Hewlett Foundation, Peak Performances, PRISM Quartet, and many of his peers. Zenón has given hundreds of lectures and master classes at institutions worldwide and is a faculty member in the Music and Theater Arts Department at MIT, as well as the current Visiting Scholar for the Harmony and Jazz Composition Department at Berklee College of Music. 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. 

Alec G. Davis - tenor saxophone Gabriel Pimentel - trumpet Sophia Troyer - bass Alex Merk - drums The Davis/Pimentel Quartet explores the fire and intimacy of the chordless jazz quartet. Inspired by the classic collaborations of Stan Getz and Chet Baker, they blend bebop, lyricism, and bold interplay into a sound that’s both steeped in tradition and unmistakably their own. 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. 

Eugene Goss — vocalist Tristan Graves — keyboard Jadin Smedley — bass Jason Smart — drums Get ready to groove and sing along as Eugene Goss, the acclaimed jazz vocalist, pays a heartfelt tribute to the living legend Stevie Wonder. In an evening filled with passion and musical mastery, Goss will captivate the audience with his soul-stirring interpretations of Stevie Wonder's most beloved hits. From "My Cherie Amour" to "I Just Called to Say I Love You," Goss brings a unique blend of jazz and soul to these timeless classics, creating a performance that resonates with the soul. Join us for a night of celebration and appreciation for the musical genius of Stevie Wonder, brought to life by the incomparable talent of Eugene Goss. It's an event you won't want to miss! 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. 

Mandy Gaines — vocals Eric Lechliter — trumpet Phil DeGreg — piano Aaron Jacobs — bass Matthew McAllister — drums 'Tis Autumn! Join the Eric Lechliter Quartet featuring the soulful vocals of Mandy Gaines for an intimate evening of jazz celebrating the changing seasons. Hear timeless Autumnal standards from "September in the Rain" and "Autumn in New York" to "Autumn Leaves" and other staples from the Great American Songbook, all within  the cozy ambiance of Caffè Vivace. Let the music drift like leaves on a breeze—rich, reflective, and unforgettable. 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. 

Scott Wojahn — vocalist Matt Harris — piano Aaron Jacobs — bass Join Scott and Matt for a night of mellow song exploration between friends who met in Los Angeles in 1990 and have collaborated ever since. Scott Wojahn, a 2018 California escapee, is a versatile composer, producer, studio musician, singer, and songwriter known for his intimate style, warmth, and humor. For 30 years, Scott created award-winning branded music for many of the most recognizable national and global companies, from Ford to AT&T, the US Army, and 12 seasons of American Idol, working with numerous recording artists, including Vince Gill, Buddy Guy, and Shawn Colvin. After a distinguished 45-year career in Los Angeles, Matt Harris has returned to Cincinnati. He initially rose to prominence through touring, writing, and recording alongside jazz icons Maynard Ferguson and Buddy Rich. For over three decades, Matt held the position of director of jazz studies at California State University, Northridge, while also teaching at Loyola and Chapman. Matt is celebrated as an active clinician, conductor, and composer, globally renowned, working with high schools, colleges, and professional bands worldwide. His compositions have garnered international recognition, with commissions from countries including Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Japan, China, Turkey, and various institutions in the United States. With a discography featuring six original music CDs and collaborations with prestigious orchestras like the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and the Metropole Orchestra, Matt's versatility extends to commercial ventures, encompassing national jingles, recordings, and captivating live performances. 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. 

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. 

Phil DeGreg — piano Aaron Jacobs — bass John Taylor — drums The Phil DeGreg Trio will highlight the music of Bill Evans, widely considered one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time. Evans' use of harmony and his inventive and impressionistic interpretation of the jazz repertoire has few peers. His introspective lyricism and subtle Western classical flourishes have echoes in a legion of fellow keyboard players. Phil DeGreg is a Cincinnati-based pianist who has made his mark in the jazz world over the past four decades as a recording artist, composer, and pedagogue. He has toured with The Woody Herman Orchestra and performed with Randy Brecker, Ira Sullivan, Claudio Roditi, J.J. Johnson, Harry Allen, Conrad Herwig, and many others. He has released 12 albums as a leader. As an educator, Phil retired after 27 years as a Professor of Jazz Studies at the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. He continues to teach private students and master classes locally and worldwide and has taught with Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshops for 36 years. 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. 

Rusty Burge — vibraphone Rick VanMatre — tenor saxophone Phil DeGreg — piano Aaron Jacobs — bass John Taylor — drums Experience the collaborative artistry of Burge, VanMatre, and DeGreg—three stalwarts of Cincinnati’s jazz scene whose original compositions reflect distinct personal voices and shared musical curiosity. VanMatre crafts melodies inspired by visual art, transforming canvas into sound. Burge finds creative fuel in the stillness of lakes and sweeping vistas, while DeGreg infuses his writing and playing with the rhythmic richness of Brazilian music. Together, their work weaves melody and harmonic exploration into a vivid, expressive soundscape. 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. 

Lew Tabackin — tenor saxophone and flute Boris Kozlov — bass Jason Tiemann — drums Steve Schmidt — piano Lew Tabackin is a visionary flutist and tenor saxophonist known for his electrifying, cross-cultural flute work and bold, expressive saxophone style. His playing is marked by wide intervals, dynamic contrasts, and a deeply personal sound that draws from jazz tradition without imitation. A Philadelphia native, Tabackin studied flute at the Philadelphia Conservatory of Music and served in the U.S. Army before launching his career in New York. He performed with legends such as Cab Calloway, Maynard Ferguson, Thad Jones, and Mel Lewis, while also leading his trios and working in television studio bands. In 1968, he met pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi, with whom he later co-founded the acclaimed Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra. After moving to Los Angeles, Tabackin played with Shelley Manne and toured Japan extensively. The couple later relocated to New York, where Tabackin gained wider recognition, especially as a flutist, winning multiple DownBeat polls. His recordings include Desert Lady, I'll Be Seeing You, Tenority, and Live in Paris. Today, he continues to tour internationally, both with his groups and as a featured soloist with the Akiyoshi Orchestra. 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 Jazz Studies Program at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music is designed for students seeking a professional career in jazz and related fields of contemporary music. The philosophical objective is to develop the creative jazz artist's special talents and the flexible skills required of the successful, well-rounded musician. 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 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. 

In the mid-1990s, The New York Times described Larry Goldings, Peter Bernstein, and Bill Stewart as “the best organ trio of the last decade.” The trio has been together for over 30 years and has been recognized for charting new ground with its synergistic playing and thoughtful music. They have over a dozen recordings, all displaying their distinctive sound, whether exploring the depths of jazz standards or playing their original compositions. Of their newest offering, Toy Tunes (Pirouet), Downbeat said, “The whole album subtly subverts organ-trio cliches, offering not chicken-shack party stomps but instead some hip after-hours atmospherics…4 stars” 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. 

Joe Alterman — piano Justin Dawson — bass Jim Leslie — drums Atlanta native Joe Alterman expresses a certain upbeat naiveté with a broad smile and bright eyes that make you feel welcome. One would not guess that this is a man hailed by greats; Ramsey Lewis describes his piano playing as a joy to behold’; Les McCann states, ‘As a man and musician he is already a giant.’ Journalist Nat Hentoff championed three of Alterman’s albums, as well as his writing (Joe wrote liner notes to three Wynton Marsalis/JALC albums), calling one of Joe’s columns “one of the very best pieces on the essence of jazz, the spirit of jazz, that I’ve ever read, and I’m not exaggerating.” Joe Alterman began at NYU with a BA and Master in Jazz Piano from NYU and has since performed at many world-renowned venues, including the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Birdland, and Blue Note alongside Houston Person, Les McCann, Dick Gregory, Ramsey Lewis, and his trio, among others. Downbeat describes his sound as “rooted in the blues and with a touch reminiscent of the great pianists of the 1950s—Red Garland, Ahmad Jamal, Bill Evans.” It is clear Joe hits all of the necessary points for Jazz critics and fans alike. But there is more to the story, of course. The twenty-first century has thus far seen yet another transition for this thing called Jazz. In one moment, we see the push and pull between tradition and progression; in another, we see Pop and Hip-Hop musicians emulating and sampling. In Joe Alterman, we find none of this struggle; the music sounds good. Our conscious faculties are instantly disabled as we tap our feet, feeling the intent and joy of his playing. An old classic is new when you feel good at the moment. Joe Alterman’s new release, The Upside Of Down, captures this fresh and joyful intent. Taken from two live shows at Birdland in November 2019 and February 2020, the album reminds us of a not-too-distant time when we gathered and danced. Joined by Nathaniel Schroeder on bass and Marlon Patton on drums, Alterman cruises gently and delightedly through timeless selections from Les McCann, Oscar Peterson, Henry Mancini, and more, with some of his compositions in the mix. 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. 

Art Gore — drums Marc Fields — trombone Dan Drees — tenor saxophone Dan Karlsberg — piano Jim Anderson — bass Art Blakey, a true jazz icon, was a powerhouse drummer and bandleader whose impact on the genre remains unparalleled. Born in 1919, Blakey rose to prominence during the heyday of bebop and became one of the foremost figures in developing hard bop. His drumming style was dynamic and propulsive, driving the rhythm with relentless energy and an unmistakable groove. However, Blakey's influence extended far beyond his drumming skills. As the leader of his band, The Jazz Messengers, he mentored and nurtured countless young musicians, providing a platform for their talents to flourish. Many of his band members became jazz legends in their own right, a testament to Blakey's role as a catalyst for artistic growth. With his fierce dedication to his craft and his unwavering commitment to preserving the legacy of jazz, Art Blakey solidified his position as a visionary musician and an indelible force in the history of jazz. Herbie Hancock is one of the most influential figures in modern music, whose career as a pianist, composer, and bandleader has spanned more than six decades. A child prodigy from Chicago, Hancock joined the Miles Davis Quintet in the 1960s, where his innovative harmonic sensibility and rhythmic freedom helped redefine the sound of jazz. His groundbreaking work as both a sideman and leader bridged post-bop traditions with fresh approaches, laying the foundation for his role as a pioneer of fusion, funk, and electronic music. As a composer and recording artist, Hancock has continually pushed boundaries, from his iconic 1965 composition Maiden Voyage to the funk-driven grooves of Head Hunters and the electronic textures of Future Shock, which produced the Grammy-winning hit “Rockit.” His openness to experimentation and cross-genre collaboration has earned him worldwide acclaim, along with an Academy Award and more than a dozen Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. Today, Hancock continues to perform, teach, and advocate for cultural exchange through music, remaining a vital force in shaping the global soundscape Art Gore's drumming style is characterized by signature driving cymbal beats, crisp, sharp snare accents, and well-placed bass drum "bombs." During his three-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, which led to their 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. 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.