Show List

Caffe Vivace's Upcoming Shows

The Ben Levin Quartet

The Ben Levin Quartet

Sat, Jul 18

Piano/Vocals - Ben Levin

Drums - Art Gore

Bass - Walter Cash Jr.

Tenor/Baritone saxophone - Joe Polen


Ben Levin is a pianist, organist, and vocalist based in Cincinnati, OH. He has released five albums which have included collaborations with legendary blues artists including Lil' Ed, Bob Stroger, and Grammy nominated vocalist Candice Ivory. He is currently featured on the latest album by Lil' Ed and The Blues Imperials.


In addition to recording, Ben has curated shows which highlighted important musical heritage in Cincinnati, including the legacy of King Records and Mamie Smith. Ben continues to record and tour and has performed throughout the U.S., Europe, Brazil, and Japan.


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.

Al West, Jr. w/ Greg Chako Quartet - The Ipanema Project

Al West, Jr. w/ Greg Chako Quartet - The Ipanema Project

Tue, Jul 21

Al West, Jr. - vocalist

Greg Chako - guitar

Wayne Yeager - piano

David Lloyd -bass

Mike Melloy - drums


Caffè Vivace Jazz Lounge Welcomes The Ipanema Project — A New Summer Series Celebrating the Songs of Jobim & the Bossa Nova Tradition

Cincinnati's own Al West, Jr. and the Greg Chako Quartet are back at Caffè Vivace Jazz Lounge — but this summer, something new is in the air.

After three years of memorable performances at Cincinnati's most beloved intimate venues, this acclaimed ensemble is stepping into fresh creative territory as The Ipanema Project — a dedicated exploration of the timeless songs of Antônio Carlos Jobim and the rich bossa nova tradition that changed the world of music forever.

Think warm Brazilian nights, the gentle swing of the violão, and melodies that have moved hearts from Rio de Janeiro to the jazz clubs of the world. From "Garota de Ipanema" to "Corcovado" to "Águas de Março", The Ipanema Project brings these iconic songs to life with the elegance, soul, and musicianship that Caffè Vivace audiences have come to love.

This summer, let the music take you south.


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.

Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band

Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band

Wed, Jul 22

Brian Blade: Drums Jon Cowherd: Piano, Pump Organ Myron Walden: Alto Saxophone, Bass Clarinet Melvin Butler: Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone Christopher Thomas: Bass From about age nine to age thirteen, Brian Blade played violin in the school orchestra and continued to play until following in the footsteps of his older brother, Brady l. Blade, Jr. who played the drums in the Zion church. During high school, both Brady, Jr. and Brian were students of Dorsey Summerfield, Jr. and performed as part of his professional group called “the Polyphonics”. During this time and through his experience with Mr. Summerfield, Brian began listening to themusic of John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Art Blakey, Thelonious Monk, Elvin Jones, and Joni Mitchell. In 1988, Brian moved to New Orleans to attend Loyola University. It was at this time that Brian met Jon Cowherd and the roots of the Fellowship Band began. Both Brian and Jon were able to study and play with most of the master musicians living in New Orleans, including: John Vidacovich, Ellis Marsalis, Steve Masakowski, Bill Huntington, Mike Pellera, John Mahoney, George French, Germaine Bazzle, David Lee, Jr., Alvin Red Tyler, Tony Dagradi and Harold Battiste. There were many inspiring musicians living and visiting New Orleans who helped Brian in his development. Some of these friends are Chris Thomas, Peter Martin, Nicholas Payton, Antoine Drye, Martin Butler, Delfeayo Marsalis, Joshua Redman, Harry Connick, Jr., Gray Mayfield, Marcus Roberts, Victor Goines and Daniel Lanois. In 1998, Brian and Jon Cowherd began recording their own music with the group “The Fellowship”. Band members Chris Thomas, Myron Walden, and Melvin Butler have performed at esteemed venues like the Village Vanguard and festivals such as the Ottawa Jazz Fest, Newport Jazz Fest, and the New Orleans Jazz Fest. Over the decades that the band has existed, they have released seven recordings. Their debut, FELLOWSHIP in 1998, PERCEPTUAL in 2000, SEASON OF CHANGES in 2008, LANDMARKS in 2014, BODY AND SHADOW in 2017, LIVE FROM THE ARCHIVES in 2022 and KINGS HIGHWAY in 2023. A $20 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Tickets for this performance are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, a one-time transfer to a future show of equal value will be accepted. The transfer must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance.
Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band

Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band

Thu, Jul 23

Brian Blade: Drums Jon Cowherd: Piano, Pump Organ Myron Walden: Alto Saxophone, Bass Clarinet Melvin Butler: Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone Christopher Thomas: Bass From about age nine to age thirteen, Brian Blade played violin in the school orchestra and continued to play until following in the footsteps of his older brother, Brady l. Blade, Jr. who played the drums in the Zion church. During high school, both Brady, Jr. and Brian were students of Dorsey Summerfield, Jr. and performed as part of his professional group called “the Polyphonics”. During this time and through his experience with Mr. Summerfield, Brian began listening to themusic of John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Art Blakey, Thelonious Monk, Elvin Jones, and Joni Mitchell. In 1988, Brian moved to New Orleans to attend Loyola University. It was at this time that Brian met Jon Cowherd and the roots of the Fellowship Band began. Both Brian and Jon were able to study and play with most of the master musicians living in New Orleans, including: John Vidacovich, Ellis Marsalis, Steve Masakowski, Bill Huntington, Mike Pellera, John Mahoney, George French, Germaine Bazzle, David Lee, Jr., Alvin Red Tyler, Tony Dagradi and Harold Battiste. There were many inspiring musicians living and visiting New Orleans who helped Brian in his development. Some of these friends are Chris Thomas, Peter Martin, Nicholas Payton, Antoine Drye, Martin Butler, Delfeayo Marsalis, Joshua Redman, Harry Connick, Jr., Gray Mayfield, Marcus Roberts, Victor Goines and Daniel Lanois. In 1998, Brian and Jon Cowherd began recording their own music with the group “The Fellowship”. Band members Chris Thomas, Myron Walden, and Melvin Butler have performed at esteemed venues like the Village Vanguard and festivals such as the Ottawa Jazz Fest, Newport Jazz Fest, and the New Orleans Jazz Fest. Over the decades that the band has existed, they have released seven recordings. Their debut, FELLOWSHIP in 1998, PERCEPTUAL in 2000, SEASON OF CHANGES in 2008, LANDMARKS in 2014, BODY AND SHADOW in 2017, LIVE FROM THE ARCHIVES in 2022 and KINGS HIGHWAY in 2023. A $20 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set, if the total for beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Tickets for this performance are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, a one-time transfer to a future show of equal value will be accepted. The transfer must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance.