Caffe Vivace's Upcoming Shows

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.

Mandy Gaines — vocalist

Steve Schmidt — piano

Mandy Gaines began singing at an early age in school and church. She holds a B.A. from the College of Wooster in Speech/Arts. She has continued her studies through private vocal instruction and workshops emphasizing oral interpretation, jazz improvisation, vocal technique, theatre, and broadcasting/media studies.

Pianist Steve Schmidt was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. He took two years of basic piano lessons in grade school but spent more time playing baseball and basketball. An attraction to the guitar - to blues and blues-oriented rock bands - drew Steve into pursuing music. Throughout high school, he spent much of his free time playing guitar along with records and jamming with others around the city. Blues led to jazz, and he switched to piano the summer after high school to teach himself the chords and melodies of jazz.

Ticket price is $15 per person.

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.

Ben Levin - Piano/Vocals

Candice Ivory - Vocals

Ben Levin is a pianist, vocalist, producer, and recording artist. He has released seven albums and his latest, "Ben Levin Presents A Holiday Blues Revue" features collaborations with legendary blues artist Lil' Ed and Grammy nominated vocalist Candice Ivory. In addition to his own work, Ben is an in-demand session musician and has been featured on several prominent albums including "Bob Is Back!" by Bob Stroger. Ben maintains a busy touring schedule and has performed throughout the U.S., Europe, Brazil, and Japan.

Candice Ivory is an internationally acclaimed Grammy nominated vocalist, composer, and recording artist. Candice has been featured on and produced several critically acclaimed albums across genres. A veteran in the industry, Candice has performed across the United States and Europe as well as in Brazil. In addition to her love of performance, Candice also has a passion for teaching and was a guest lecturer for Jazz at Lincoln Center's Swing U.

At this concert, the highly acclaimed duo of Candice Ivory and Ben Levin will present a program of original songs and traditional favorites.

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.