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Cincinnati jazz venues and concerts

Jazz music and concerts in Cincinnati  

Cincinnati jazz venues

Jazz concerts coming to Cincinnati

Jazz in Cincinnati has a rich history. Since the 1900s, jazz music has had a very influential impact on Cincinnati. In the 1920s, Gennett Studios attracted big-name jazz musicians and African American jazz bands.

Jazz became crucial to the Cincinnati club and music scene in the 1950s. The genre has maintained popularity over time.

Cincinnati is the proud home of a plethora of jazz venues and concerts. Cincinnatians can frequent these jazz venues and check out the jazz concerts. Groove to live jazz music, including classic, smooth, and Latin Jazz.

The information in this article is current as of the publication date. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information before acting.

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avery*sunshine

Avery*Sunshine

March 30, 7:30 p.m.
The Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Avery*Sunshine is an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for her eclectic style of music, which blends elements of Jazz, soul, funk, and R&B.

crowd enjoying jazz

Jazz at the Memo

Mondays, 7 p.m.
Through April 29
Price Varies
Memorial Hall (OTR)
The weekly jazz concerts feature some of the finest musicians in Cincinnati’s thriving jazz scene. The local and regional jazz acts perform different styles of Jazz, such as traditional, swing, Latin, funk, fusion, soul, and more.

Remaining Season:

  • March 18 – Brandon Coleman Quartet – “Sounds Beyond: Music Inspired Paranormal Events”
  • March 25 – “As Time Goes By: Love Songs of the 40s and 50s” feat. Queen City Cabaret
  • April 1 – Estrada do Sol: Echoes from Brazil…A 75 Year Retrospective
  • April 8 – Five Little Bears: Swinging’ the Blues
  • April 16 – Since You Asked, Songs from My Favorite Singers!
  • April 22 – Carlos Vargas Duo plays Ron Carter & Jim Hall’s “Alone Together”
  • April 29 – Steve Hoskins and the Phil DeGreg Trio play Paul Simon
spyro gyra

Spyro Gyra

April 20, 7:30 p.m.
The Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Spyro Gyra is a Grammy-nominated jazz fusion band performing for over 40 years. The band is known for its eclectic mix of Jazz, rock, pop, and world music influences.

stanley clarke

Stanley Clarke

May 10 & 11
The Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Four-time Grammy Award Winner Stanley Clarke has obtained “living legend” status during his over 50-year career as a bass virtuoso.

ravi coltrane

Ravi Coltrane featuring Gadi Lehavi and Ele Howell

June 2, 8 p.m.
Memorial Hall (OTR)
Ravi Coltrane is a critically acclaimed, Grammy-nominated saxophonist, bandleader, and composer.

adam hawley

Adam Hawley and Julian Vaughn

June 8, 7:30 p.m.
The Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Experience the musical talents of Adam Hawley and Julian Vaughn as they grace the stage at the Ludlow Garage.

yussef dayes

Yussef Dayes

June 25, 7:30 p.m.
The Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Prepare to be transported on a musical journey as Dayes, a virtuoso drummer known for his mesmerizing improvisations and genre-blurring style, takes the stage. 

Walter Beasley

Walter Beasley

July 13, 7:30 p.m.
The Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Acclaimed saxophonist Walter Beasley will take the stage, promising an evening filled with soulful grooves.

Four80East

Four80East

August 9, 7:30 p.m.
The Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Experience the captivating sounds of Four80East, the dynamic electro-jazz duo hailing from Toronto.


Upcoming Cincinnati Jazz Concerts and Festivals

Buddy, Woody + Maynard: Big Band Legends of the ‘70s + ‘80s

March 21, 7 p.m.
$10 – $25
The Redmoor (Mt. Lookout)
The 1970s and ’80s were a rich and vibrant time for big-band jazz. Relive the sounds that delighted a generation!

Brad Mehldau

March 21, 8 p.m.
$35 – $60
Memorial Hall (OTR)
Brad Mehldau is known for his virtuosic playing, wide-ranging repertoire, and ability to blend Jazz, classical, and popular music into a unique and personal sound.

Emmet Cohen Trio

April 2, 7 p.m. & 9 p.m.
$50
Caffè Vivace (Walnut Hills)
Multifaceted American jazz pianist and composer Emmet Cohen has emerged as one of his generation’s pivotal figures in music and the related arts. Possessing a fluid technique, an innovative tonal palette, and an extensive repertoire, Cohen plays with the command of a seasoned veteran and the passion of an artist fully devoted to his medium.

The Look of Love: Mandy Gaines Sings Burt Bacharach

April 18, 7 p.m.
$10 – $25
The Redmoor (Mt. Lookout)
Joined by fan-favorite vocalist Mandy Gaines to pay tribute to this musical genius, CCJO wraps the big band series by putting their own touch on classics such as “A House is Not a Home,” “Close to You,” and “The Look of Love.”

Jazz@First April in Paris featuring Valérie Agulhon Graschaire

April 28, 2 p.m.
$10 – $20
First Unitarian Church (Avondale)
French vocalist Valérie Agulhon Graschaire will bring some pieces from home to perform alongside American classics with the Phil DeGreg Trio.

Christian McBride & Inside Straight

May 25 – May 26, 7 p.m. & 9 p.m.
$60 -$65
Caffè Vivace (Walnut Hills)
Christian McBride is an eight-time Grammy Award-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader.


Related Article: Midwest events, concerts, and festivals

black man playing trumpet
Check out these jazz music venues, festivals, and concerts in Cincinnati!

Cincinnati Jazz Clubs and Venues

Bromwell’s Hearth Room

Live jazz Wednesday through Saturday
125 W 4th Street (Downtown)
Located in the heart of Cincinnati’s historic business district, Bromwell’s Hearth Room offers a coffee and cocktail program dedicated to the classics.

Caffe Vivace

Live jazz Tuesday through Saturday
975 East McMillan Street (Walnut Hills)
513-601-9897
Caffè Vivace is a coffee house by day and a jazz lounge by night. It provides a space for Cincinnatians to gather, work, socialize, and herald the musical art form of jazz. Tunes typically include early Jazz, bebop, funk, melodies, swing era, and big bands.

First Unitarian Church

Hosts monthly jazz events
536 Linton Street (Avondale)
513-281-1564
First Unitarian Church has a beautiful sanctuary with a high-tech A/V system and other facilities that are available for rent. Catch the Jazz@First Chamber Jazz Series with the Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra.

Fountain Square

Frequently hosts jazz events
520 Vine Street (Downtown)
513-621-4400
Fountain Square has a rich heritage as the center of Cincinnati’s civic, social, and commercial life. Today, it serves as the epicenter of downtown and the City’s central gathering space. Bands typically include a jazz piano, drums, trumpet, and sax with a tenor to accompany the music.

Japp’s – Since 1879

Check out their website for a jazz band and dates
1134 Main Street (Downtown)
513-381-0674
Japp’s OTR specializes in classic cocktails from the 1700s to the 1950s. The building’s history complements the historical aspect of the bar’s focus. Musicians often play jazz radio classics by the Marsalis’, Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, Thelonious, Gillespie, Coleman, Bossa, Baker, and others who have performed at Jazz at Lincoln Center. 

Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge

Check out their website for bands and days
1432 Vine Street (OTR)
513-400-8624
Nostalgia is an intimate lounge inspired by Cincinnati’s rich musical culture and gathering places of the past. A Black-owned jazz club often offers rhythm and blues, blue notes, instrumentals, improvisation, and the sounds of big bands!

Related Article: Things to do in Black Cincinnati this week

Schwartz’s Point Jazz & Acoustic Club

Thursday – Sunday: Check the website for times.
1901 Vine Street (OTR)
513-208-4466
Like going to New York or Europe for the evening without leaving Cincinnati!
Enjoy live music, exquisite cocktails, hot (spiked) espresso, and delicious desserts. Many jazz greats have performed at The Point, especially during Jazz Appreciation Month.

The Blind Lemon

Check out their website for bands and days
693 Hatch Street (Mount Adams)
513-241-3885
Offering live music seven nights a week and showcasing the best of Cincinnati’s vibrant local music scene. Sometimes, you hear a solo trumpeter; other times, you hear a jazz musician doing gigs around Cincinnati.

The Redmoor

Check out their website for bands and days
3187 Linwood Avenue (Mt Lookout)
513-871-6789
The Redmoor is the stage for some of Cincinnati’s most memorable weddings, events, and live music performances.

The Symphony Hotel and Restaurant

Friday and Saturday from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
210 W. 14th Street (OTR)
513-721-3353
The lounge offers live Jazz and full food service from their award-winning kitchen. As a listener, jazz lovers will appreciate the sound and ambiance of this cozy venue.

Washington Park

Frequently hosts free jazz events
1230 Elm Street (OTR)
513-621-4400
From live music to exercise classes and kid’s activities, Washington Park has free, family-friendly events for folks of all ages.

Related Article: Things for African Americans to do this year

Jazz and blues are among America’s most significant cultural achievements. These genres unite people across the divides of race, region, and national boundaries. You can see for yourself by checking out live music from the best jazz performers in Cincinnati.

Jazz fans can also follow the Cincinnati Jazz Community on Facebook or visit Women of Jazz, Blues, and R&B Singers of Cincinnati to learn about jazz legends, new jazz musicians, emerging jazz artists, and jazz history.

If we have missed any upcoming Cincinnati jazz events or jazz clubs, please submit them to The Voice of Black Cincinnati calendar.

Written by: Crystal Kendrick

The Voice of Black Cincinnati is a media company designed to educate, recognize, and create opportunities for African Americans. Want to find local news, events, job postings, scholarships, and a database of local Black-owned businesses? Visit our homepage, explore other articles, subscribe to our newsletter, like our Facebook page, join our Facebook group, and text VOBC to 513-270-3880.

Cincinnati Jazz Venues photo provided by © [AS Photo Project] /Adobe Stock, © [BillionPhotos.com] /Adobe Stock

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Written by Crystal Kendrick

Publisher, The Voice of Black Cincinnati

1 comment

  1. Nice article! As a jazz musician in town it’s always good to see things promoted! I would also like to suggest you add Bromwell’s Hearth Room at 126 W. 4th to your list of jazz venues. Live jazz Wed-Sat. Great sounding room, nice folks.

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