Cincinnati jazz venues and concerts
Jazz music and concerts in Cincinnati
Cincinnati jazz venues
Jazz concerts coming to Cincinnati
There is a rich history of Jazz in Cincinnati. 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.
Upcoming Cincinnati Jazz Concerts and Festivals
Jazz is Dead
December 5, 8 p.m.
$25 – $65
Memorial Hall (OTR)
Jazz is Dead, the legacy All-Star instrumental ensemble, is famous for interpretations of classic Grateful Dead songs with jazz influences.
Eric Darius
December 29, 8:30 p.m.
$35 – $55
The Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Eric Darius, the Billboard chart-topping saxophonist, songwriter, producer, and performer, is known for his smooth, soulful sound and crowd-captivating energy.
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.
Spyro Gyra
April 20, 7:30 p.m.
$40 – $65
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.
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Ongoing Cincinnati Jazz Events
Jazz at the Memo
Mondays, 7 p.m.
November 12 – April 29
Price Varies
Memorial Hall (OTR)
Memorial Hall unwraps a new chapter in the popular Jazz at the Memo series with the debut of their holiday season lineup.
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
Check out their website for bands and days
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
Frequently hosts 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.
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!
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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 fJazzres 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.
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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
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.