Discover Live Jazz Venues and Concerts in Cincinnati
Jazz clubs in Cincinnati have a rich role in the city’s music history. In the 1920s, jazz lovers frequented Gennet Studios, attracting big-name jazz musicians and African American bands. Jazz became crucial to the Cincinnati club and music scene in the 1950s, and the genre has maintained popularity over time.
Today, Cincinnati remains a vibrant hub for live jazz. From cozy clubs to lively park concerts, the city offers a diverse range of venues that celebrate its rich jazz heritage. Seasoned jazz enthusiasts and newcomers alike can enjoy Cincinnati’s jazz concerts for unforgettable experiences filled with rhythm, melody, and a sense of community connection.
The information in this article is current as of the publication date. Readers are encouraged to verify the information before taking action.
Featured Cincinnati Jazz Events
Branford Marsalis & Dianne Reeves Celebrate John Coltrane
September 10, 7:30 p.m.
Aronoff Center for the Arts (Downtown)
September 2026 marks the centennial of John Coltrane’s birth. To honor the enduring legacy of one of jazz’s most transcendent voices, the Branford Marsalis Quartet and Dianne Reeves will release a tribute album, which revisits Coltrane’s seminal 1963 collaboration with Johnny Hartman.
Emmaline: The Great American Songbook Reimagined
October 22, 8 p.m.
Memorial Hall (OTR)
With lush vocals, timeless melodies, and Emmaline’s modern-retro charm, this will be an elegant evening of romance, nostalgia, and live music made for old souls and modern hearts alike.
Gerald Albright
November 13, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
The GRAMMY‑nominated musician will bring his signature blend of smooth jazz, funk, and soulful improvisation to the intimate Cincinnati venue.
An Evening with Kenny G
November 15, 7 p.m.
Taft Theatre (Downtown)
Known for iconic hits such as Songbird, Forever in Love, and Silhouette, Kenny G has captivated audiences worldwide throughout a career spanning more than four decades.
Marion Meadows
November 27, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Known for his soulful melodies, contemporary jazz style, and chart-topping hits, Meadows delivers a captivating live performance that appeals to both longtime jazz enthusiasts and new listeners alike.
Mindi Abair’s I Can’t Wait For Christmas
December 4, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Joined by five exciting solo artists, Mindi delivers Christmas classics, fresh original songs, and heartfelt moments that will make you laugh, tear up, and leave with your heart full of the Christmas spirit.
Najee
January 16, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Renowned for his dynamic performances and signature blend of jazz, R&B, and soul, Najee has captivated audiences worldwide for decades.
Marcus Miller
February 25, $7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Renowned for his virtuosic playing, genre-blending style, and collaborations with icons, Miller delivers a dynamic live performance that showcases the very best of jazz, funk, and soul.
Upcoming Cincinnati Jazz Concerts and Festivals
Mandy Gaines Quartet
Jazz at the Square
September 1, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Fountain Square (Downtown)
Free Admission
Phil DeGreg Trio
Jazz at the Park
September 7, 6 p.m.
Washington Park (OTR)
Free Admission
Rick Auhagen & Larry Feldner
Jazz at the Square
September 8, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Fountain Square (Downtown)
Free Admission
Retro Nouveau, ft. Jack Garrett
Jazz at the Park
September 14, 6 p.m.
Washington Park (OTR)
Free Admission
Patsy Meyer & Groove Latin
Jazz at the Square
September 15, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Fountain Square (Downtown)
Free Admission
Noisepolice
Jazz at the Park
September 21, 6 p.m.
Washington Park (OTR)
Free Admission
The Blue Jays
Jazz at the Square
September 22, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Fountain Square (Downtown)
Free Admission
Paul Hawthorne
Jazz at the Park
September 28, 6 p.m.
Washington Park (OTR)
Free Admission
Chaya Jones
Jazz at the Square
September 29, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Fountain Square (Downtown)
Free Admission
The Art of the Unexpected: Scott Wojahn
Jazz@First
October 4, 2 p.m.
First Unitarian Church (Avondale)
$26.50, a complimentary wine and cheese intermission is included with your ticket.
With warmth, wit and a voice that draws you in, Wojahn transforms familiar favorites and lesser-known American Songbook gems into something entirely new.
Jordan Pollard Trio
Jazz at the Park
October 5, 6 p.m.
Washington Park (OTR)
Free Admission
Queen City Cabaret
Jazz at the Park
October 12, 6 p.m.
Washington Park (OTR)
Free Admission
Daniel Bennett & the Dirty Shirleys
Jazz at the Park
October 19, 6 p.m.
Washington Park (OTR)
Free Admission
Dixie Karas
Jazz at the Park
October 26, 6 p.m.
Washington Park (OTR)
Free Admission
A Tribute to Chuck Mangione
Big Band
October 29, 7 p.m.
The Redmoor (Mt Lookout)
Starting at $20
Enjoy an exhilarating evening of his signature hits, including “Feels So Good,” “Children of Sanchez,” “Land of Make Believe” and more. Featuring the powerhouse CCJO trumpet section, this is a celebration of the infectious sound and timeless music of one of jazz’s most beloved crossover artists.
A Tribute to the Jazz Masters: Jamey Aebersold
Jazz@First
November 8, 2 p.m.
First Unitarian Church (Avondale)
$26.50, a complimentary wine and cheese intermission is included with your ticket.
Featuring works by masters including Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and more, the concert will showcase Aebersold’s deep knowledge and passion for the music.
A Tale of Two Big Bands:The Music of Gordon Goodwin & Jim McNeely
Big Band
November 19, 7 p.m.
The Redmoor (Mt Lookout)
Starting at $20
Experience the full spectrum of contemporary big band jazz in an exhilarating tribute to two visionary artists whose music continues to inspire and electrify.
A Brazilian Christmas
Jazz@First
December 6, 2 p.m.
First Unitarian Church (Avondale)
$26.50, a complimentary wine and cheese intermission is included with your ticket.
Featuring vibraphonist Rusty Burge and trumpeter Kim Pensyl, two of Cincinnati’s finest musical talents, this festive concert offers a fresh and exhilarating take on the sounds of the season.
Jingle Jazz: Swingin’ Into the Holidays
Big Band
December 9 & 10, 7 p.m.
The Redmoor (Mt Lookout)
Starting at $20
From selections from CCJO’s acclaimed 2025 album Nutcracker Remix to festive favorites featuring the incredible Mandy Gaines, including selections from Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas, this year’s concert is packed with musical surprises, holiday spirit and plenty of swing.
Love Notes: A Jazz Valentine
Jazz@First
February 14, 2 p.m.
First Unitarian Church (Avondale)
$26.50, a complimentary wine and cheese intermission is included with your ticket.
Acclaimed Michigan jazz artists Paul Keller and Sarah D’Angelo bring their remarkable chemistry to beloved standards, unexpected gems and irresistible heartbreakers, joined by musicians from the CCJO for an evening that moves effortlessly from swooning romance to playful mischief.
Licensed to Swing: The Music of James Bond
Big Band
February 17 & 18, 7 p.m.
The Redmoor (Mt Lookout)
Starting at $20
Joining the orchestra is the sensational Mandy Gaines, channeling Bond’s iconic vocalists—from Shirley Bassey and Gladys Knight to Adele, Tina Turner, Carly Simon and more—in a thrilling program featuring mostly brand-new big band arrangements created exclusively for these performances.
John Clayton: Big Band Legend
Big Band
March 4, 7 p.m.
The Redmoor (Mt Lookout)
Starting at $20
A protégé of legendary bassist Ray Brown, Clayton has performed with Count Basie and Monty Alexander, served as principal bassist of the Amsterdam Philharmonic, and co-founded the powerhouse Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra.
My Foolish Heart: Songs of Love and Longing
Jazz@First
March 8, 2 p.m.
First Unitarian Church (Avondale)
$26.50, a complimentary wine and cheese intermission is included with your ticket.
Alongside Victor Young and Ned Washington’s “My Foolish Heart,” the program features beloved standards like Irving Berlin’s “Cheek to Cheek,” Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields’ “The Way You Look Tonight,” and Lerner and Loewe’s “On the Street Where You Live.”
Sonny Rollins Tribute
Jazz@First
April 11, 2 p.m.
First Unitarian Church (Avondale)
$26.50, a complimentary wine and cheese intermission is included with your ticket.
Chris Andrews takes up the tenor saxophone to bring Rollins’ iconic compositions—including “Airegin” and “St. Thomas”—to life, alongside songbook standards like “Just in Time” that Rollins transformed into vehicles for his legendary improvisations.
The Phantastic Phil DeGreg
Big Band
April 22, 7 p.m.
The Redmoor (Mt Lookout)
Starting at $20
Featuring brand-new big band arrangements of Phil’s music crafted by local writers and CCJO musicians, and experience the extraordinary catalog of one of the city’s true jazz treasures.
Related Article: Midwest events, concerts, and festivals
Cincinnati Jazz Clubs and Venues
Bromwell’s Hearth Room
Live jazz Wednesday through Saturday
125 W 4th Street (Downtown)
In Cincinnati’s historic business district, Bromwell’s Hearth Room offers a coffee and cocktail program dedicated to the clasCaffè
Caffè Vivace
Live jazz Tuesday through Saturday
975 East McMillan Street (Walnut Hills)
513-601Caffè
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, swing-era melodies, and big bands.
First Unitarian Church
Hosts monthly jazz events
536 Linton Street (Avondale)
513-281-1564
The First Unitarian Church features a beautiful sanctuary equipped with a high-tech A/V system and other facilities 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 bands and days
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 bar’s focus on history.
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 heritage and the city’s historic gathering places of the past. A Black-owned jazz club often offers rhythm and blues, 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 at The Point. Many jazz greats have performed there, 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 its 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 kids’ activities, Washington Park offers a variety of free, family-friendly events for 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. Let’s continue to embrace the magic of live jazz in Cincinnati and nurture our community’s love for this timeless art form.
Jazz fans can also follow the Cincinnati Jazz Community on Facebook 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.
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 513-966-3328.
Cincinnati Jazz Venues photos provided by © [AS Photo Project] /Adobe Stock, © [BillionPhotos.com] /Adobe Stock, Cafe Vivace, Biography.com, CCJO, Ludlow Garage, Taft Theater
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.