Cincinnati jazz venues and concerts you need to know about!

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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Featured Cincinnati Jazz Events

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:

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

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.

Jazz at the Park

Mondays, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
May 6 through October 28
Free Admission
Washington Park (OTR)
Jazz at the Memo moves outside for free jazz in the park. The weekly jazz concerts feature some of the finest musicians in Cincinnati’s thriving jazz scene.

Remaining Season:

May 6 – Faux Frenchmen
May 13 – Lili Shires & Steve Schmidt
May 20 – Mambo Combo
June 3 – Ron Jones
June 10 – Kris Keith Quartet
June 17 – Mike Wade Quintet
June 24 – Noisepolice
July 1 – Daniel Bennett & the Dirty Shirlies
July 8 – Mandy Gaines & Brad Meyers
July 15 – Phil DeGreg Trio
July 22 – Dixie Karas Quartet
July 29 – Camille Saba Smith
August 5 – Tachoir Duo
August 12 – Queen City Cabaret
August 19 – John Zappa’s “Now Hear This”
August 26 – Ben Levin
September 9 – Jazz Attack
September 16 – Sophia Troyer Duo
September 23 – April Aloisio Trio
September 30 – Jordan Pollard Trio
October 7 – Al West, Jr. Quartet
October 14 – Spherical Agenda
October 21 – Carlos Vargas Trio
October 28 – Tough Friend

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 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 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

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

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

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

Esperanza Spalding

September 13, 8 p.m.
Taft Theatre (Downtown)
Renowned jazz artist Esperanza Spalding has a unique blend of jazz and soul that guarantees an unforgettable evening of music.

Jessy J

September 27, 7:30 p.m.
The Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Tapping into the vibrant soul and blues energies of the ’60s and ’70s, Jessy created an album full of James Brownesque drums and tasty/bluesy Ray Charles organ licks showcasing some of her most passionate and robust tenor playing ever.

Upcoming Cincinnati Jazz Concerts and Festivals

Jazz at the Square

Tuesdays, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
April 2 through October 8
Free Admission
Fountain Square (Downtown)

Remaining Season:

April 23 – Keigo Hirakawa Quartet
April 30 – Grace Lincoln & Brad Meyers
May 7 – Sophia Troyer Duo
May 14 – Dee Marie Quartet
May 21 – Pamela Mallory Trio
May 28 – Mandy Gaines
June 4 – Chris Andrew Quartet
June 11 – Phil DeGreg / Rick Van Matre
June 18 – Michael Mavridoglou Quintet
June 25 – Jamey Abersold Quartet
July 2 -Justin Dawson Quartet
July 9 – Myles Ellington Twitty Quintet
July 16 – Phil Tipton Quintet
July 23 – Jim Anderson Sextet
July 30 – Mike Wade Quintet
August 6 – Retro Nouveau
August 13 – Marc Fields Quintet
August 20 -Eric Wurzelbacher Quartet
August 27 – Eric Lechliter/Michael Mavridoglou Trumpet Summit
September 3 – Estrado do Sol
September 10 – Ricky Nye, Inc.
September 17 – Patsy Meyer
September 24 – Hank Stephens & Erin Stuckey
October 1 – Kelly MacKenzie-Thurley & Ben Tweedt Duo
October 8 – Bobby Sharp Trip with Jennifer Ellis

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.

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!

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.

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.

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 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.

1 comment

Bart Foster says:
February 4, 2023 at 12:38 pm
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.

Comments are closed.

Cincinnati Jazz Venues and Concerts