Jazz Vivace announces Winter 2024-25 series

By Chuck Gibson (Scott Seward contributed to this story)

Cincinnati, OH (December 4, 2024) – This winter jazz series at Caffe Vivace promises a season of extraordinary performances featuring eight national jazz acts.

The series opens this weekend featuring the dynamic vocalist Jazzmeia Horn performing four shows in two evenings, Friday and Saturday, December 6-7th. The New York Times proclaimed Horn: “among the most exciting young vocalists in jazz, with a proud traditionalism that keeps her tightly linked to the sound of classic figures like Nancy Wilson and Betty Carter, but a vivacity of spirit and conviction that places her firmly in the present.”

  • All performances – except the Paramount Quarter – will be held at Caffè Vivace, Cincinnati’s premier destination for live jazz is located at 975 East McMillan Street in the heart of Walnut Hills.
  • The intimate venue offers the perfect setting to experience live jazz in an up-close and personal atmosphere.

Just one week later, vocalist Stella Cole brings her quartet to Caffè Vivace for a holiday show Saturday, December 14th.  Hearing Stella Cole perform will transport you back in time. Her sense of joy and wonder is infectious along with her rich tone and extraordinary vocal control. Cole demonstrates that rare ability to interpret songs in a vulnerable way connecting to something within her. That talent places her right in line with the greatest interpreters of the repertoire.

The new year rings in with internationally acclaimed jazz tenor saxophonist Gregory Tardy taking the stage at Caffè Vivace for an unforgettable evening of music on January 4, 2024. Recognized for his soulful tone and profound artistry, Tardy will honor the legacy of the legendary Wayne Shorter. He’ll also showcase some  original compositions, blending tradition with innovation.

Scott Seward is the director of development for Jazz Vivace.

Here is what Scott wrote about the remainder of the winter series:

Joel Frahm performs two shows at the Caffè Saturday, January 11 with the Steve Schmidt Trio. Frahm’s bold, inventive tenor sax sound has won fans in the U.S. and worldwide. He has worked alongside Betty Carter, Kenny Barron, Freddy Cole, Dianne Schuur, Kurt Elling, Jane Monheit, Bill Charlap, Brad Mehldau, Matt Wilson, Cyrille Aimee, and many other top artists.

On January 16, Bria Skonberg performs two shows at the Caffè. The trumpeter, vocalist, and composer has been called the “shining hope of hot jazz” (NY Times) and is considered “one of the most versatile and imposing musicians of her generation.” (WSJ). Since arriving in New York in 2010, she has been at the forefront of a revival of classic American music, programming concerts and workshops for students of all ages on behalf of Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Louis Armstrong House Museum, Jazz House Kids and more.

Nate Smith is a drummer, composer, and producer from Chesapeake, Virginia. His visceral, instinctive, and deep-rooted style of drumming has led to three Grammy nominations and work with esteemed artists including Pat Metheny, Dave Holland, Brittany Howard, Van Hunt, The Fearless Flyers, Norah Jones, and Somi. Smith fuses his original compositions with an eclectic mix of music, including everything from jazz to R&B to hip-hop to pop. Smith performs at Caffè Vivace Monday, February 17.

“Our Winter Series is spectacular,” says Jazz Vivace Artistic Director Brent Gallaher. “From some of the most talented vocalists working today to some incredible saxophonists, this series has it all.”

With a distinctive voice and powerful songs, Kandace Springs makes an impression that lingers. Springs was born in Nashville, where her father was session singer Scat Springs. She grew up listening to jazz and soul singers. Springs performs four shows over two nights at the Caffè February 21-22 to close out the Winter Series. 

Springs’ new album “Run Your Race” is a tribute to her late father and her first album to feature almost all original songs, written by Kandace, both solo and with some stellar collaborators, such as Gregg Wells (Adele), Matt Hales (Liane La Havas), and her long-time partners Evan Rogers and Carl Sturken (Rihanna).

Looking ahead to the Spring series, Joe Lovano’s Paramount Quartet featuring Julian Lage, Asante Santi Debriano, and Will Calhoun perform a special program on March 25 at Memorial Hall.

Saxophone legend Joe Lovano and virtuoso guitarist Julian Lage have enjoyed a long journey of mutual artistic admiration. Longtime Lovano collaborator Asante Santi Debriano, who first performed with Joe in the Archie Shepp Quartet in the 1980s, joins on bass. Drummer Will Calhoun (of Living Colour fame) called Joe to perform with him and Santi in a fundraiser last year for the Puerto Rican Relief Fund after the devastating hurricane. That explosive, creative set was the springboard leading to the idea of adding Julian and forming this new band, which debuted at the legendary Village Vanguard in February 2024.

REMINDER – All performances except the Paramount Quarter will be held at Caffè Vivace, Cincinnati’s premier destination for live jazz, located at 975 East McMillan Street in the heart of Walnut Hills.

  • The intimate venue offers the perfect setting to experience live jazz in an up-close and personal atmosphere.
  • Jazzmeia Horn – December 6-7, 2024
  • Stella Cole – December 14, 2024
  • Gregory Tardy – January 4, 2025
  • Joel Frahm with the Steve Schmidt Trio —January 11, 2025
  • Bria Skonberg – January 16, 2025
  • Nate Smith — February 17, 2025
  • Kandace Springs — February 21-22, 2025

For tickets and more information, visit: caffevivace.com and jazzvivace.org.

Jazz Vivace, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is proud to support and promote jazz in the community, creating an environment where audiences can enjoy top-tier performances by world-class musicians.

Jazz Vivace is a nonprofit organization dedicated to presenting performances by internationally recognized jazz artists for Cincinnati area residents. We work to foreground Cincinnati as a city that attracts international jazz acts, produces internationally recognized artists, and is home to artists who play at a global level.