Live music in Cincinnati, OH

Local and regional jazz musicians perform each Monday at the Sherwin-Williams Porch, offering an inviting evening of live music within Cincinnati’s vibrant jazz community. The series is free to attend and requires no tickets. Settle in with a drink and enjoy rotating sets from artists such as Sophia Troyer, Love of Country Jazz Quintet, Brent Gallaher Quintet, Mambo Combo, Estrada do Sol, Faux Frenchmen, Ricky Nye, Pamela Mallory Quartet, Little Saudade, Mandy Gaines and Brad Meyers, Jim Connerley Quartet, Camille Saba Smith, Bacchanal Steel Band, Marc Fields, Keigo Hirakawa Trio, Lili Shires and Steve Schmidt, Hank Stephens and Erwin Stuckey, Five Little Bears, Phil DeGreg Trio, Retro Nouveau featuring Jack Garrett, Noisepolice, Al West Jr, Jordan Pollard Trio, Queen City Cabaret, Daniel Bennett and the Dirty Shirleys, and Dixie Karas. Programmed in collaboration with Jazz at the Memo, with thanks to sponsors GBBN, Sherwin-Williams, and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

Experience the music of Earth, Wind & Fire as Just Vince & The Fellas deliver a high-energy live tribute at The Redmoor. Expect classic hits, funky rhythms, and a relaxed setting that invites plenty of dancing. The kitchen will be open. Admission is $15 in advance and $20 on the day of the show.

Judah & the Lion take the stage at Bogart’s for an all-ages concert where everyone is welcome. The schedule and any supporting artists may change without prior notice, and refunds are not provided for such changes. Entry policies can be updated, and purchasing tickets indicates agreement to follow whatever requirements are in place at the time. For the latest protocols, refer to the venue’s website before attending. Tickets are available through a public onsale, with additional options including artist, Live Nation, and Citi Cardmember presales, plus VIP packages.

A theatrical rock journey powered by the music of Led Zeppelin leads into a distant, mythical world. A carefully arranged set draws on legendary tales and traces themes of adventure, darkness, companionship, and triumph, linking songs like Ramble On, The Battle of Evermore, and Stairway to Heaven to epic fantasy motifs. Costumes and cinematic visual projections build an enveloping atmosphere that shapes the performance into an immersive narrative. Presented as more than a concert, it brings music and imagination together in a vivid live production.

An open air Tuesday lunch hour brings live music and a rotating selection of local food trucks. The lineup changes each day, offering new options from one visit to the next. Presented with support from Strauss Troy and Fifth Third Bank, and produced by 3CDC.

Live jazz fills Fountain Square with a performance by The Blue Jays, part of an ongoing series highlighting local and regional artists. The show is free and open to the public, and no tickets are needed. The series is presented in collaboration with Jazz at the Memo and Jazz at the Park. For anyone looking to keep the evening going, The Great Gatsby is playing at the Aronoff Center, about a block and a half from Fountain Square. Sponsors include Jamey Aebersold Jazz, CCJO, The Great Gatsby Musical Tour, Broadway Cincinnati, and Fifth Third Bank, and all Fountain Square events are produced by 3CDC.

Sean Fitzpatric and Carey Hunley bring a vacation feel to the stage with live music. Enjoy dinner and drinks with views of Four Seasons Marina while they perform.

Aaron Jacobs joins Brad Meyers and Jason Smart for a live jazz set at Muse, bringing three musicians together for a collaborative performance.

Experience live folk, roots, and Americana on the Fifth Third Bank Center Stage. Enjoy happy hour beforehand, then settle in as the music takes over. Admission is free and all are welcome. The lineup features artists such as The Laurelys, Kinda Grassy, Sonya Moomaw & Her Mom’s Friends, Porch Goose, Ma Crow & The Flock, Turtle Mountain, Ryan Harvey, Adam & Joey, Ray Vietti, Dan Van Vechten, Joslyn & The Sweet Compression, Casey Campbell, Stick & Bindle, Sam & Andrew Hibbard, Sean Geil Band, Adam Lee, Magnolia Boulevard, Mike Oberst, Maria Carrelli, Ben Knight, Madison Hughes, Mavis Guitar, William Matheny, Corduroy Brown, Tinfoil Hat Cowboys, Buffalo Wabs, Dalchord, Evan McMillian, Conrad Moore, Joe’s Truck Stop, Laurelview Ramblers, and Grayson Jenkins. Presented with support from Fifth Third Bank.

At Caffè Vivace, acclaimed tenor saxophonist Gregory Tardy leads a centennial tribute to John Coltrane with pianist Dan Karlsberg, bassist Justin Dawson, and drummer Phillip Tipton. The program traces Coltrane’s impact across his career, from the hard-charging momentum of Blue Train and Giant Steps to the spiritually searching and lyrical music of his later years. Tardy brings extensive experience from the international jazz scene, having performed and recorded with Elvin Jones, Andrew Hill, Tom Harrell, and Dave Douglas. His commanding sound, deep blues foundation, and exploratory approach make him a fitting voice to honor Coltrane’s legacy while speaking in his own. Expect a mix of well-loved classics and lesser-known pieces that illuminate Coltrane’s innovations in harmony and improvisation, delivered in an intimate listening room at Caffè Vivace. A $20 per person food and drink minimum is charged per set if a party’s beverage purchases do not meet the required minimum. Seats may be resold without refund if check-in has not occurred within 15 minutes after the set begins. Tickets are nonrefundable, with a one-time transfer to a future show of equal value available when requested at least 24 hours before the performance.

Thee Sacred Souls, LA LOM, and The Womack Sisters unite for a night of lush harmonies, cross-genre rhythms, and classic soul reimagined, arriving at The Andrew J Brady Music Center in Cincinnati as part of the Constellation Tour across North America. Thee Sacred Souls, a modern soul trio from San Diego, blend the warmth of 1960s and 1970s R&B with a contemporary touch, known for tender vocals, rich instrumentation, and a nostalgic production style. Their 2024 album Got A Story To Tell propelled them to headlining amphitheaters around the continent, following milestones like NPR Tiny Desk, major festival sets at Coachella, Bonnaroo, and Lollapalooza, television appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live, CBS Saturday, Austin City Limits, and Later with Jools Holland, and a rapidly growing fan base that includes artists such as Beyoncé, SZA, Alicia Keys, and Leon Bridges. LA LOM, short for The Los Angeles League of Musicians, is a Los Angeles trio whose instrumental sound fuses vintage cumbia, bolero, and rock into a cinematic, California-rooted vibe. Their 2024 self-titled debut drew acclaim for its laid-back East L.A. feel, with attention from outlets like NPR and the Los Angeles Times, and appearances at Austin City Limits, Newport Folk and Jazz, and Treefort, alongside headlining runs in North America and Europe. The Womack Sisters bring powerful family harmonies and modern flair, carrying forward a storied lineage as the daughters of Cecil and Linda Womack and granddaughters of Sam Cooke. Their debut Daptone singles, If You Want Me and I Just Don’t Want You (To Say Goodbye), produced by Gabe Roth, showcase a sound that honors classic R&B while pushing it forward. Please note that The Andrew J Brady Music Center enforces a clear bag policy for all events. For details on the bag policy and a full list of rules and prohibited items, consult the venue’s website.

Pete Papania brings a gentle, melodic set to Muse with live interpretations of classics from the American songbook. A relaxed atmosphere with food, friends, and music sets the tone for an easygoing evening.

DJ Sergio takes over the Beachcomber Stage with a mix that ranges from longtime favorites to current hits. Drinks are available by the volleyball courts, and those who want to play can hit the court while the music goes on.

At Caffè Vivace in Cincinnati, drummer Nate Smith leads a powerhouse quartet featuring Hailey Niswanger on alto saxophone, Chris Morrisey on bass, and James Francies on piano, keys, and synth. A Grammy Award winning bandleader, composer, producer, and virtuosic drummer, Smith has performed across styles, from early appearances with Betty Carter to global tours with Dave Holland. His work spans songwriting and production beginning with Michael Jackson's Heaven Can Wait, acclaimed solo projects and his band KINFOLK, plus multiple Grammy nominations including honors for KINFOLK: Postcards from Everywhere and as a member of the Dave Holland Octet. He has collaborated with Brittany Howard, Pat Metheny, Ravi Coltrane, Van Hunt, Childish Gambino, Norah Jones, Jon Batiste, Vulfpeck, Lauren Daigle, The Fearless Flyers, Chris Potter, Kiefer, CARRTOONS, Charlie Hunter, and Kurt Elling, appeared on the cover of Modern Drummer, and supplied the groove for the Late Night with Seth Meyers' house band. Beyond the stage, Smith has reached listeners as a teacher through concise lessons on rhythm and his Pocket Change projects from 2018 and 2023. His latest release, LIVE ACTION, assembles a wide circle of guests while keeping a unified sound through an intentionally analog, live in the room approach with limited takes and no programming. Contributors include Josh Johnson, Marquis Hill, JSWISS, Charlie Hunter, Lionel Loueke, Michael League, Ben Williams, CARRTOONS, DJ Harrison, Keifer, säje, Jermaine Holmes, and Lalah Hathaway, who reimagines Automatic by The Pointer Sisters. Please note the venue policies. A $20 food and drink minimum applies per person in the party, per set, if the party's beverage total does not reach the minimum. Seats may be resold without refund if check-in has not occurred within 15 minutes after the set begins. Tickets are non refundable, with a one time transfer to a future show of equal value available when requested at least 24 hours before the performance starts.

Salsa on the Square, presented by P&G, showcases live local and regional Latin bands across salsa, merengue, cumbia, and Latin jazz, with large group lessons led by area instructors for both beginners and intermediate dancers. This edition features Latin Beat Project with instruction from Heather Sommer. Happy Hour includes a one dollar discount on all alcoholic beverages. There is no charge to attend, and no tickets are needed. Produced by 3CDC with support from P&G and Fifth Third Bank at Fountain Square.

Dead Letter Office delivers a faithful tribute to the music and feel of R.E.M.’s live performances. Since 2014 the band has toured throughout the U.S. and Canada, presenting a show that reflects what fans have missed since R.E.M. disbanded. Sets feature the well known songs along with deep cuts that appeal to devoted listeners. The group has even shared the stage with R.E.M. members, including Mike Mills joining in Buffalo for Man on the Moon and Peter Buck appearing at Clusterfest in San Francisco to play Sitting Still and So. Central Rain.

Two standout voices in modern roots music share the stage at Taft Theatre for a special co-headlining concert. Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country brings virtuosic guitar work, roadhouse twang, and melody-forward songwriting to a style Donato dubs Cosmic Country, blending classic American influences with a fresh, exploratory rock spirit. The group, featuring Nathan “Sugarlegg” Aronowitz, Will “Mustang” McGee, and Will “Bronco” Clark, has grown a devoted following, appeared on CBS Saturday Morning and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’s #LateShowMeMusic series, and continues to build on the all-original album Horizon, the follow up to 2023’s Reflector. Molly Tuttle shares the bill with the Grammy-winning musicianship that has defined her career. Her fifth album, So Long Little Miss Sunshine, recorded with producer Jay Joyce, spans Americana, country, rock, and dazzling flatpicking while reflecting themes of self-acceptance and reinvention. The release earned Grammy nominations for Best Americana Album and for the single That’s Gonna Leave A Mark, which topped Americana Radio and reached the Top 20 at AAA. A trailblazing guitarist and two-time Grammy winner with five career nominations, Tuttle continues to expand the possibilities of roots music. Please note venue policies. A clear bag policy is in effect for all events. There are no elevators, and access to all balcony seating requires climbing stairs.

JBM Promotions and Memorial Hall host an evening that evokes the glamour of a 1960s Las Vegas showroom, capturing the spirit of a Frank Sinatra set at the Sands. Song stylist Jack Garrett fronts the ten piece Atomic Wise Guys with hallmark Sinatra favorites such as Fly Me to the Moon, My Way, One for My Baby, Summer Wind, Nice N Easy, New York, New York, and others. The program also salutes contemporaries connected to Sinatra with hits associated with Tony Bennett, Frankie Valli, Dean Martin, and Bobby Darin. Guest vocalist Teresa Carey adds selections tied to Sarah Vaughan, Nancy Wilson, Aretha Franklin, and Etta James. Custom written arrangements faithfully mirror the sound of the original recordings, and the show moves at a lively pace with audience interaction and stories that shed light on Sinatra’s music and the man behind it. The Atomic Wise Guys feature Brian Cashwell on piano and keyboards, Michael Sharfe on bass, Jim Leslie on drums and as music director, Bill Dixon on trombone and trumpet and as arranger, Hank Mauntner on lead trumpet, Christopher Jeffery on jazz trumpet, Grant "King" Koeller on tenor sax, Jeff Spurlock on alto sax, and Terry Staten on baritone sax, with Jack Garrett as vocalist and Teresa Carey as guest vocalist.

Pallbearer appears with Ordh for a concert centered on the Redux edition of Foundations of Burden, performed in its entirety. The album has been carefully rebuilt from the original sessions, produced by the band with new mixes by Mario Quintero and mastering by Adam Gonsalves, plus updated artwork featuring a painting by Benjamin Vierling. Spanning six tracks and about 55 minutes, this reimagined release revisits a key chapter in the group’s history. Entry is open to ages 16 and older, and attendees under 16 may enter with a parent or guardian.

Nicki Sage, a singer-songwriter and professional musician, returns to the East Walnut Hills Farmers Market with an upbeat acoustic set that blends well-loved covers and her own originals. The performance spans pop, rock, country, alternative, R&B, classic rock, and family favorites, offering something for listeners of all ages. Enjoy the market atmosphere while exploring local vendors, tasting good food, and connecting with the community as live music sets an easygoing backdrop. The set is interactive and welcoming, and song requests are encouraged.

Soul Pocket brings a powerhouse 13-piece lineup for a live music experience built to make you move. The band delivers polished, high-energy entertainment from start to finish. A live music menu will be available.

A free concert on Fountain Square features Augustana with Joe Jordan, plus a set by special guest Jet Jurgensmeyer. No tickets are required. The Fountain Bar will be open with beer, wine, seltzers, and mixed drinks, and outside alcohol is not permitted on the Square. Presented with support from Visit Cincy and Fifth Third Bank, and produced by 3CDC. This show is part of Visit Cincy’s Friday Night Nationals series bringing national acts to the Square throughout the summer. Make an evening of it by exploring the Fountain District’s nearby restaurants and locally owned bars before or after the music.

Orchestral favorites unfold alongside larger-than-life visuals in a concert that turns Music Hall into a gallery in motion. The Cincinnati Pops performs Gershwin’s An American in Paris, Falla’s The Three-Cornered Hat, and Respighi’s Pines of Rome while Lightborne projects iconic artworks that move with the music, creating a seamless blend of sight and sound. John Morris Russell leads the orchestra. Presented with support from PNC, Pops Season Presenter.

Pokey LaFarge brings a night of roots-rich music to Cincinnati, weaving folk, blues, country, swing, rockabilly, and early jazz into a style that is distinctly his own. With more than twenty years of music-making, he blends honest, human storytelling with a compelling stage presence while touring his latest album, Rent Money. Cicada Rhythm opens the show, the Georgia duo of Andrea DeMarcus and Dave Kirslis, offering tight harmonies, intricate guitar lines, and warm, roots-focused songs that set the tone for the evening.

CCM Philharmonia teams up with students from CCM Musical Theatre for a concert performance of Lerner and Loewe’s Brigadoon, part of the CCM Musical Theatre + Orchestra Series. This romantic and fantastical tale follows a mystical Scottish village that appears for a single day every hundred years, set to a beloved score that includes favorites like “The Heather on the Hill” and “Almost Like Being in Love.” The work features book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, music by Frederick Loewe, and original dances created by Agnes DeMille. Ian Axness serves as music director and conductor, with direction by Eric Byrd. Colorful lighting by CCM Lighting Design and Technology students enhances the concert setting. The performance takes place in Corbett Auditorium in the CCM Village at the University of Cincinnati. Tickets are $26 for adults, $15 for students, $20 for UC faculty and staff, $10 for UC students, and $5 for CCM students, with group discounts available. Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International, with authorized performance materials supplied by MTI.

Designed for the 30-plus crowd, this upbeat club night at Tulua Nightclub Cincy spotlights the hits that powered dance floors in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. It centers on dancing, socializing, and great music, with a welcoming atmosphere that lets you have a memorable night out without sacrificing the next day.

Hulvey takes the stage with an energetic, faith-centered performance that blends vulnerable storytelling with vibrant hip hop and moments of worship. The Reach Records artist has a Billboard Christian Top 10 album and the Gold-certified single Altar, with streams exceeding 100 million. Fresh from touring with Brandon Lake, he continues to connect with audiences across the country. Indie Tribe and Kijan Boone join the lineup for an evening guided by purpose and uplifting sound.

Holy Heat Music Fest returns to Cincinnati with a second annual celebration of faith-centered music and community at The Hamilton County Fair Grounds. Attendees can look forward to high-energy performances, a welcoming atmosphere, and a complimentary meal included with every $20 ticket. The event is hosted by Sean Gary and features live sets from eCsiLe, J Stamp, The Angel Faith, $auce Wayne, Word Rat, and Salt of Tha Earth. Activities for all ages include face painting, raffle drawings, prize giveaways at the door, and an uplifting guest speaker, with time for fellowship and positive vibes throughout. Tickets are $20 and available from participating artists, online, or at the gate.

Tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson makes his Caffè Vivace debut in Cincinnati with Jackson Plays Dylan, a project that reimagines the songs of Bob Dylan through the language of modern jazz. He appears with Jeremy Manasia on piano and Fender Rhodes, Isaac Levien on bass and electric bass, and Ryan Sands on drums. Drawing from Dylan’s wide catalog, the quartet reshapes classics like Blowin’ in the Wind, The Times They Are A-Changin’, Like a Rolling Stone, Mr. Tambourine Man, and Hurricane. Rather than straightforward covers, these pieces become vehicles for improvisation and storytelling, balancing fresh interpretation with respect for the originals. The project has earned strong critical notice, including a 4½-star review from DownBeat, with reviewers praising the clarity and persuasive power of Jackson’s tenor sound and the way the music casts Dylan’s writing in a fresh light. Jackson first came to prominence with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers after leaving Berklee in 1986, then went on to perform and record with artists such as Elvin Jones, Freddie Hubbard, Betty Carter, Christian McBride, Dr. Lonnie Smith, and Les McCann. Over more than three decades he has built a reputation for a powerful tone, deep swing, and an approach that bridges tradition with contemporary expression, including collaborations with poet and activist Nikki Giovanni. Important venue information: If the total amount of beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum, a $20 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set. If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, seats may be resold with no refund. Tickets are non-refundable, with a one-time transfer to a future show of equal value available if requested at least 24 hours before the start of the performance.

Celebrate the arrival of fall as the musical fun keeps rolling.

Experience a yoga class accompanied by live music at World Peace Yoga Cincinnati. Cece Theron provides an acoustic folk backdrop that blends voice and guitar, featuring a mix of original songs and covers intended to uplift the spirit. The class integrates movement and live music throughout the session.

This performance at the Cincinnati Art Museum features a quartet with Becki Chesnes on flute, Davis McKinney on piano, Drew Konrady on drums, and Tim Cornelius on bass. The set includes Music from a Found Harmonium, Women of Ireland, Hoedown, and Danny Boy. Admission is free and no tickets are needed.

Orchestral favorites meet the visual arts in an immersive concert at Cincinnati Music Hall. The Cincinnati Pops performs Gershwin’s An American in Paris, Falla’s The Three-Cornered Hat, and Respighi’s Pines of Rome while Lightborne fills the hall with large-scale projections of renowned masterpieces, turning the space into a gallery in motion. Conductor John Morris Russell leads the program, uniting iconic scores with images that move in harmony with the music for a multisensory performance. Presented with support from Pops Season Presenter PNC.