The celebrated jazz vocalist explores the legacy of one of the greatest American voices of all time. 

For internationally renowned jazz singer José James, this project is fate. In 2016, James was called by Universal Pictures to perform Sinatra’s version of “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” for the blockbuster film 50 Shades Darker. James—a devoted student of Sinatra—accepted the role and soon found himself in the hallowed halls of Capitol’s Studio B, behind the very microphone Sinatra used to record his most celebrated catalog for Capitol Records.

“It was a huge honor and a surprise,” remembers James. “There was a moment where engineer Al Schmitt brought out the famous Neumann U47, including the wooden box it lives in. On that box, written in black Sharpie in all caps, was just one word—FRANK. Sinatra was letting everyone know that this was his house and anyone who dared to scale the heights of his mountaintop had better be prepared.”

James rose to the challenge, performing that song onscreen in the film and recording another Sinatra classic, “They Can’t Take That Away From Me,” for the official movie soundtrack. Following that release, James has been in high demand, performing at the Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival for both a Frank Sinatra tribute with the Count Basie Orchestra as well as with the Christian McBride Big Band. He also performed with Laura Mvula alongside the Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth Symphony Orchestras, and has been a featured performer with the Jazz at Lincoln Center, Royal Concertgebouw, and Metropole Orchestras.

In September 2026, James will release his 14th studio album The Best Is Yet to Come, a groundbreaking reexamination of one of America’s greatest voices from the most exciting male jazz singer of the moment. For James, this project is a reclamation—both live and on record—of Sinatra’s brilliance as a jazz singer, a rhythmic improviser from the schools of Billie Holiday and Tommy Dorsey. With big band arrangements by the legendary John Clayton, this is no mere nostalgia trip, but a deeper look into the craft and mastery of the Chairman of the Board.

photo credit: Janette Beckman

Founded in 1980 by drummer John Von Ohlen and trumpeter Don Johnson, the Blue Wisp Big Band got its start and its name at the Blue Wisp Jazz Club. Von Ohlen had played with the orchestras of Stan Kenton and Woody Herman. Impressed by the musicians he heard in Cincinnati, he wanted to bring them together in a world-class jazz orchestra. Johnson helped assemble the horn section, while pianist Steve Schmidt and bassist Michael Sharfe joined Von Ohlen in the rhythm section.

The band soon became a Wednesday night fixture at the Blue Wisp and one of Cincinnati’s leading jazz ensembles. Its hard bop sound reached audiences far beyond the city through recordings, touring, and airplay in the United States and Europe. Notable former members include trumpeter Tim Hagans and bassist Lynn Seaton.

Now at home at Caffè Vivace in Walnut Hills, Cincinnati’s Blue Wisp Big Band celebrates 46 years of swinging big band music.

The Show 

Performing in both full big band and intimate piano trio formats, James will tour globally presenting a carefully curated selection of Sinatra’s most celebrated material, including “Come Fly With Me,” “My Way,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “The Way You Look Tonight,” and “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning.” The piano trio format proposes an exceptional lineup: Christian Sands (piano), Kanoa Mendenhall (bass), and Jharis Yokley (drums).

Whether backed by the swagger and brass of a full big band or the intimate power of a jazz trio, José James Sings Sinatra invites audiences to rediscover the swing, style, and soul of Sinatra—not as nostalgia, but as a living language. James brings this iconic music into the present with depth, grace, and authority, uplifting both Sinatra devotees and new generations discovering the Great American Songbook.

Press 

“Catch up with José James now because he’s a rarity—an artist evolving at warp speed.” —NPR All Things Considered 

“[James] sounds like the result of the black-pop continuum, jazz and soul and hip-hop and R&B, slow-cooked for more than 50 years.” 

—The New York Times 

“Is José James a jazz singer or a soul singer? Old school or new school? A guardian of tradition or a seeker of thrills? Yes, yes and yes.” 

—Los Angeles Times 

“[James has] always been one to try stuff out… he finds a way to make an eclectic approach feel unified and whole.” 

—Pitchfork 

“The vocalist José James makes utterly contemporary music…in his elegant, cerebral, seductive way… [He] skirts categories with ease, fitting in with current R&B innovators like Frank Ocean or Miguel, yet maintaining a strong awareness of a lineage that stretches from Ray Charles to Marvin Gaye to Lou Rawls to Maxwell… he holistically heals the rift between radio-friendly songcraft and virtuoso flair.” —NPR Music

Estrada do Sol explores the depths of Brazilian music, celebrating well-known and lesser-known composers spanning decades. This concert will feature styles ranging from choro to samba, bossa nova to MPB.  

Featuring Andrea Cefalo (vocals), Brian Cashwell (piano), Carlos Vargas (guitar), Justin Dawson (bass), Kik Sebrian (drums)

Memorial Hall celebrates a decade of jazz in Beaux Arts splendor with the 2026-27 “Giants of Jazz at the Memo” season. Dig the diamond anniversary with a star-studded assemblage of the titans who built the series including Ricky Nye, Mike Wade, Dixie Karas, Ron Jones and more. In December, hear those sleighbells swing as the series takes a festive turn with holiday favorites including the Phil DeGreg Trio’s perennially sold-out A Charlie Brown Christmas and Mandy Gaines and Eric Lechliter’s Ella Fitzgerald tribute “Mandy Wishes You a Swingin’ Christmas.” 

Subscription packages available! Don’t want to miss a beat of jazz? Become a subscriber of Jazz at the Memo and reserve your seats for all 24 winter performances, representing a savings of $92 in ticketing fees.  

Swing to your favorites with the Improviser Pass! Want more jazz without committing to the whole series? Our “Improviser” flex pass allows you to choose your favorite eight concerts now or as the season goes on, capturing $28 in savings on ticketing fees. 

Beginning in May, the party moves outdoors! Join us across the street for Washington Park’s “Jazz in the Park,” Monday evenings through October, and for Fountain Square’s “Jazz at the Square” programs, Tuesday evenings May through September. 

A musical look-back at J.J. Johnson and Kai Winding’s famous jazz trombone duo, done up this time with Carmon DeLeone on French horn and Rick VanMatre, saxes. Enjoy great music, old and new with Carmon’s Studio Jazz Quintet.   

Featuring Carmon DeLeone (French horn), Rick VanMatre (saxophone), Ben Tweedt (piano), Mike Sharfe (bass), Phillip Tipton (drums) 

Memorial Hall celebrates a decade of jazz in Beaux Arts splendor with the 2026-27 “Giants of Jazz at the Memo” season. Dig the diamond anniversary with a star-studded assemblage of the titans who built the series including Ricky Nye, Mike Wade, Dixie Karas, Ron Jones and more. In December, hear those sleighbells swing as the series takes a festive turn with holiday favorites including the Phil DeGreg Trio’s perennially sold-out A Charlie Brown Christmas and Mandy Gaines and Eric Lechliter’s Ella Fitzgerald tribute “Mandy Wishes You a Swingin’ Christmas.” 

Subscription packages available! Don’t want to miss a beat of jazz? Become a subscriber of Jazz at the Memo and reserve your seats for all 24 winter performances, representing a savings of $92 in ticketing fees.  

Swing to your favorites with the Improviser Pass! Want more jazz without committing to the whole series? Our “Improviser” flex pass allows you to choose your favorite eight concerts now or as the season goes on, capturing $28 in savings on ticketing fees. 

Beginning in May, the party moves outdoors! Join us across the street for Washington Park’s “Jazz in the Park,” Monday evenings through October, and for Fountain Square’s “Jazz at the Square” programs, Tuesday evenings May through September.

The Faux Frenchmen return for what has become an annual Memorial Hall event, combining their own original compositions with their interpretations of classic Parisian Jazz, ca.1934-39. 

Featuring George Cunningham (guitar), Brian Lovely (guitar), Paul Patterson (violin), Don Aren (bass) 

Memorial Hall celebrates a decade of jazz in Beaux Arts splendor with the 2026-27 “Giants of Jazz at the Memo” season. Dig the diamond anniversary with a star-studded assemblage of the titans who built the series including Ricky Nye, Mike Wade, Dixie Karas, Ron Jones and more. In December, hear those sleighbells swing as the series takes a festive turn with holiday favorites including the Phil DeGreg Trio’s perennially sold-out A Charlie Brown Christmas and Mandy Gaines and Eric Lechliter’s Ella Fitzgerald tribute “Mandy Wishes You a Swingin’ Christmas.” 

Subscription packages available! Don’t want to miss a beat of jazz? Become a subscriber of Jazz at the Memo and reserve your seats for all 24 winter performances, representing a savings of $92 in ticketing fees.  

Swing to your favorites with the Improviser Pass! Want more jazz without committing to the whole series? Our “Improviser” flex pass allows you to choose your favorite eight concerts now or as the season goes on, capturing $28 in savings on ticketing fees. 

Beginning in May, the party moves outdoors! Join us across the street for Washington Park’s “Jazz in the Park,” Monday evenings through October, and for Fountain Square’s “Jazz at the Square” programs, Tuesday evenings May through September. 

Queen City grand dame and Jazz at the Memo favorite Dixie Karas pays homage to her musical heroes, including Tina Turner, Barbara Streisand, Bette Midler, Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston and more.  

Featuring Dixie Karas (vocals)

Memorial Hall celebrates a decade of jazz in Beaux Arts splendor with the 2026-27 “Giants of Jazz at the Memo” season. Dig the diamond anniversary with a star-studded assemblage of the titans who built the series including Ricky Nye, Mike Wade, Dixie Karas, Ron Jones and more. In December, hear those sleighbells swing as the series takes a festive turn with holiday favorites including the Phil DeGreg Trio’s perennially sold-out A Charlie Brown Christmas and Mandy Gaines and Eric Lechliter’s Ella Fitzgerald tribute “Mandy Wishes You a Swingin’ Christmas.” 

Subscription packages available! Don’t want to miss a beat of jazz? Become a subscriber of Jazz at the Memo and reserve your seats for all 24 winter performances, representing a savings of $92 in ticketing fees.  

Swing to your favorites with the Improviser Pass! Want more jazz without committing to the whole series? Our “Improviser” flex pass allows you to choose your favorite eight concerts now or as the season goes on, capturing $28 in savings on ticketing fees. 

Beginning in May, the party moves outdoors! Join us across the street for Washington Park’s “Jazz in the Park,” Monday evenings through October, and for Fountain Square’s “Jazz at the Square” programs, Tuesday evenings May through September. 

Known for his intimate and faithful tributes to his jazz heroes, guitarist Carlos Vargas and his top-notch quartet pay tribute to the legendary Wes Montgomery.

Featuring Carlos Vargas (guitar), Andy Smith (keyboard), Justin Dawson (bass), Cole Baker (drums)

Memorial Hall celebrates a decade of jazz in Beaux Arts splendor with the 2026-27 “Giants of Jazz at the Memo” season. Dig the diamond anniversary with a star-studded assemblage of the titans who built the series including Ricky Nye, Mike Wade, Dixie Karas, Ron Jones and more. In December, hear those sleighbells swing as the series takes a festive turn with holiday favorites including the Phil DeGreg Trio’s perennially sold-out A Charlie Brown Christmas and Mandy Gaines and Eric Lechliter’s Ella Fitzgerald tribute “Mandy Wishes You a Swingin’ Christmas.” 

Subscription packages available! Don’t want to miss a beat of jazz? Become a subscriber of Jazz at the Memo and reserve your seats for all 24 winter performances, representing a savings of $92 in ticketing fees.  

Swing to your favorites with the Improviser Pass! Want more jazz without committing to the whole series? Our “Improviser” flex pass allows you to choose your favorite eight concerts now or as the season goes on, capturing $28 in savings on ticketing fees. 

Beginning in May, the party moves outdoors! Join us across the street for Washington Park’s “Jazz in the Park,” Monday evenings through October, and for Fountain Square’s “Jazz at the Square” programs, Tuesday evenings May through September. 

Emerging as a Jazz at the Memo favorite for their thoughtful musical profiles, The Jordan Pollard Trio set their autumn sights on the work of Harry Connick, Jr. The acclaimed pianist, vocalist, actor and big band leader has composed original music his entire career, and this trio with help from special guest Josh Kline can’t wait to dig into his quirky and very swinging style.

Featuring Josh Kline (sax), Jordan Pollard (piano), Peter Gemus (bass), Josiah Wolf (drums)

Memorial Hall celebrates a decade of jazz in Beaux Arts splendor with the 2026-27 “Giants of Jazz at the Memo” season. Dig the diamond anniversary with a star-studded assemblage of the titans who built the series including Ricky Nye, Mike Wade, Dixie Karas, Ron Jones and more. In December, hear those sleighbells swing as the series takes a festive turn with holiday favorites including the Phil DeGreg Trio’s perennially sold-out A Charlie Brown Christmas and Mandy Gaines and Eric Lechliter’s Ella Fitzgerald tribute “Mandy Wishes You a Swingin’ Christmas.” 

Subscription packages available! Don’t want to miss a beat of jazz? Become a subscriber of Jazz at the Memo and reserve your seats for all 24 winter performances, representing a savings of $92 in ticketing fees.  

Swing to your favorites with the Improviser Pass! Want more jazz without committing to the whole series? Our “Improviser” flex pass allows you to choose your favorite eight concerts now or as the season goes on, capturing $28 in savings on ticketing fees. 

Beginning in May, the party moves outdoors! Join us across the street for Washington Park’s “Jazz in the Park,” Monday evenings through October, and for Fountain Square’s “Jazz at the Square” programs, Tuesday evenings May through September.

Ron and his quartet pay tribute to eight jazz musicians considered to be the great historical innovators and trendsetters of the medium: Armstrong, Bird, Miles, Dizzy, Ellington, Coltrane, Monk and Billie Holiday.  

Featuring Ron Jones (saxophone), Chris Caporale (piano), Aaron Jacobs (bass), Jim Leslie (drums)

Memorial Hall celebrates a decade of jazz in Beaux Arts splendor with the 2026-27 “Giants of Jazz at the Memo” season. Dig the diamond anniversary with a star-studded assemblage of the titans who built the series including Ricky Nye, Mike Wade, Dixie Karas, Ron Jones and more. In December, hear those sleighbells swing as the series takes a festive turn with holiday favorites including the Phil DeGreg Trio’s perennially sold-out A Charlie Brown Christmas and Mandy Gaines and Eric Lechliter’s Ella Fitzgerald tribute “Mandy Wishes You a Swingin’ Christmas.” 

Subscription packages available! Don’t want to miss a beat of jazz? Become a subscriber of Jazz at the Memo and reserve your seats for all 24 winter performances, representing a savings of $92 in ticketing fees.  

Swing to your favorites with the Improviser Pass! Want more jazz without committing to the whole series? Our “Improviser” flex pass allows you to choose your favorite eight concerts now or as the season goes on, capturing $28 in savings on ticketing fees. 

Beginning in May, the party moves outdoors! Join us across the street for Washington Park’s “Jazz in the Park,” Monday evenings through October, and for Fountain Square’s “Jazz at the Square” programs, Tuesday evenings May through September.

After discovering them in his high school years, longtime Jazz at the Memo contributor Marc Fields’ life was changed forever. The celebrated Queen City trombonist pays homage to wind player and composer Oliver Nelson and NEA Jazz Master Charles Lloyd. 

Featuring Marc Fields (trombone), Dan Karlsberg (piano), Peter Gemus (bass), Phil Tipton (drums)

Memorial Hall celebrates a decade of jazz in Beaux Arts splendor with the 2026-27 “Giants of Jazz at the Memo” season. Dig the diamond anniversary with a star-studded assemblage of the titans who built the series including Ricky Nye, Mike Wade, Dixie Karas, Ron Jones and more. In December, hear those sleighbells swing as the series takes a festive turn with holiday favorites including the Phil DeGreg Trio’s perennially sold-out A Charlie Brown Christmas and Mandy Gaines and Eric Lechliter’s Ella Fitzgerald tribute “Mandy Wishes You a Swingin’ Christmas.” 

Subscription packages available! Don’t want to miss a beat of jazz? Become a subscriber of Jazz at the Memo and reserve your seats for all 24 winter performances, representing a savings of $92 in ticketing fees.  

Swing to your favorites with the Improviser Pass! Want more jazz without committing to the whole series? Our “Improviser” flex pass allows you to choose your favorite eight concerts now or as the season goes on, capturing $28 in savings on ticketing fees. 

Beginning in May, the party moves outdoors! Join us across the street for Washington Park’s “Jazz in the Park,” Monday evenings through October, and for Fountain Square’s “Jazz at the Square” programs, Tuesday evenings May through September.

Keigo Hirakawa Quartet is well-known throughout the Midwest for their willingness to be musically spontaneous on stage, exploring original compositions and redefining jazz standards to make it their own. Sought after for his articulate use of harmonic and rhythmic vocabulary and his leadership style on the bandstand, Hirakawa can be heard throughout the US and internationally. 

Featuring Keigo Hirakawa (piano), George DeLancy (bass), Reggie Jackson (drums)

Memorial Hall celebrates a decade of jazz in Beaux Arts splendor with the 2026-27 “Giants of Jazz at the Memo” season. Dig the diamond anniversary with a star-studded assemblage of the titans who built the series including Ricky Nye, Mike Wade, Dixie Karas, Ron Jones and more. In December, hear those sleighbells swing as the series takes a festive turn with holiday favorites including the Phil DeGreg Trio’s perennially sold-out A Charlie Brown Christmas and Mandy Gaines and Eric Lechliter’s Ella Fitzgerald tribute “Mandy Wishes You a Swingin’ Christmas.” 

Subscription packages available! Don’t want to miss a beat of jazz? Become a subscriber of Jazz at the Memo and reserve your seats for all 24 winter performances, representing a savings of $92 in ticketing fees.  

Swing to your favorites with the Improviser Pass! Want more jazz without committing to the whole series? Our “Improviser” flex pass allows you to choose your favorite eight concerts now or as the season goes on, capturing $28 in savings on ticketing fees. 

Beginning in May, the party moves outdoors! Join us across the street for Washington Park’s “Jazz in the Park,” Monday evenings through October, and for Fountain Square’s “Jazz at the Square” programs, Tuesday evenings May through September.