Born in 1984 in Portland, Oregon, esperanza spalding is an eaabibacliitoti* artist, trained and initiated in the North American (masculine) jazz lineage and tradition.  Her work interweaves through various combinations of instrumental music, bass playing, improvisation, singing, composition, poetry, dance, therapeutic research, storytelling, teaching, regenerative agriculture, urban land & artist-sanctuary custodianship, and growing in love as a daughter, sister, cousin, niece, auntie, great-auntie, and friend, while collaboratively decolonizing within and through her hometown community.  She founded and co-directs Prismid Sanctuary, a nonprofit that creates and stewards free artist residency, performance, and workshop space in Portland (Prismid.org).

Milton + esperanza is spalding’s first new album release since 2021’s songwrights apothecary lab, which, along with 2019’s 12 Little Spells, both won Grammy Awards (Best Jazz Vocal Album).  Last year, spalding released a protest song titled “Não Ao Marco Temporal” that was recorded in Rio de Janeiro and addresses the Temporal Framework, an initiative in Brazil that threatens Indigenous Brazilians’ land rights and poses a major risk to the Amazon rainforest.  A 5-time Grammy winner and 11-time nominee, spalding has previously released 8 full-length albums and, in addition to working with her heroes including Nascimento and Shorter, has collaborated with Q-Tip, Janelle Monae, Robert Glasper, Terri Lyne Carrington, and many others.

esperanza continues to develop a mockumentary titled NIGREDO in collaboration with brontë velez to research, develop, and share liberation grammars in jazz and black dance // creatively consults and collaborates for upcoming productions of the opera …(Iphigenia) (music by Wayne Shorter; libretto by spalding) // and, through the Songwrights Apothecary Lab, collaborates with practitioners in various fields relating to sound, healing, and cognition to develop music with enhanced therapeutic potential.

With her dance project “Off Brand gOdds” and therapeutic music incubator “Songwrights Apothecary Lab,” she co-leads performance, teaching, workshop, and therapeutic-arts research residencies in collaboration with colleges and arts venues across the Americas and throughout the world.  She is a 2024 recipient of the Doris Duke Foundation Artist Award and a 2016 Ford Foundation “Art of Change” Fellow.

Emphasizing simplicity and intimacy of her voice, bass, and songs, in this special configuration of two musicians and two dancers, esperanza will perform songs from her previous albums, current releases, plus a special preview of her forthcoming project.

 *European-African ancestored being influenced by American cultures living in Indigenous Territories of Turtle Island

$1 charity fee per ticket will go toward Artist charity organization, Prismid Sanctuary.

Another Longworth-Anderson Series evening of great music, food, and drink!  Complimentary pre-concert reception features live local music, light bites from Ollie’s Trolley and N.Y.P.D. Pizza, and craft beer tastings from HighGrain Brewing Co.

One of the most lyrical and intimate voices of contemporary jazz piano, Brad Mehldau has forged a unique path, which embodies the essence of jazz exploration, classical romanticism and pop allure. From critical acclaim as a bandleader to major international exposure in collaborations with Pat Metheny, Renee Fleming, and Joshua Redman, Mehldau continues to garner numerous awards and admiration from both jazz purists and music enthusiasts alike. His forays into melding musical idioms, in both trio and solo settings, has seen brilliant re-workings of songs by contemporary songwriters like The Beatles, Cole Porter, Radiohead, Paul Simon, Gershwin and Nick Drake; alongside the ever-evolving breadth of his own significant catalogue of original compositions. With his self-proclaimed affection for popular music and classical training, “Mehldau is the most influential jazz pianist of the last20 years” (The New York Times).

A quartet of Cincinnati’s finest jazz musicians has been assembled by drummer Carmon DeLeone, with Phil DeGreg -Piano,  Aaron Jacobs – Bass, and Rich VanMatre – Saxes to present the amazing music and lyrics of the British musical genius – Leslie Bricusse.  If you enjoy “What Kind of Fool Am I,” Who Can I Turn To,” and “Candy Man,”  they are only the start of a program filled with memorable great tunes.

Bop those winter blues as Jazz at the Memo returns for the 2025-26 season in the beaux arts splendor of historic Memorial Hall. The finest of Cincinnati’s thriving jazz scene offer intimate performances in the theater’s superb acoustic, featuring local favorites Mandy Gaines, the Faux Frenchmen, Mambo Combo and more. In December, hear those sleighbells swing as the series takes a festive turn with faithful recreations of beloved holiday jazz albums, including the Christmas music of Nat “King” Cole, Oscar Peterson and the perennially sold-out A Charlie Brown Christmas performed by the Phil DeGreg Trio 

New in 2025-26: the Improviser Pass! Want more jazz without committing to the whole series? Our new “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. 

Celebrated guitarist Carlos Vargas offers a unique pairing of repertoires from Brazilian composer and guitarist Toninho Horta and Memorial Hall favorite Pat Metheny.

Featuring Carlos Vargas (guitar), Brian Cashwell (piano), Justin Dawson (bass)

Bop those winter blues as Jazz at the Memo returns for the 2025-26 season in the beaux arts splendor of historic Memorial Hall. The finest of Cincinnati’s thriving jazz scene offer intimate performances in the theater’s superb acoustic, featuring local favorites Mandy Gaines, the Faux Frenchmen, Mambo Combo and more. In December, hear those sleighbells swing as the series takes a festive turn with faithful recreations of beloved holiday jazz albums, including the Christmas music of Nat “King” Cole, Oscar Peterson and the perennially sold-out A Charlie Brown Christmas performed by the Phil DeGreg Trio 

New in 2025-26: the Improviser Pass! Want more jazz without committing to the whole series? Our new “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. 

Legendary Cincinnati vocalist Dixie Karas shares jazz-inspired selections from her favorite Motown and R&B artists. 

Featuring Dixie Karas (vocals), Ted Karas (guitar) and more TBA 

Bop those winter blues as Jazz at the Memo returns for the 2025-26 season in the beaux arts splendor of historic Memorial Hall. The finest of Cincinnati’s thriving jazz scene offer intimate performances in the theater’s superb acoustic, featuring local favorites Mandy Gaines, the Faux Frenchmen, Mambo Combo and more. In December, hear those sleighbells swing as the series takes a festive turn with faithful recreations of beloved holiday jazz albums, including the Christmas music of Nat “King” Cole, Oscar Peterson and the perennially sold-out A Charlie Brown Christmas performed by the Phil DeGreg Trio 

New in 2025-26: the Improviser Pass! Want more jazz without committing to the whole series? Our new “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. 

Pianist Bill Evans was the earliest and strongest jazz influence on Phil DeGreg. The trio will present a night of Evans’ iconic compositions and some of the frequently recorded songs of his repertoire.

Featuring Phil DeGreg (piano), Aaron Jacobs (bass), John Taylor (drums)

Bop those winter blues as Jazz at the Memo returns for the 2025-26 season in the beaux arts splendor of historic Memorial Hall. The finest of Cincinnati’s thriving jazz scene offer intimate performances in the theater’s superb acoustic, featuring local favorites Mandy Gaines, the Faux Frenchmen, Mambo Combo and more. In December, hear those sleighbells swing as the series takes a festive turn with faithful recreations of beloved holiday jazz albums, including the Christmas music of Nat “King” Cole, Oscar Peterson and the perennially sold-out A Charlie Brown Christmas performed by the Phil DeGreg Trio  

New in 2025-26: the Improviser Pass! Want more jazz without committing to the whole series? Our new “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 Jordan Pollard Trio has been cultivating the sound and space of Ahmad Jamal’s music over a period of years. This special program will survey the influential pianist’s compositions, arrangements he made famous and other hidden gems in his discography.

Featuring Jordan Pollard (piano), Matt McCoy (bass), Tom Buckley (drums)

Bop those winter blues as Jazz at the Memo returns for the 2025-26 season in the beaux arts splendor of historic Memorial Hall. The finest of Cincinnati’s thriving jazz scene offer intimate performances in the theater’s superb acoustic, featuring local favorites Mandy Gaines, the Faux Frenchmen, Mambo Combo and more. In December, hear those sleighbells swing as the series takes a festive turn with faithful recreations of beloved holiday jazz albums, including the Christmas music of Nat “King” Cole, Oscar Peterson and the perennially sold-out A Charlie Brown Christmas performed by the Phil DeGreg Trio

New in 2025-26: the Improviser Pass! Want more jazz without committing to the whole series? Our new “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 historic Cincinnati, OH based record label KING RECORDS released and fully embraced both rhythm & blues and hillbilly artists – this show will feature selections from both repertoires performed by RICKY NYE in two separate acts: with JOE’S TRUCK STOP (Joe Macheret – acoustic guitar, fiddle and vocals; Brad Myers – guitar; Nick Fryer – pedal steel; Dave Hathaway – upright bass & Daniel Peterson – drums) for the hillbilly set, and RICKY NYE INC. (Noah Wotherspoon – guitar; Eli Gonzalez – tenor & baritone sax; Matt McCoy – upright bass & Jack Mansfield – drums) for the rhythm & blues set – promising to be an exciting tribute to the legacy of KING RECORDS !

Bop those winter blues as Jazz at the Memo returns for the 2025-26 season in the beaux arts splendor of historic Memorial Hall. The finest of Cincinnati’s thriving jazz scene offer intimate performances in the theater’s superb acoustic, featuring local favorites Mandy Gaines, the Faux Frenchmen, Mambo Combo and more. In December, hear those sleighbells swing as the series takes a festive turn with faithful recreations of beloved holiday jazz albums, including the Christmas music of Nat “King” Cole, Oscar Peterson and the perennially sold-out A Charlie Brown Christmas performed by the Phil DeGreg Trio 

New in 2025-26: the Improviser Pass! Want more jazz without committing to the whole series? Our new “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 sounds of the Crescent City come to life with Cincinnati’s premier traditional jazz band, the Limehouse Ramblers, who will take you on a Mardi Gras parade down Bourbon Street!

Featuring Scott Belck (trumpet), Rick VanMatre (clarinet), Vaughn Wiester (trombone), Brian Cashwell (piano), Chris Berg (bass), Jim Leslie (drums)

Bop those winter blues as Jazz at the Memo returns for the 2025-26 season in the beaux arts splendor of historic Memorial Hall. The finest of Cincinnati’s thriving jazz scene offer intimate performances in the theater’s superb acoustic, featuring local favorites Mandy Gaines, the Faux Frenchmen, Mambo Combo and more. In December, hear those sleighbells swing as the series takes a festive turn with faithful recreations of beloved holiday jazz albums, including the Christmas music of Nat “King” Cole, Oscar Peterson and the perennially sold-out A Charlie Brown Christmas performed by the Phil DeGreg Trio 

New in 2025-26: the Improviser Pass! Want more jazz without committing to the whole series? Our new “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. 

Estrada do Sol Explores Brazil in the 1970s, an era defined by the flourishing of Música Popular Brasileira (MPB), evolved from Tropicália, Bossa Nova, and Samba, blending Brazilian rhythms with soul and funk, along with influences of psychedelic rock and international pop. They will explore the music of Milton Nascimento, Ivan Lins, Caetano Veloso and others who thrived in a culture that faced a military dictatorship and censorship.

Brian Cashwell-piano
Andrea Cefalo-vocals
Carlos Vargas Ortiz-guitar
Teddy Mechley-bass
Kiko Sebrian-drums

Bop those winter blues as Jazz at the Memo returns for the 2025-26 season in the beaux arts splendor of historic Memorial Hall. The finest of Cincinnati’s thriving jazz scene offer intimate performances in the theater’s superb acoustic, featuring local favorites Mandy Gaines, the Faux Frenchmen, Mambo Combo and more. In December, hear those sleighbells swing as the series takes a festive turn with faithful recreations of beloved holiday jazz albums, including the Christmas music of Nat “King” Cole, Oscar Peterson and the perennially sold-out A Charlie Brown Christmas performed by the Phil DeGreg Trio 

New in 2025-26: the Improviser Pass! Want more jazz without committing to the whole series? Our new “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.