The Blue Wisp Big Band at The Hidden Gem Music Club

Founded in 1980 by drummer John Von Ohlen and trumpeter Don Johnson, the Blue Wisp Big Band is named for Cincinnati's Blue Wisp Jazz Club. After touring with Stan Kenton and Woody Herman, Von Ohlen settled locally and set out to build a world-class big band rooted in straight-ahead jazz. Launching as a Wednesday-night residency, the band quickly became central to Cincinnati's jazz scene. Known for a hard bop–driven sound, they released several well-regarded recordings in the 1980s with international airplay. Alumni include Tim Hagans and Lynn Seaton. More than forty years on, the Blue Wisp Big Band remains Cincinnati's leading jazz orchestra.