The Fall Jazz Series: Three Cities. Three Sounds. One Jazz Community.

This fall, Jazz Forward Dayton invites you to experience the incredible talent and diversity of the regional jazz community with a three-concert series featuring musicians from Cincinnati, Columbus, and Indianapolis. Each performance brings a unique sound and perspective to the stage, while celebrating the improvisation, creativity, and connection that make jazz such a powerful art form.

The series opens with Organized Gentlemen from Cincinnati, featuring George Simon on guitar and Jeff Mellott on drums, bringing their energetic blend of jazz, funk, soul, and groove to Dayton. Next, Clave Sonic from Columbus takes the stage, bringing the infectious rhythms of Latin jazz together with contemporary jazz, funk, and fusion. The series concludes with the Brandon Meeks Trio from Indianapolis, featuring the acclaimed bassist and bandleader whose music honors the rich traditions of jazz while looking toward its future.

From Cincinnati to Columbus to Indianapolis, this series is a celebration of the musicians who are keeping jazz vibrant throughout our region. Come hear the different sounds, meet the artists, and be part of the growing jazz community that Jazz Forward Dayton is working to connect and strengthen.

Organized Gentlemen is a Cincinnati-based instrumental trio blending guitar, organ, and drums into a groove-forward mix of funk, soul, and jazz. Inspired by bands like The Meters, Soulive, and Ghost-Note, the group delivers tight, soulful melodies and improvisational spontaneity rooted in deep-pocket rhythm. Onstage, their sets move effortlessly from gritty funk jams to smooth, melodic themes, always keeping the groove front and center.

The trio holds a long-standing residency at the acclaimed Ghost Baby nightclub and regularly performs at Caffe Vivace and Schwartz’s Point Jazz & Acoustic Club. Their festival appearances include America’s River Roots Festival and the Cincinnati Fountain Square Jazz Concert Series.

“What happens when you get a bunch of talented, accomplished jazz musicians together to get down and funky? Organized Gentleman is what you get and you'll be glad you did!

They don't fit easily into a genre, but that is precisely why I'd recommend them to anyone that enjoys a little booty-wiggle in their day! Cincinnati's answer to Vulfpeck!”

-Zarleen Watts - Owner - Schwartz's Point Jazz Club

“Organized Gentlemen is a high-energy local jazz outfit delivering tight grooves, strong melodies, and a deep connection to the tradition. Their performances blend modern edge with classic swing, creating a sound that lands with both seasoned listeners and new audiences. A great addition for clubs looking to feature a polished, crowd-pleasing band with serious musicianship.”

-Brent Gallaher - Owner - Caffe Vivace Jazz Club

Fall Jazz Series - Organized Gentlemen

Jazz: Then, Now & Forward