Queen Of The Queen City, Ben Levin Presents The Musical Times of Mamie Smith, Featuring Candice Ivory

Mamie Smith, born in Cincinnati, was the first Black female artist to record vocal blues. Her 1920 recording of “Crazy Blues” is recognized as the genre’s first major hit, selling 75,000 copies within a month of its release. She was billed as the “Queen of the Blues” as she toured the United States and Europe. The success of Smith’s recordings influenced countless vocalists and sparked the era of classic female blues.

Featuring Ben Levin (piano & vocals), Candice Ivory (vocals), Noah Wotherspoon (guitar) and Cole Baker (drums).

Sizzling jazz warms wintery Monday nights as Jazz at the Memo returns in 2025 to the beautiful and acoustically superb Anderson Theater at Memorial Hall. Enjoy the finest of Cincinnati’s thriving jazz scene, including some of the region’s premier women and BIPOC artists, in intimate and often surprising performances. Celebrated local acts making their JATM debut in 2025 include The Faux Frenchmen and their tribute to Django Reinhardt, the explosive sounds of the Nasty Nati Brass Band and a program of vocal duets featuring songstress April Aloisio.    

Subscription packages now available! Don’t want to miss a beat of jazz this winter? Purchase our Jazz at the Memo subscription package and receive reserved seating for all 16 winter performances, representing a savings of $60 in 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 (excepting holidays); and for Fountain Square’s “Jazz at the Square” programs, Tuesday evenings May through September.