Caffè Vivace is here to stay. The popular Walnut Hills coffeehouse and late-night jazz club has renewed its lease until 2031.
Caffè Vivace owners Brent Gallaher and Vanessa Keeton worked with landlord Model Group to open the cafe in 2017 at 975 E McMillan St. Eight years later, Caffè Vivace has become a cornerstone of Walnut Hills, thanks to its year-round live music programming and nationally recognized artistic excellence.
“This partnership has always been about more than just a space—it’s about creating something meaningful for the neighborhood,” said Brent Gallaher, co-owner of Caffè Vivace. “We are incredibly grateful that Model Group believed in our vision early on, and we’re proud of what Caffè Vivace has become. We’re excited to continue building on that foundation together for years to come.”
In 2026, the venue earned a spot in DownBeat Magazine’s Best Jazz Venues Guide, which highlights premier destinations for live jazz worldwide.
Its programming is supported in part by Jazz Vivace, the cafe’s sister nonprofit dedicated to strengthening Cincinnati’s jazz community by supporting local and regional artists, presenting internationally acclaimed performers and expanding access to live music and arts education. Together, Caffè Vivace and Jazz Vivace have helped establish Walnut Hills as a destination for cultural experiences, creating opportunities for Cincinnati-based musicians to share the stage with respected jazz artists.
“Caffè Vivace has played an essential role in shaping the identity of Walnut Hills,” said Alex Zyndorf of The Model Group. “Their commitment to music, culture and community aligns directly with our mission, and we’re thrilled to extend this partnership through 2031.”
For more information on Caffè Vivace, visit the official website.
