Jazz Alive

Highlighting our clinicians for 2026 Cincinnati Jazz Girls Day.

Gayelynn McKinney is a drummer, composer, educator and co-founder of the all-women jazz group Straight Ahead. A Detroit native raised in a musical household, she began playing the drums at age two and started lessons at age eight. McKinney's career has included several professional collaborations as a side musician and touring drummer. She was the drummer for Aretha Franklin from 2016 until Franklin's final performance in 2017. She has 3 recordings as a leader, and in 2022, she established the "Women Who Drum Festival", a free event in Detroit focused on female percussionists.

Gayelynn McKinney is in the drum chair tonight at Caffe Vivace for the We Create Jazz ensemble.

Ticket link is below.
7pm show has two bar stools left. 9pm show has tables and stools available.

Come join us to celebrate women in jazz and Jazz Appreciation month!
tickets.caffevivace.com/shows/10499

People are always surprised when I say The We Create Jazz ensemble show at Caffe Vivace will feature 7 women.
Even when announcing the information, audience members gasp, because it’s rare. We encourage anyone who loves and supports jazz to come out Friday, April 10th to enjoy the show!

Ticket link is below. 7pm show has just bar stools left. 9pm show has tables and stools available.

Come join us to celebrate women in jazz and Jazz Appreciation month!

Featuring:
Jordan Pollard – piano
Cadence Okuwobi – bass
Gayelynn McKinney – drums
Angie Coyle – saxophone
Katie Carson – trumpet
Lexi Hamner – trombone
Kathy Wade – vocals

tickets.caffevivace.com/shows/10499