Jerry Beck — founder of the Cincinnati Music Foundation, better known by its stage name, Jump N' Jive Show Band — understands how the smallest thing can make a big difference in a person's life. The 72-year-old followed a path of music, and he hopes to inspire others, especially children, to develop a love for music and to have the opportunity to take up an instrument if they so wish.  

Jump N’ Jive Show Band is now two 17-piece ensembles. One rehearses on Tuesdays and the other on Wednesdays, so they are called the “Tuesday band” and “Wednesday band,” respectively. They want to provide instruments to children and also inspire youth to play. Now coming up on their first anniversary, the Jump N’ Jive Show Band is starting to develop a reputation and play some higher-profile gigs. They will be performing at the Blue Wisp Jazz Club on Tuesday.  

Can’t make it to New Orleans for the big night? You can get pretty close at Arnold’s Bar & Grill. Established in 1861, they have a lot of experience in welcoming a new year, and the historic venue makes a great atmosphere for appreciating your own place in time. This year, Arnold’s is throwing a NOLA-style bash with a five-course gourmet Cajun meal including a choice of entrees (with vegetarian options). Continue (or join) the party in their famous courtyard with one of the area’s own Cajun bands, Cincinnati Entertainment Award nominee Lagniappe. Champagne, party hats and party favors will be passed around at midnight. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. and end at 2:30 a.m. (live music goes from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.).  

If you’re a wine connoisseur, your best bet for a New Year’s Eve toast is Vinoklet Winery, home to seven award-winning wines and the only operating vineyard in Hamilton County. Dinner is served from 6:30-8 p.m., followed by a performance by live dance band Ruckus at 8:30. Hors d’oeuvres are served at 10 p.m. with a champagne toast at midnight. Most importantly, there’s an open bar all night serving Vinoklet wines, bottled beer, select liquors and soft drinks.  

If swing is your thing, Newport should be your destination. York Street Café is swinging in the New Year with Swingtime Big Band in their second floor space. Down in the dining room, they’re hosting a dinner from a special a la carte menu prepared by their talented kitchen staff. Dinner is served from 5-9:30 p.m., with meals priced individually. Live music kicks off at 8:30 p.m. and $20 includes all the swing dancing your feet can handle, with champagne at midnight.  

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra is watching the old year swing by with a special program of big band and Sinatra hits called “Fly Me to the Moon.” The evening begins at 7:30 with Erich Kunzel conducting a fun symphony performance of upbeat swing tunes, then continues in the Music Hall Ballroom with a seated dinner, open bar and live dance music by Julie Spangler and Randomonium. The menu includes a duet of chicken and salmon. Festivities also include a silent auction and midnight champagne.  

And now for something completely different: Carnivolution at The Mockbee, where you can greet the new year while being enthralled by a host of unusual performances and carnival games. The lineup for the night includes Nick “Do I Look Hot Right Now” Cole from Le Bitchz, Big Gay Al, Special K, JAC McFaggin, James Bondage from The Black Mondays, CEA nominee Iolite, Cat Like Dog, Dante’s Gypsy Circus, Doug, The Baltic DJ and Don Schlotman. Entertainment involves everything from fire dancing to live music to a rumored cat/dog fight. Carnival games include Tip A Troll, Big Mouth Toss, Can Can Toss, Balloon Darts, Basket Toss and a daring Wheel of Chance. There’s also a cash bar as well as crash space for those who would rather stay the night than order a cab. The show goes from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m.  

Internationally acclaimed finger-style guitarist Richard Smith joins Academy of Country Music Fiddler of the Year Stuart Duncan with accomplished studio musicians Pat Bergeson (guitar) and Charlie Chadwick (bass) in the Hot Club of Nashville, a group of virtuosos that comes together just a handful of times a year (usually in Nashville) to perform the style of “Hot” Jazz popularized by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli in the 1930s. They also spice it up with a little Folk and Bluegrass for good measure, creating an infectious, rhythmic, edge-of-your seat musical experience. Adding to the excitement is an opening performance by Cincinnati's own Gypsy Jazz ambassadors, Faux Frenchmen, with Cincinnati Symphony violinist Paul Patterson, guitarists Brian Lovely and George Cunningham and bassist Don Aren. 8 p.m. at the 20th Century Theatre.  

There are no longer many contemporaries of Miles Davis and John Coltrane around today, and even fewer are still actively composing and performing. David Liebman is one of those few. What truly sets him apart, though, is not only his illustrious background but the fact that he continues to explore new musical territory and is also committed to sharing his knowledge as an educator. The David Liebman Group plays the Blue Wisp at 8 p.m. Tuesday.  

There is a saying, "The greater the risk, the greater the reward." This also applies to music. There are no longer many contemporaries of Miles Davis and John Coltrane around today, and even fewer are still actively composing and performing. David Liebman, 62, is one of those few.