Cincinnati's Folk and Americana Sanctuary

Operating since 1963 Leo Coffeehouse serves as listening room where quality of attention matches quality of performance. Run by all-volunteer Queen City Balladeers organization. Sunday evenings September through May at Zion United Church of Christ in Norwood.

Philosophy

Leo listening room is jewel of QCB and civic treasure. Musical oasis filled with attentive listeners. Quality of attention directly affects nature and quality of performance. Role of audience is as necessary to musical event as role of musician. All performances unpaid keeping it truly about the music.

Atmosphere

Caffeinated listening room (hence coffeehouse name) focused entirely on music. No bar service no food beyond coffee and snacks nothing to distract from primary purpose of sharing and experiencing acoustic music. Singular focus creates atmosphere unique in contemporary venues - come explicitly to listen not socialize over background music.

Sunday Schedule (5:15 PM start)

Every Sunday - Open jam in main hall where anyone can lead songs while others provide backup and harmony.

First Sundays - Rise Up Singalong 3 PM plus special workshops. Pick songs from Rise Up Singing and Rise Again songbooks. Led by Al Wauligman on piano.

Second Sundays - Songwriters Collaborative upstairs for sharing work receiving friendly critiques encouragement.

Third Sundays - Guitar Roundtable upstairs with Mike Helm. Forum for players any skill level to exchange ideas learn new licks and chords gain perspectives. Also features Open Mic starting 6:00 PM (sign up for 1-2 songs 8 minute limit).

Fourth Sundays - Old-Time Music Jam upstairs.

Evening Concerts

Scheduled performers take stage 6:40 PM to 9:00 PM every Sunday. Featured sets from talented local musicians performing folk Americana roots music. Quality performances in fine-sounding room create ideal setting for sharing music honing performance craft.

Admission

Guests welcome with voluntary donations. Annual memberships available for Leo series but not required. Keeping barrier to entry low ensures accessibility.

Musical Range

While steeped in Americana and folk traditions Leo welcomes all genres. Fingerstyle guitar wizardry traditional ballads contemporary songwriting old-time fiddle tunes all find home here.

For Performers

Rare opportunity to play for genuinely engaged audience in beautiful-sounding room where music treated as art not entertainment. Mistakes accepted as part of authentic performance. Focus entirely on music itself creates environment where artists can take risks grow develop craft.

History and Mission

Started 1963 by University of Cincinnati college students wanting venue for folk music. Originally in Clifton YMCA moved to Old St. George ten years ago more recently relocated to Zion UCC building. Continues mission of promoting roots and Americana music through volunteer dedication and community support.