Music Under the Moon

Set against the idyllic backdrop of Cincinnati Nature Center’s Krippendorf Lodge, this summer concert series will feature a different local band each month.

Our summer concert series features a different local band each month. Enjoy high-energy shows under the moonlight, food, wine, beer, and a signature foraged cocktail.
This event is a fundraiser for Cincinnati Nature Center and all revenue earned goes towards our mission of Inspiring Conservation.

Tickets on Sale Now!

Come for one date or join us for all five. Either way, each show is sure to be high-energy and have everyone on their feet!
Each date will feature a different local food truck with food for purchase. Wine, beer, and a signature foraged cocktail will be available for purchase, as well.

Event time is 7-10 pm, with music from 7:30–9:30 pm. Doors will open at 6:45 pm. No entry into the venue will be allowed prior to this time.

Note: There will be some seating provided at this event. Guest may also bring their own chairs.
Preregistration required. Ages 21 and older. Must show ID upon entry.

Please note: Pets are not permitted at any Cincinnati Nature Center program or event.

Member adult $25; nonmember adult $37.

Music Under the Moon is a fundraiser for Cincinnati Nature Center. All revenue raised at this event supports our mission of Inspiring Conservation.

For registration questions, please contact our Registrar at (513) 831-1711 or email registrar@cincynature.org.
Scroll to View 2025 artist line-up
View Frequently Asked Questions

The Ben Levin Quartet Featuring Candice Ivory

The food truck this evening will be Daizie's Dillas.

About the Band: Ben Levin is a pianist, organist, and vocalist based in Cincinnati, OH. Ben has released five albums on the Vizztone Label Group and has four Blues Music Award nominations, including best piano player of the year. Ben's 2024 release, "Ben Levin Presents A Holiday Blues Revue", featured collaborations with blues legends Lil' Ed, Lil' Jimmy Reed, and Sonny Hill, as well as Grammy nominated vocalist Candice Ivory. Ben maintains a busy touring schedule and has performed throughout the U.S., Europe, Brazil, and Japan.

For this performance, The Ben Levin Quartet will be joined by special guest, Grammy-nominated artist Candice Ivory on vocals.
learn more about Ben Levin
learn more about Candice Ivory
Click here to Register

Stone & Snow

The food truck this evening will be Cheez the Day.

About the Band: Twice-named “best of” in the NPR Tiny Desk Contest, Cincinnati-based
songwriters Karen Bridges and Clint Thomson are the heart of a genre-bending
Americana band with close harmonies, thoughtful lyrics, and a name that
invokes mighty mountain landscapes–Stone & Snow. Karen and Clint are invested in seeing more women grow and thrive in the music industry. They actively champion women in music through hosting live performances, providing mentorship, and growing community engagement.
learn more about this artist
Click here to register

Ralph & The Rhythm Hounds

The food truck this evening will be Texas Joe Tex-Mex.

About the Band: Ralph and The Rhythm Hounds are known for producing some of the city’s finest modern blues and rock music. This one-of-a-kind sound can perhaps be best explained by the fact that the band has been performing together since 2003. Their first album, “Mesmerized,” was released in 2016, followed by the two-song EP “Hole in My Heart” in 2022. Band members include frontman/vocalist/guitarist Noah Cave, vocalist/guitarist Ralph Cave, drummer Calvin Todd, and bassist JScarr, with guest performances by keyboardist Chris Bentley and vocalist Michelle Branstetter.

The band has received such distinguished honors as first place in the 2019 Dayton Blues Challenge and the 2021 Cincy Blues Challenge and was awarded the right to perform in the 2020 and 2022 International Blues Challenges in Memphis, Tennessee. Ralph & the Rhythm Hounds perform their original songs, as well as covers by various blues artists like Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Gary Clark Jr. The stage is set for an electrifying night of blues-rock.
learn more about this artist
Click here to register

Gina & Johnny Band

The food truck this evening will be Peace Pizza.

About the Band: Featuring Johnny Fink on guitar and Gina McCann on vocals, Gina and Johnny Band is a Cincinnati-based band playing the blues and a variety of other styles with their own flair.
learn more about this artist
Click here to register

Jim Trace & The Makers

The food truck this evening will be Cincy Smash.

About the Band: Founded in Cincinnati, Jim Trace and The Makers formed in the summer of 2014. What started as nothing more than a bourbon-soaked jam session with four rag tag friends, turned into a hard-rocking folk infused force in the Midwest. In 2015, the band added fiddle and bass to round out the ensemble. JTM released their acclaimed debut, "A Little Hazy" and set out touring across the Midwest. In 2019, the band took a turn to a new electric sound when they released their "Midwestern EP," incorporating electric guitar stylings of Adam Forsthoefel. After a few years of exploring an indie-rock vibe, the band returned to their folk/Americana roots with the release of a new single, "Bones" in 2022, followed up by "Runaway" and "Bright" in 2023. The band released their first LP in 10 years with "Mash Bill" in February of 2025. The album has had over 100k streams in its first year, along with several radio features and positive critic reviews.

2026 marks a new chapter in the band's evolution. Adam parted ways with the band in late 2025. To bolster their sound, JTM added Kaitrin McCoy on fiddle, keys, and vocals. Their most recent release, "Bittersweet Symphony" which dropped in early 2026 is available on all streaming services. Jim Trace and The Makers continue to perform around the tristate area and are looking to expand to new cities across the Midwest.
learn more about this artist
Click here to register

This event is generously sponsored by:

Moonlight Partner

For a full list of event sponsorship benefits and information, please contact Corporate Relations at sponsorship@cincynature.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will this event be held?

Music Under the Moon will take place at Cincinnati Nature Center’s Krippendorf Lodge, located at our Rowe Woods location at 4949 Tealtown Rd., Milford, OH, 45150.

What time does this event start?

This event begins at 7:00 pm. Music starts at 7:30 pm and will last until 9:30 pm. The band will take a short break about halfway through their set.

Please note: We will not begin admitting patrons into the event space until 6:45 pm in order to allow our staff, volunteers, and musicians time to get properly set up. Please do not arrive before this time.

Does this event take place outdoors?

Yes. This event will be held outside on the Krippendorf Lodge terrace under a large tent. Because the space is covered from the elements, this event will be held rain or shine. Inclement weather such as lightning or high winds will result in a cancellation. Should weather result in a cancellation, all guests will be notified by 2 pm the day of the event and a full refund will be issued.

Can I get a refund?

All sales are final. Refunds are not issued unless Cincinnati Nature Center must cancel the event due to inclement weather or other reasons. You are welcome to give your ticket(s) to someone else in the event that you are no longer able make it. To do so, share your receipt with the QR code with the new ticket-holder so they can show it at Registration for admission in your place.

Is this event family friendly?

No, this event is exclusively for adults 21+. Guests must present a valid ID upon entry.

Can I bring my dog?

No, please leave your furry friends at home for this event. Registered service animals only, please.

Is parking provided?

Yes, there is plenty of free parking at the Krippendorf Lodge.

Will there be food and drink at this event?

Yes, there will be a food truck, with food available for purchase, at each event.

Will there be alcohol available for purchase?

Yes, beer, wine, and a signature foraged cocktail will be available for purchase for those ages 21+. No outside food or beverages (with the exception of water) will be allowed.

Will credit cards be accepted for food and drink purchases?

Yes, all major credit cards will be accepted, as well as cash.

Will there be seating at this event?

There will be some seating available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Guest may also bring their own chairs. There will also be high-top tables for standing and socializing. The atmosphere at Music Under the Moon is lively, and we hope all guests will enjoy dancing and mingling throughout the evening.

Do I have to be an adult member to attend?

No, non-member adults are encouraged to attend.

Questions?

Please contact our Registrar at (513) 831-1711 or email registrar@cincynature.org.

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