Blue Wisp Jazz Club was a Cincinnati institution and internationally known venue. Established in 1977 by Paul Wisby in O'Bryonville as a bar, the Blue Wisp quickly became well known for its jazz music. Cincinnati jazz legends such as Jimmy McGary and Cal Collins both played there. Marjean Wisby continued the club's tradition after her husband's death in 1984, later moving the club to the basement space at 19 Garfield Place, to a location on East 8th street as of in 2002, and to 700 Race St. in 2012. The famous Blue Wisp neon sign was a signature of the venue. The marquee was once much larger and displayed the acts until city ordinance demanded the size be reduced.
Marjean died of respiratory failure in 2006, leaving behind debts neither her son nor boyfriend could pay. The club was sold. The three men who purchased it remained faithful to the concepts of the past, maintaining the tradition of live jazz music.
In June 2014, the Blue Wisp closed its doors, but it's legendary Big Band continues to play at Urban Artifact every Wednesday night.