The Houston Jazz Festival
The Houston Jazz Festival
Saturday Sept. 20th 2025
8pm
at Miller Outdoor Theatre
Houston Jazz Festival: Mark Gross & Veronica Swift Produced by Houston Jazz Collective
Enjoy a breathtaking performance as Modern Jazz Masters present the music of Cannonball Adderley, featuring Grammy-winning alto saxophonist Mark Gross of the Duke Ellington Orchestra and acclaimed jazz vocalist Veronica Swift.
Together, they’ll revisit the iconic 1962 Nancy Wilson – Cannonball Adderley Capitol release, bringing new life to a timeless collaboration. Gross — a standout interpreter of Adderley’s sound — will be joined by members of the Duke Ellington Orchestra and Jazz at Lincoln Center as they explore Cannonball’s instrumental repertoire, rich with bebop energy and gospel soul.
Adding a visual dimension to the evening, artwork by renowned Texas painter John Alexander will be featured throughout the event. Alexander’s mystical, emotionally-charged depictions of Southeast Texas create a striking visual parallel to the improvisational depth and beauty of jazz.
This immersive experience bridges sound and vision, paying tribute to the Southern spirit and artistic legacy of Cannonball Adderley.
All performances at Miller Outdoor Theatre are FREE!
Visit MillerOutdoorTheatre.com for details.
The Houston Jazz Collective is an organization that prides itself on showcasing the rich legacy of Jazz in Houston. They strive to accomplish this by producing and hosting cultural, jazz, and tribute-related events. Past events have featured critically acclaimed Houston-based or native Houston musicians that have gone on to achieve great international notoriety.
Sunday Sept. 21st 2025
7:30pm
at Axlerad
Houston Jazz Festival: Day 2 at Axelrad Felix DeLeon Quintet, Houston Jazz Collective
Day 2 of the Houston Jazz Festival takes place in the vibrant, open-air setting of Axelrad Beer Garden, one of Houston’s most beloved cultural gathering spaces. This free event brings together world-class musicians and the city’s thriving jazz community for an unforgettable evening of live music under the stars.
The program begins at 7:30 PM with trumpeter Felix DeLeon leading a powerhouse group featuring Tito Hernandez, Ben Clifton, Gavin Moolchan, and Corey Dozer.
The evening continues with a performance by the Houston Jazz Collective, the performance ensemble of the Houston Jazz Collective non-profit organization. This special lineup includes:
Shelley Carroll – saxophone (Duke Ellington Orchestra, Lincoln Center Orchestra)
Andre Hayward – trombone (Lincoln Center Orchestra, Ellington Orchestra)
José-Miguel Yamal – keyboard (Latino Conjunto)
Tim Ruiz – bass (4-time Grammy winner, formerly with La Mafia)
Mark Simmons – drums (George Benson, George Duke, Al Jarreau)
Note: Day 1 of the Houston Jazz Festival will take place at Miller Outdoor Theatre. Day 2 at Axelrad is a separate free performance.
Come enjoy world-class jazz, refreshing drinks, and the warm community atmosphere that makes Axelrad a Houston favorite.
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Axelrad Beer Garden, 1517 Alabama St, Houston, TX 77004
Admission: Free, Outdoor Event
FESTIVAL KICKOFF EVENT
Friday Sept. 20th 2025
8pm
at Echoes
We launch the Houston Jazz Festival at Echoes, a cool Montrose hang that’s quickly become one of the city’s go-to spots for live music. With its laid-back vibe and commitment to showcasing local jazz and emerging talent, Echoes offers the perfect stage to kick off the weekend.
The night features Houston Ensemble — Cory Wilson (saxophone), Armov (guitar), Chad Wesselkamper (bass), and Richard Cholokian (drums) — bringing high-energy jazz fusion and fresh sounds to set the tone for the festival.
Time: 8 PM
Location: Echoes, 1517 900 Richmond Ave. Ste A, Houston, TX 77006
Admission: Free, Indoor Event
Festival After Party
Saturday Sept. 21st 2025
10:30pm
at Echoes
After the main event at Miller Outdoor Theatre, the music continues late into the night at Echoes. This special after party features Jalen Baker (vibraphone), Marwan Ghonima (bass), and Gavin Moolchan (drums) — three standout voices from Houston’s next generation of jazz talent. Together, they’ll bring fresh energy, rich textures, and dynamic interplay to close out the festival’s biggest night
The Houston Jazz Festival
Echoes · Miller Outdoor Theatre · Axelrad
The Houston Jazz Festival returns with three nights of unforgettable performances, celebrating Houston’s place in the American jazz story.
The festival begins on Friday, Sept 19 at Echoes, an intimate Montrose club, with a high-energy set from local favorites Houston Ensemble. On Saturday, Sept 20, the spotlight shines at Miller Outdoor Theatre, where Grammy-winning saxophonist Mark Gross joins Veronica Swift in a tribute to the legendary Nancy Wilson – Cannonball Adderley album, alongside the artwork of renowned Texas painter John Alexander.
The celebration continues on Sunday, Sept 21 at Axelrad Beer Garden, with trumpeter Felix DeLeon opening and the Houston Jazz Collective closing out the weekend with a powerhouse lineup of national and local talent.
All performances are free and open to the public — come be part of Houston’s jazz tradition.
TRUSTED HANDS BEHIND US
Our great sponsors
“Sponsored in part by the City of Houston through the Miller Theatre Advisory Board”
