Voices In Conversation
Thursday, July 2, 2026 @ 7:30 pm
Eldorado Ballroom
2310 Elgin Street, Houston, TX 77004
Join Diaz Music Institute for Voices in Conversation, an inspiring evening celebrating the artistry, creativity, and future of jazz. This special culminating concert showcases student ensembles from the Rhythm Section and Improvisation Workshops as they perform alongside their world-class mentors—Grammy-nominated drummer Carl Allen, bassist Oskar Cartaya, and trumpeter Terell Stafford.
Throughout the evening, audiences will experience dynamic small-group performances, spontaneous improvisation, and the unique musical conversations that happen when emerging artists share the stage with internationally acclaimed jazz masters. More than a concert, Voices in Conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the mentorship, collaboration, and artistic growth that define the jazz tradition.
Whether you’re a lifelong jazz enthusiast or discovering the music for the first time, expect an unforgettable night of exceptional musicianship, inspiring performances, and the excitement of witnessing the next generation of jazz artists in action.
📅 Date: Thursday, July 2, 2026
📍 Venue: Eldorado Ballroom, Houston, Texas
⭐ VIP Experience Entry: 6:30 PM
🚪 General Admission Doors Open: 7:00 PM
🎶 Showtime: 7:30 PM
🔥 Ticket Options
VIP Experience – $50 (Only 40 Available)
- Premium reserved front-section seating
- Meet & Greet with Carl Allen, Oskar Cartaya, and Terell Stafford
- Exclusive early admission at 6:30 PM
General Admission
- $25 Advance Purchase
- $30 Day of Show
- Open seating
- First-come, first-served
🎟️ With seating limited to just over 150 guests, advance ticket purchases are highly recommended. Secure your tickets early and join us for an unforgettable evening of world-class jazz, inspiring student performances, and extraordinary musical collaboration.
Refund Policy
All sales are final. No refunds. Tickets may be transferred to another guest. In the event of cancellation by the organizer, refunds will be issued.
Carl Allen is an internationally acclaimed drummer, bandleader, educator, and producer with more than 200 recording credits. A Milwaukee native now based in New York, Allen rose to prominence as the musical director for legendary trumpeter Freddie Hubbard and has performed and recorded with jazz icons including Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Joe Henderson, Michael Brecker, and many others.
As a leader, Allen has released numerous acclaimed recordings and has built a distinguished career as an educator, inspired by the mentorship tradition of jazz legend Art Blakey. He is the co-founder of Big Apple Productions and founder of Nella Productions, through which he has produced dozens of recordings and educational initiatives worldwide.
Recognized as one of the most influential drummers in modern jazz, Allen continues to perform, record, and teach internationally while mentoring the next generation of musicians.
Oskar Cartaya is an acclaimed bassist, composer, arranger, producer, and musical director whose career spans decades of work across jazz, Latin, pop, and world music. Born in Puerto Rico and shaped by musical experiences in New York and Los Angeles, Cartaya has developed a distinctive style that blends Afro-Caribbean rhythms, jazz, funk, and urban influences.
His extensive credits include performances and recordings with artists such as Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Rubén Blades, Jennifer Lopez, Herb Alpert, and Spyro Gyra. He has also contributed to Grammy-winning projects, film soundtracks, major television productions, and international tours.
As leader of his ensemble Enclave, Cartaya continues to showcase his signature blend of jazz, Afro-Caribbean percussion, funk, and soul while remaining one of the most respected bassists and musical directors in contemporary music.
Terell Stafford is an internationally acclaimed trumpeter, educator, and bandleader recognized for his expressive sound, masterful technique, and deep connection to the jazz tradition. Praised by McCoy Tyner as “one of the great players of our time,” Stafford has performed with leading artists and ensembles including Benny Golson, Kenny Barron, Jimmy Heath, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.
As a recording artist, Stafford has released numerous acclaimed albums as a leader and has appeared on more than 130 recordings, including Grammy-winning and Grammy-nominated projects. His tribute album BrotherLee Love: Celebrating Lee Morgan earned a NAACP Image Award nomination.
A highly respected educator, Stafford serves as Director of Jazz Studies and Chair of Instrumental Studies at Temple University and is the Managing and Artistic Director of the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia. Through his performing, teaching, and mentorship, Stafford continues to shape the future of jazz while maintaining an active international career as a soloist and bandleader.
