From Spanish Harlem To Houston
Thursday, July 16, 2026 @ 7:30 pm
Eldorado Ballroom
2310 Elgin Street, Houston, TX 77004
Join Diaz Music Institute for From Spanish Harlem to Houston: Latin Jazz Legends & Rising Stars, an extraordinary evening celebrating the power, passion, and legacy of Latin jazz. This special concert features Grammy-winning pianist and bandleader Oscar Hernández, leader of the world-renowned Spanish Harlem Orchestra, and Grammy-winning trombonist Francisco Torres performing alongside Caliente, Diaz Music Institute’s award-winning youth Latin jazz ensemble.
Throughout the evening, audiences will experience electrifying performances that blend Afro-Cuban rhythms, salsa, jazz improvisation, and contemporary Latin jazz. As master artists share the stage with some of Houston’s most talented young musicians, the concert showcases the mentorship, artistry, and musical excellence that continue to shape the genre’s future.
More than a concert, From Spanish Harlem to Houston is a celebration of generations coming together through music—honoring the rich traditions of Latin jazz while inspiring the next generation of performers. Whether you’re a lifelong jazz enthusiast, a salsa lover, or simply looking for an unforgettable night of live music, this event promises world-class artistry, vibrant energy, and memorable musical moments.
Thursday, July 16, 2026 • 7:30 PM
Eldorado Ballroom • Houston, Texas
Presented by Diaz Music Institute
🔥 Ticket Options
VIP Experience – $50 (Only 40 Available)
- Premium reserved front-section seating
- Meet & Greet with Oscar Hernández and Francisco Torres
- 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 and VIP experiences extremely limited, advance ticket purchases are highly recommended. Secure your tickets today and experience a one-night-only celebration of Latin jazz featuring Grammy-winning artists and the next generation of rising stars. 🎶🔥
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.
Oscar Hernández is a four-time Grammy Award-winning pianist, arranger, composer, producer, and musical director whose career has helped define modern salsa and Latin jazz. As founder and leader of the internationally acclaimed Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Hernández has earned multiple Grammy Awards and worldwide recognition for preserving and advancing the rich traditions of Afro-Cuban and salsa music.
A Bronx native, Hernández has performed, arranged, and produced for legendary artists including Rubén Blades, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Willie Colón, Paul Simon, and Gloria Estefan. He also served as musical director for Rubén Blades’ groundbreaking band Seis del Solar and contributed to numerous Broadway, film, television, and recording projects.
Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Latin music today, Hernández continues to inspire audiences worldwide through his performances, recordings, compositions, and leadership of the Spanish Harlem Orchestra.
Francisco Torres is an internationally acclaimed trombonist, arranger, composer, educator, and musical director known for his exceptional contributions to Latin jazz and contemporary music. A native of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, Torres has served for more than a decade as musical director, producer, and arranger for Grammy-winning percussionist Poncho Sanchez and is a member of ensembles led by Gordon Goodwin and John Beasley.
Torres has performed and recorded with an extraordinary range of artists, including Arturo Sandoval, Terence Blanchard, Santana, Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Lopez, and many others. An in-demand studio musician, his credits include Pixar’s Coco as well as numerous film, television, and Disney productions.
Widely recognized as one of today’s leading trombonists and arrangers, Torres continues to perform, record, and educate audiences around the world while advancing the artistry and tradition of Latin jazz.