Jose Antonio Diaz
Founder and Music Director
Recently named as a Texas UIL Sponsor of Excellence and Country Music Association Foundation’s Music Teacher of Excellence, José Antonio Diaz is the founder/artistic director for the award-winning organization Diaz Music Institute in Houston, Texas. Diaz is a Grammy Nominated Music Educator Top 10 Finalist, winner of Berklee College of Music’s John LaPorta Jazz Educator of the Year Award, LULAC Educator of the Year Award, and the Mayor’s Hispanic Heritage Award. Recently inducted into DownBeat Magazine’s Jazz Education Hall of Fame, Diaz’s success was the subject of a featured cover story in SBO Magazine, Band Director’s Guide Magazine, the Houston Chronicle, and selected by FOX 26 and Univision Television stations as a Hispanic Hero. Jose was inducted into the Texas Christian University Band Hall of Fame and received the prestigious Jefferson Award for his work with Diaz Music Institute.
Jose’s leadership has led Diaz Music Institute to become internationally recognized as a premier organization for presenting, developing, and teaching jazz, Latin jazz, and salsa music. The Houston area community enjoys Diaz’s innovative programming through Diaz Music Institute’s annual presentation of Noché Caliente at the Miller Outdoor Theatre. Performing in Noché Caliente is the Institute’s repertoire ensemble Caliente in musical dialogue with some of Latin music’s biggest stars, such as NEA Jazz Master Candido, Pete Escovedo, Eddie Palmieri, and Poncho Sanchez, to name just a few. Also, the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities selected Diaz Music Institute as a finalist for the 2010 and 2011 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards. Jose has received four grants from the Houston Arts Alliance to support his creative writing in Latin, jazz, and contemporary music compositions as an artist.
Diaz is co-author of Middle School Music ExpressionsTM (Alfred Music Publication) and composed the music for Freddie the Frog and the Invisible Coquí (Mystic Publishing, Inc.); this book won Creative Child’s Magazine’s 2016 Book of the Year.
Horace Alexander Young
For more than four decades, Horace Alexander Young has maintained a career as an accomplished musician, educator and recording and touring artist. He is equally gifted as a multi-instrumentalist (woodwinds, keyboards and percussion), vocal musician and composer/arranger. Having contributed to 100+ significant studio and live recordings (in these various capacities), he has also performed and toured extensively with such artists as – Aretha Franklin, B.B. King, Bill Withers, The McCoy Tyner Big Band, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Carol Kaye, Candido Camero, Joe Williams, James Brown, Johnny Nash, The Spinners, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Manhattans, Johnny “Guitar” Watson, David “Fathead” Newman, O.C. Smith, Bobbi Humphrey, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Regina Belle, Dionne Warwick, Jono Manson, Tadeu Coelho, Patti LaBelle, Dianne Reeves, Nancy Wilson, Siedah Garrett, Arnett Cobb, Lucy Arnaz, Billy Paul, Michael Cooper, Bobby McFerrin, Peabo Bryson, Jeffrey Osborne, Patti Austin, Freda Payne, Kenny Barron, Roberta Flack, Norman Brown, Richard Elliot, Alvin Batiste, Marvin Stamm, Jennifer Holiday, Donnie McClurkin, Tish Hinahosa, Jonathan Butler, Youssou N’ Dour, Leon Ndugu Chancler, Bobby Lyle, George Coleman, Milt Hinton, Dave Liebman, Terence Blanchard, Hank Marr, Kim Waters, Doc Powell, Bill Champlin, The Chi- Lites, The Coasters, Alex Acuna, The Ojays, George Duke, The Jazz Crusaders (Joe Sample, Wilton Felder, Wayne Henderson, Hubert Laws and David T. Walker), Ray Parker, Jr., John Kurzweg, Scott Jarrett, Bobby Lyle, Kirk Whalum, Roseanna Vitro, Barrie Lee Hall, Anita Moore, Sheila Moore Piper, Mark Levine, Kathy Kossins, Albert “Tootie” Heath, Cyrus Chestnut, Mark Ledford, Brian Hardgroove, Gary Hobbs, Greta Matasa, Roberta Donnay, Brian Lynch, Tihomir “Tiho” Dimitrov, Greg Yasinitsky’s YAZZ Big Band and The Duke Ellington Orchestra.
His saxophone, flute and vocal skills have thrilled audiences in nineteen (19) countries across five (5) continents at major Jazz festivals in Montreux, Hamburg, Leipzig, London, Paris, The Hague, British Columbia, Berlin, New York, New Orleans, Detroit, Tokyo, Houston, Seattle, Gent, Cape Town, Leverkusen and Glasgow. He also spent 17 years of that time working as Musical Director and a featured soloist with 2019 NEA Jazz Master Abdullah Ibrahim, for whom he wrote numerous arrangements in various instrumental settings, contributed to two studio recordings, several noted television appearances and two award-winning films.
Felix DeLeon
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Felix DeLeon came from a family of Church musicians and learned at an early age how to play by ear. He started off learning piano and did not pick up the trumpet until High School. He attended Mac Arthur High School, which is known for their excellence in Jazz and Latin Jazz studies. With this opportunity he learned music theory and had the privilege to work with: Jon Faddis, Poncho Sanchez, Danilo Perez, Ndugu Chandler, Patrice Rushen, Marvin Stamm and Bill Mays.
From there Felix went to college in Miami, Florida where he was under the direction of trumpeter Arturo Sandoval. With this opportunity Felix grew as a trumpet player and a soloist. During college and the beginning of his professional career Felix had the honor to share the stage with: Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Chaka Khan, Paquito D’Rivera, Maynard Ferguson, Billy Taylor, David Sanborn and Nestor Torres.
Felix DeLeon has been involved in numerous recordings and concerts across the nation. One specific recording won a Grammy Award and another recording was nominated. Recently Felix recorded on John P. Kee’s single “I Made It Out.” Felix released his first single titled “Jade” in April 2019 and is currently an artist for Austin Winds, which is a Texas based Trumpet Company. Now, Felix is in demand as a trumpeter, pianist, composer, arranger and clinician. He plays with various groups in Houston, Texas and has established himself as a diverse musician in all genres of music.
Jorge "Cro Cro" Orta
Jorge “Cro Cro” Orta has accompanied renowned artists such as Celia Cruz, El Pete Conde Rodríguez, Mimi Ibarra, Viti Ruiz, Ismael Miranda, Lefty Pérez, Henry Fiol, Luis Felipe Gonzáles, Maelo Ruiz, Kim de los Santos, Paquito Guzmán, José Bello , Wichie Camacho, Lalo Rodríguez, Pedro Brull, Kevin Ceballo, Júnior Gonzáles, Roberto Lugo, David Pavón, Héctor Casanova, Eddie Santiago, Roberto Blades, Osvaldo Román, Pedro de Jesús, Luisito Carrión, Adalberto Santiago, Los Titanes, Tito Gomez and Paquito Acosta.
Between 2000 and 2004, he worked in Houston, Texas, as director of Groupo Kache. With Kache, he had the opportunity to record various projects. He participated in different shows with local groups and singers, such as Mark Towns, Yelba, María Williams, Orquesta Mi Rumba, Mango Punch, Penny Lea, and Buzz Smith. He also serves as a Latin percussion instructor for the Diaz Music Institute’s award-winning youth group Caliente. During this same period, he made several tours of the USA with Grupo Niche and participated in the first production of the Orquesta Son de Cali. He also formed his group with which he produced shows in the city of Houston.
In 2004 he moved to Orlando, Florida, where he formed his group, “La Banda,” and performed with various groups and accompanied singers such as Adalberto Bravo, Charlie Cruz, Michael Stuart, Frankie Negron, Domingo Quiñones. , Anthony Cruz, Pedro Conga, Edgar Daniel, Luisito Carrión, José Ernesto, Gerry Galante, and Luigi Texidor. He is also part of the Sonora Carruseles, with whom he does three tours in Europe and the USA. He returns to Houston in 2007 and continues to travel the world with Grupo Niche. He collaborates with local musical bands in the city of Houston. With the determination to do great things, he decided to retire from the Grupo Niche group to form his band and the Houston All-Star formed by the best musicians in the city to do big shows and with international guests. With this orchestra he has accompanied artists such as Maelo Ruíz, Tito Rojas, José Alberto ‘El Canario’, Ray De La Paz, Henry Fiol, La India, Tito Nieves, Charlie Cruz, Oswaldo Roman, Yan Collazos, Roberto Blades, among many.
Ernesto Vega
Clarinetist, Saxophonist and Composer, Ernesto Vega is a graduate of the Higher Institute of Art in Havana, Cuba. At the age of seventeen, Down Beat Magazine recognized his interpretative style on the clarinet recalling the legendary jazz clarinetist, Artie Shaw. In 2003, Vega won the first prize at the National Jazz contest Jojazz in Havana Cuba. He performed with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and Wynton Marsalis on their visit to Cuba. Ernesto has collaborated with Cuban legends such: Frank Emilio, Chucho Valdés, Bobby Carcasses, Ernan Lopez Nussa, Jorge Reyes, and Changuito among others. He also has been part of various projects involving
Arturo O’farrill & His Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, Jazz Houston Orchestra & Vincent Gardner,Kingwood Big Band, Havana Jazz Collective,Carlos Masa Group,Yuri Buenaventura , Alfredo Rodriguez Project ,Alejandro Vargas & Oriental Quartet . Ernesto Vegas’ first album “Venir al Mundo,” won the Cubadisco Award as the Best Jazz Album of 2009. His second project DVD “DUO” along with Harold Lopez Nussa was nominated as best live recording performance at Cubadisco awards in 2012. Since 2013 Ernesto is based in Houston TX, being one of the most demanded musicians in the city, in 2017 he was invited as a soloist by Arturo O’Farrill & His Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra to record in the acclaimed Grammy award project “Familia” alongside Chucho Valdés, his versatility and virtuosity make Ernesto one of the leading musicians of his generation and one of the finest clarinetist from the Island of Cuba.
Yankar Gonzalez
Yankar R. Gonzalez is a Cuban professional trombone player living in Houston TX. His work ethic, professionalism and versatility has placed him as one of the top trombone players in Houston in a short period of time. Grammy Winner with Alive in Asia Live CD/DVD (Israel Houghton & New Breed). Currently a member of Ricardo Montaner’s Band & The Houston Jazz Orchestra which showcases the top Jazz players in town.
Born in Cuba, he began trombone studies at age nine. Before completing his education in Havana, he had already started to perform and collaborate with various well known Orchestras in the country becoming an international touring musician at the short age of 15. Being able to perform alongside musicians such as Chucho Valdez, Guajiro Mirabal, Buena Vista Social Club and Afro-Cuban All Stars helped him gain incredible experience that has shaped him into the musician he is today. After completing his 2 year service in the Army at the age of 20, Yankar was hired to work with Issac Delgado, one of the top artist in Cuba. This gave Yankar the opportunity to perform in the most well known Jazz Festivals around the world like North Sea Jazz Festival in The Netherlands, Nice Jazz Festival in France, Montreal Jazz Festival in Canada and Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. In 2005, He moved to Toronto, Canada, where he performed and collaborated with International Musicians such as: Hilario Duran, Jane Bunnett, Paquito de Rivera and Guido Basso.
Yankar now resides in Houston TX, where he continues to expand his career. He has been invited as a special guest clinician at Texas Southern University, Canzion Institute and University of Toronto in Canada. He has been involved in many recordings such as: Jennifer Lopez “ All I Have” Live in Vegas Residency (2017), 2016 Grammy Winner “Alive in Asia” Live CD/DVD and Two Times Grammy Winner “Jesus At The Center” Live CD/DVD (Seven Times Grammy Winner Israel Houghton & New Breed), Motion Picture ” I’m in Love with a Church Girl “, Donnie McClurkin ” Duets”, “Live Out Loud” (Preashea Hilliard, Aaron Lindsey), and Latin Grammy Winner Marcos Witt to mention a few. He has performed with: Joe Sample & The Jazz Crusaders, Idina Menzel, Lakewood Church, The Oʼ Jays, Danilo Montero, Ricardo Montaner , La India, Luis Enrique, Jerry Rivera, Rey Ruiz, Alberto Barros All Stars, Yahuda Glantz, Aaron Lindsey, Ruben Studdard, Coalo Zamorano, Cindy Ratcliff, Micah Stampley, Steve Crawford and Da’dra Greathouse just to name a few.
Kelvin Gutierrez
Kelvin Gutierrez is a Latin American Trumpet artist and an expert in different musical genres and with a unique gift of interpreting different musical genres with his style and sound. Due to his dedication, discipline, and passion throughout his career, Gutierrez has participated in many international musical productions in recording studios, orchestras, bands, among others.
Throughout his musical career Kelvin has worked with many prominent artists including Grupo Niche, Ilan Chester, Daiquirí, Billos (Legendarios), Jerry Rivera, Luis Enrique, Alberto Barros, La Fania All Star, Ricardo Montaner, Alejandro Fernandez, Thalia, Luis Fonsi, N’Klave, Sergio George, Jose Luis Rodriguez (El Puma), Grupo Galé, Jean Carlos Canela, Victor Manuelle, Rey Ruiz, Jose Alberto (El Canario), Kiníto Mendez, Alex Bueno, Charlie Cruz, Mauricio Silva, La Sonora Matancera, Diveana, Jossie Esteban, Natalia Jimenez, Guaco, Jorge Luis Chacin, Nelson Arrieta, Ronald Borjas, Servando & Florentino, Elvis Crespo, Oro Solido, Tito Nieves, El Pollo Brito, Maelo Ruiz, Pedro Conga, Conjunto Chaney, Joe Arroyo, Tony Vega, Tito Rojas (El Gallo de la Salsa), Palito Ortega, Angel Lopez, Aramis Camilo, Kevin Ceballos, Carolina La O, Los Gemelos, La Sonora Dinamita, La India de NY, Issac Delgado, Pedro Brull, Hildemaro , Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz, Papo Sanchez, Bacilos, Ray de la Paz, Luisito Carrión, Lizzie Lizzie, New Wine, Face to Face, Doris Machine, among others.
Gutierrez has also participated in TV programs, Awards presentations, commercial Jingles for TV, Radio and Broadway-style musical theater plays such as Latin Grammy, Premios Juventud, Premio Lo Nuestro, ESPN, DIRECTV, Telefutura, Sábado Gigante ( Univision), El Gordo Y la Flaca, Despierta America, Mira Quien Baila (MQB), Nissan, Celia Cruz (Musical work directed by Isidro Infante), Visa para un Sueño (Musical work by Raul Gonzalez.
Kelvin currently lives in the United States (Houston, TX), working from his recording studio, producing his projects, and performing with The Drywater Band, one of the most in-demand groups in Texas.
Raul Blanco
Raul Eduardo Blanco Legra (Raul Blanco) hails from Camaguey, Cuba. (central region of the island). His paternal grandmother was a piano teacher, which not only inspired his father’s love for music, but that love was passed on to his son. Blanco attended many of his troubadours trio performances, where he learned how to play chords on the piano and guitar. Blanco’s mother recognized his sincere interest in music and decided to take him to the music conservatory, were he was approved after an intense year of preparation and elimination tests. He began his studies on piano at seven years old at Luis Casas Romero Art Conservatory, in Camaguey. A move to Havana when he was ten-years-old, after his parent’s separation, led him to acceptance into the Music Conservatory “Alejandro Garcia Caturla.” During this period, he participated and won several piano contests. He also got a strong foundation from playing in church where he further developed his ear and was exposed to popular music. At the end of his “elementary level” (3rd to 9th grade) he started to show interest towards jazz. Although, access was very limited. By the end of 9th grade, he started “Middle Level” at Music Conservatory “Amadeo Roldán” in Havana. During these years his technique continued to develop (from playing a lot of Chopin and Czerny). Blanco also joined the “Traditional Charanga” orchestra and the “Popular Music Workshop” were he advanced his knowledge of Cuban and Brazilian music. At church he delved into exploration of multiple genres, it was that experience that would begin the foundation of his musical development.
A move to the United States at eighteen gave Blanco a chance to work at an elementary school as a choir and music teacher, although his experiences there gave him a thirst to finish his degree and pursue higher education. Living in Houston, TX, he began to meet musicians from the Latin scene in the city. Soon, he was accompanying artists at festivals and concerts. It had turned out that his experiences with Cuban and Latin music was paying off. He began working on his bachelor’s at the Community College and soon after at Texas Southern University, were he met jazz saxophonist Horace Alexander Young. Blanco joined the Big Band and under his mentoring, he was finally starting to understand some of the mysteries of jazz. At the same time, another huge factor of influence was his classical piano professor Dr. Lucian Zidaru. Through his tutelage he helped Blanco connect to the music in a totally different way.
Jose Loredo
Jose loredo was born and raised in Houston, Tx. He began his musical journey in middle school where his love for music first began on the clarinet. While attending Waltrip High School he switched to trombone and quickly grasped his instrument. His senior year he was recruited with a scholarship to attend Texas Southern University. At Texas Southern University Jose Loredo played in the jazz ensemble and was selected to be part of the HBCU all star jazz band which performed at Iaje several times in New York and Canada. Jose proudly received his bachelor’s degree in Music with a jazz specialty in 2012. Once beginning his professional career as a trombonist he had the opportunity to perform and share the stage with several major artist including The O’jays, Joe Sample, Kirk Whalum, George Duke, Tank, Sinach, Bun-B, and several up and coming artist from around town.
In 2011 he landed a world tour with 5X Grammy award winner Marcos Witt and performed in more than 15 countries all throughout Latin America. After the tour he began teaching music in the public school system. He had the honor of serving as the assistant band director at the award winning Waltrip High School band for 4 years. He currently serves as the band director at Longfellow Elementary and continues to play through out the city with several professional musicians and bands. Jose Loredo also serves as a pianist and vocalist at his home church. Jose Loredo’s sound is a mixture of gospel, R&B, jazz, pop, hip hop, latin music and several other genres. He is working on several of his own solo projects to release and continues to share his love for music as a teacher, producer, musician, vocalist and arranger.
Robert Chapa Jr.
Multi Genre drummer and percussionist, Robert Chapa Jr is from Houston, Texas. Musicians such as Ignacio Berroa, Michell Camilo and David Garibaldi, is where he gets his sound and style from. Since the age of three, Robert has been apart of the Diaz Music Institute where he studied the language and art of Latin American Music . His upbringing in the program has led him to play with great musicians: Brian Lynch, Tony Succar, Ndugu Chancler and countless others. Throughout his school career, Robert had the opportunity to explore the traditional and contemporary Jazz genre by playing with noted musicians, such as Javon Jackson, Carmen Bradford, Ndugu Chancler, Matt Wilson and Warren Wolf to name a few. The highlight of his school career occurred during his senior year, when he auditioned for and was selected as the 2016 Texas Jazz All-State Jazz Ensemble drummer. Robert’s dream is to become a successful musician and play with major recording artists of any genre. Additionally, he aspires to be in the Audio Engineering field to work with established artists. As he polishes these skills and ambitions, Robert remains committed to his personal goals: achieving projects of his own, becoming another one of Houston’s own dominating and upcoming musicians in the world, and contributing to the art of bringing music to life.
Nicco Martinez
Nicco is a 25 year old full-time musician based in Houston, TX. He started playing guitar at age 9 as part of a music program in school, and began performing live original music with others as soon as 13. From ages 14-25 he built his reputation as a bassist/guitarist in the city playing everything from jazz to gospel. When he’s not filling the roll of hired musician, he writes and records original music under “n!cco” and as a part of “playlist”.