Diego Rivera, director, Jazz Orchestra
Michael Sailors, director, Jazz Ensemble
Judah Guerra & Brett Cole, co-directors, Jazz Band
This concert will last about 90 minutes with one intermission.
Please silence your electronic devices.
Photography, video, or recording of any part of this performance is prohibited
Program
All Selections to be announced from the stage.
Jazz Band
Jazz Ensemble
Jazz Orchestra
About the Artists
Diego Rivera
A world-class musician, composer, arranger and educator, Diego Rivera has entertained audiences for over 20 years. Rivera is known for his muscular tone and unique blend of straight-ahead jazz fused with music inspired by his Chicano background and heritage. Since 1999 he has performed at the most prestigious venues and festivals across the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. In addition to touring with his own ensemble, Rivera has performed with The Jazz @ Lincoln Center Orchestra w/ Wynton Marsalis, Ellis Marsalis, and Kurt Elling. Rivera has released 5 critically-acclaimed albums as a leader for Posi-Tone records. He also has several other credits to his name as a recording artist, composer and arranger on the Mack Avenue and Detroit Music Factory Record Labels. A passionate educator Rivera has presented masterclasses at schools and universities both in the United States and abroad. Several of Professor Rivera’s former students enjoy careers as professional musicians performing with artists such as: The Christian McBride Big Band, Birdland Big Band, and The Count Basie Orchestra.
Michael Sailors
Mike Sailors is a critically acclaimed trumpeter, valve trombonist and arranger who’s toured the world appearing at the most celebrated festivals in the world including The Tokyo Blue Note Jazz Festival, The Newport Jazz Festival, The EFG London Jazz Festival, The Montreal Jazz Festival, The Detroit Jazz Festival and the Ravinia Music Festival, to name a few. Sailors has received commissions and composed/arranged for Mack Avenue Records, Decca Records, Dewey Redman, Terrell Stafford, Dick Oatts, Jimmy Cobb, Lady Gaga, Sleep No More and many other organizations, jazz greats, entertainers and Broadway shows. He is a copyist for the Jazz at Lincoln Orchestra led by Wynton Marsalis, and former copyist for The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra led by Arturo O’Farrill. Sailors leads The Mike Sailors Sextet and Nonet, The Higher Calling Orchestra, co-leads The New Alchemy Jazz Orchestra, and is a member of the GRAMMY nominated Multiverse Big Band, led by Bobby Sanabria while also maintaining a highly active freelance schedule locally and nationally.
Musicians
Jazz Orchestra
Saxophone
James Aspan-Martin, alto I
Matthew Chavez, alto II
Eli Wyatt, tenor I
Dash Haubrich, tenor II
Andrew Stine, baritone
Trumpet
Jonah Springs, I
Issac Pittenger, II
Brett Cole, III
Arianna Shepard, IV
Trombone
Judah Guerra, I
Graham Simpler, II
Grayson Cliff, III
Wade King, IV
Rhythm
Andy Flores, guitar
Joseph Hernandez, piano
Joao Camargo, piano
Aidan Berg, bass
Miguel Rodriguez Jr., bass
Mati Soto, drums & cymbals
Zechariah Bocchetto, drums & cymbals
Voice
Genesis Staple
Jazz Ensemble
Saxophone
Clayton Bristol, alto
Ben Goodman, alto
Kole Aitala, tenor
Ripley Swingle, tenor
Shaym Thandullu, baritone
Trumpet
Will Paladino
Solomon Tejada
Joey Risberg
Devin Merchant
Trombone
Austin Dalbey
Michael Nowell
Matthew Puente
Rhythm
Ori Moore, piano
Ryan Townsend, piano
Chelsea DeRoach, acoustic bass
Oscar Bukowitz, acoustic bass
Jaylon Alley, drums & cymbals
Harrison Murphy, drums & cymbals
Jazz Band
Saxophone
Connor Holt, alto I
Aaron Walls, alto II
Michael Salas, tenor
Edgar Castro, tenor
Alejandro San Miguel, baritone
Trumpet
Brady Lang, I
Mario Diaz, II
Brett Harrington, III
Carsten Paasch, IV
Trombone
Judah Guerra, I
Miguel Rodriguez Jr., II
Xavier Diaz, bass
Rhythm
Noah Gonzales, guitar
Will Bangle, piano
Will Ostrow, acoustic bass
Nathan English, acoustic bass
Siddharth Srivats, drums & cymbals
Grayson Lambert, drums & cymbals
UT JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER
The UT Jazz Orchestra has been invited to participate in the 2026 National Collegiate Jazz Competition at Lincoln Center in January. Support their journey!
Event Details
$5 – 15
All University of Texas at Austin students are allowed one free ticket as long as they are available. Student tickets must be picked up at the Box Office with valid student I.D. Seating is unassigned.
If you are a patron with specific seating needs, please email tickets@mail.music.utexas.edu and we will reserve ADA seating for you.