7:00 pm

Headliner: New Breed Brass Band

The songs by New Breed Brass Band are steeped in the rich history and vibrant social fabric of New Orleans. Their performances are nothing short of ecstatic, fueled by raucous horns and intoxicating rhythms.

“We wanted to make something that could be played in the streets,” says New Breed bandleader Jenard Andrews. “That’s where we all come from, and it was important for us to honor our roots with this record.” After playing festivals and parades around New Orleans, the group began developing an eclectic, adventurous sound that fused their Louisiana roots with elements of rock, funk, soul, jazz, hip-hop, and Caribbean music.

In 2024, New Breed took the stage at Jazz Fest ahead of the Rolling Stones, and the resulting live album led to the band’s second Grammy nomination. “We never wanted to put any limits on our sound,” says Andrews. “We wanted to step outside the box and maybe surprise some people who think they know what a brass band can do.”

In the end, that’s the magic of Second Line Sunday; New Breed Brass Bands newest album. It doesn’t bring New Orleans to the world; it brings the world to New Orleans. And when it comes to celebrations, nobody does it better.

Opener: The Texas Southern University Jazz Ensemble

The Texas Southern University Jazz Ensemble is Houston’s premier collegiate jazz group, known for its dynamic student performers, rigorous training, and commitment to musical excellence. Under the direction of Dr. Brian Perez, the ensemble has earned national recognition through standout performances at prestigious events including the Houston Jazz Festival, the Essentially Ellington Jazz Festival, the Monterey Jazz Festival, and the Jazz Education Network National Conference, where the ensemble performed alongside TSU alum Kirk Whalum. Most recently, the group achieved 1st place at the HBCU Jazz Festival, further solidifying its reputation as a leading program for developing emerging jazz artists.

TSU Jazz alumni have gone on to receive major artist grants, become DaCamera Young Artists, earn master’s degrees at respected universities, collaborate with internationally recognized musicians, and lead their own professional projects and ensembles. Many are active performers, educators, composers, and arts leaders, contributing meaningfully to the jazz community on both local and national levels. Rooted in the rich legacy of Houston jazz and music at TSU, the ensemble provides students with elite performance opportunities, close mentorship, and real-world professional preparation. With a repertoire that honors tradition while embracing innovation, the TSU Jazz Ensemble continues to inspire audiences and shape the future of jazz through excellence, leadership, and artistic integrity.

About the Series

Jazzy Sundays in the Parks is a free concert series celebrating the vibrancy and rich tradition of jazz as well as the incredible Houstonians who preserve the artform.

The concerts will be held Sundays, March 8, 15, 22 and 29 at Discovery Green; Sundays, April 5, 12, 19 and 26 at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park from 5-7 pm.

All concerts are free and family-friendly. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Food and drink will be available for purchase. A pop-up market will be on site at each park with locally crafted items, food and wearables.

Jazzy Sundays, made possible by a grant from Kinder Foundation, is organized by Discovery Green Conservancy in collaboration with Emancipation Park Conservancy and Buffalo Bayou Partnership.

Emancipation Park will return to Jazzy Sunday in 2027.

KTSU is the official media sponsor of the 2026 Jazzy Sundays in the Parks series. Robert Hodge is this year’s commemorative poster artist.

More info at www.discoverygreen.com/jazzy

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