Houston has always been one of the country’s underrated jazz hubs, and a new partnership is aiming to make sure the music’s legacy stays loud, visible, and protected. The Red Cat Jazz Preservation Society (RCJPS) has teamed up with the Music Alive Ensemble (MAE) — led by New Orleans violinist and artistic director Rachel Jordan — to launch a cultural initiative built around live shows, education, and community-centered programming.

And they’re kicking things off with a major moment:
Music Alive Ensemble will perform at the historic El Dorado Ballroom in Houston on December 6, 2025, with RCJPS stepping in as a sponsor to help expand the event’s reach and impact.

Uplifting Jazz Through Collaboration

The partnership brings together two organizations that share the same mission:
keep jazz alive by making it accessible, modern, and rooted in community.

RCJPS will provide full marketing and promotional support — helping bring new audiences to MAE events — while Music Alive Ensemble will offer ticket allocations, shared promotion, and a portion of proceeds from upcoming performances. It’s a collaboration designed to build long-term visibility, not just a one-off performance.

A Family Carrying the Torch of New Orleans Music

At the heart of this initiative is the Jordan family — a musical dynasty representing the soul of New Orleans. Their work blends jazz, classical, and the unmistakable Crescent City swing that shaped American music.

Some of the standout artists involved include:

Stephanie Jordan — “Lady Jazz”

A powerhouse vocalist praised worldwide for her elegance and emotional delivery. After her national PBS debut and her acclaimed Lena Horne tribute, Stephanie continues to bring big-stage sophistication everywhere she performs.

Rachel Jordan — Violinist, Educator, Innovator

The artistic director of MAE and a former member of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, Rachel fuses classical precision with jazz expression. She’s performed everywhere from the Kennedy Center to the Salzburg Mozart Festival, and she continues to highlight the impact of Black musicians in classical music.

Marlon Jordan — The Young Jazz Lion

A Columbia Records trumpet prodigy who has played alongside legends like Miles Davis, Wynton Marsalis, and George Benson. His sound is bold, technical, and grounded in New Orleans’ deep tradition.

Together with Music Alive Ensemble, the Jordans honor the legacy of their father — the late saxophonist and educator Edward “Kidd” Jordan — while pushing the music forward for a new generation.

Music Alive Ensemble Lineup

A dynamic blend of strings, brass, rhythm, and special guests:

• Stephanie Jordan – vocals

• Suzanne LeFevre – viola

• Rachel Jordan – violin

• Eunghee Cho – cello

• Marlon Jordan – trumpet

• Amy Thiaville – violin

• Darrell Lavigne – piano

• Arthur Moyler – bass

Sam Knight – drums

Special Guests: Adam Ivey & Claudia Hayden

Their cross-genre approach spotlights how jazz, classical, and New Orleans soul can exist in the same space — and thrive.

Houston x New Orleans: A Cultural Bridge

The joint initiative underscores the historic relationship between these two cities. Both have shaped jazz in different ways, and this collaboration aims to highlight those shared roots while creating fresh stages, outreach, and educational opportunities.

“This is bigger than a single concert,” said Sam Pink of the Red Cat Jazz Preservation Society. “It’s about honoring where the music came from and investing in where it’s going.”

More programming announcements are expected soon as both organizations develop new ways to keep jazz front-and-center for future generations.

Get Tickets

Tickets for the December 6 performance at the El Dorado Ballroom are available now at:

redcatjazz.com