Join the Huston-Tillotson Jazz Collective’s 4th ACL Performance: Celebrating 150 Years of Excellence at Our University!

A year before the Huston-Tillotson Jazz Collective took the stage at Austin City Limits (ACL), they played every Friday on the balcony of their music building, letting their music carry across East Austin. This weekly gig didn’t go unnoticed. C3 Presents, the organization behind ACL, is just two blocks away and soon invited them to perform at the festival.

Now, in 2023, the collective is gearing up for their fourth ACL performance. This year is special, not just for the festival but also because Huston-Tillotson University is celebrating its 150th anniversary. “This is the year of winning,” says William Oliver, who directs the university’s bands. He believes this anniversary means a lot for the musicians of the past who didn’t receive the recognition they deserved. Now, they aim to connect with that legacy.

Founded in 1875, Huston-Tillotson is Austin’s oldest institution of higher learning and only Historically Black College and University (HBCU). It was recently recognized as the top private HBCU in Texas for 2026 by U.S. News & World Report. The jazz collective has been making waves, performing in prestigious venues like the Lincoln Center and gaining recognition in various HBCU jazz competitions.

Jadon Porter, a saxophonist and a fifth-year music education student, recalls the humble beginnings of the collective. “It was so small. No one knew us, and now we’re at ACL. It’s heartwarming to see our growth,” he says.

When they first began at ACL, the collective didn’t hold auditions due to its small size. But interest has surged, prompting auditions this year for the first time since those early days. Vocalist Sydney McCray, a senior from Florida, reflects on her journey. She joined the collective as a freshman, not even knowing ACL existed. After three performances and now a big anniversary show, she recognizes the honor of being part of this history. “When we’re older, we can say we were part of the sesquicentennial,” she notes.

Directors Jeremy George and Oliver remember their collegiate experiences performing for stars like Kanye West and Prince. “Those opportunities shaped me,” George said. “It’s amazing to see our students get life-changing performances every year.”

Last year, the collective’s theme was “Put Austin back in ACL.” This time, Oliver hinted at a focus on funk, emphasizing that there’s room for lesser-known groups in the lineup. “Through our students, we’re excited to share our music with Austin and beyond,” he added.

In recent years, more young musicians have shown interest in jazz, a trend highlighted by a survey from the National Endowment for the Arts, which notes a 15% increase in jazz participation among youth since 2019. This growing enthusiasm could bring fresh energy to the genre, just as the Huston-Tillotson Jazz Collective is doing at ACL.

As they prepare to hit the stage, excitement fills the air. This isn’t just a performance; it’s a moment of pride, connection, and a celebration of history. With every note, they aim to honor their past while inspiring the future.



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