Rachel Spencer Quintet

Settle into an intimate listening-room experience as the Rachel Spencer Quintet takes the stage for a special live taping on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at 7:30 pm. This is one for the jazz lovers who like their music up close, nuanced, and completely immersive.

• Band lineup:

  • Rachel Spencer – trumpet
  • Jerry Espinoza – saxophones
  • Andy Langham – piano
  • Liam O’Dell – bass
  • Mati Soto – drums

Rachel Spencer is an Austin-based trumpeter celebrated for an expressive tone that can soar, whisper, and burn, often all within a single solo. Known for her stylistic agility and grounded, authentic presence, she’s equally compelling as a bandleader or supporting voice. She’s performed in a wide range of settings across central Texas and beyond, including national and international touring work.

Most notably, Rachel recently held the lead trumpet chair on the North American Broadway tour of The Addams Family: A Musical Comedy, bringing her sound to large theaters across the continent. That big-stage experience blends with her jazz roots, giving her performances a unique mix of polish, power, and spontaneity.

Her compositional and playing style leans into modern groove and post-bop traditions. You’ll hear echoes of greats like Blue Mitchell, Kenny Garrett, and Roy Hargrove in the way she shapes melodies and builds intensity, yet her approach remains distinctly her own—often described as soulful, thoughtful, and deeply melodic.

Off stage, Rachel is just as dedicated. She keeps a busy schedule as an educator, running a robust private studio, leading masterclasses, and directing local jazz ensembles. Her work with young and emerging players adds another layer of depth to her artistry, constantly keeping her connected to new ideas and evolving sounds.

This concert also marks an exciting moment in her recording journey. Rachel was awarded the Presser Foundation Award in 2025, funding her debut recording The Next Right Thing, slated for release in early 2027. Expect to hear original material and arrangements that hint at what’s coming on that album.

The atmosphere for this show is intentionally focused. Because it’s a live taping, the venue enforces a whisper-policy—perfect for listeners who want to catch every subtle interaction between trumpet, sax, piano, bass, and drums. Think: a room full of people who are there to really listen.

• Cold bottles of still and sparkling water will be available for purchase.
• The event is BYOB, with ice on hand, plus wine keys and 9 oz cups provided.
• Doors open at 7:15 pm, with the music starting promptly at 7:30 pm.

If you’re into modern jazz, intricate interplay, and a setting where the music is the main character, this night with the Rachel Spencer Quintet is a can’t-miss experience. Bring your favorite beverage, settle in, keep your voice to a whisper, and let the band do the talking.