In a city that thrives on rhythm, soul, and creativity, DACAMERA is set to deliver an unforgettable evening as it presents Grammy Award-winning trumpet virtuoso Nicholas Payton live at the Wortham Theater Center on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 8:00 PM.

Known for redefining the boundaries of jazz, Payton embodies the vibrant heartbeat of New Orleans while infusing his performances with modern funk, soul, and Black American Music. His artistry pays homage to the legends—Louis Armstrong, Buddy Bolden, Al Hirt, Wynton Marsalis—yet fearlessly propels the genre into the future with his innovative sound.

A Legacy Rooted in New Orleans

Born into a family of musicians—his father, Walter Payton, a bassist, and his mother, a pianist—Nicholas Payton was practically raised on stage. Picking up the trumpet at age four, he quickly became a prodigy, practicing for hours a day and performing alongside his father in the city’s famed clubs. That early exposure shaped his distinct musical language—a blend of tradition and fearless experimentation he now calls Postmodern New Orleans Music.

Grammy-Winning Greatness

Payton’s talent has earned him widespread acclaim, including a Grammy for Best Jazz Instrumental Solo for his collaboration with Doc Cheatham on Stardust. His works like Dear Louis—a tribute to Armstrong—and Sonic Trance have garnered multiple nominations, while his recent features on Terri Lyne Carrington’s Grammy-winning album, “New Standards Vol. 1,” showcase his enduring versatility.

His latest album, Notes from the Zen Gangster, pushes creative boundaries further—Payton plays nearly every instrument himself, weaving layers of trumpet and keyboards into a textured, meditative soundscape.

A Night of Unfiltered Musical Alchemy

For this special Houston performance, Payton will be joined by a powerhouse ensemble: Houston native and Kinder HSPVA graduate Mike Moreno on guitar, Ben Williams on bass, and Corey Fonville on drums. Together, they promise a performance that transcends genres and expectations.

“Come with open hearts and minds ready to engage in a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we will all be part of in this room, never to be repeated again,” Payton shares. “The less you come with an expectation, the more enjoyable it will be.”

Tickets & Details

Tickets for the Nicholas Payton Quartet are available at $53.50, $68.50, and $83.50.

Reserve your seat today at www.dacamera.com or by phone at 713-524-5050.