Thursday, February 26, 2026

ReelMusic

Thursday, February 26, 2026

7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Event Schedule

7:00 PM: Doors

7:30-9:00 PM: Concert

Event Overview

Celebrate music’s power to connect us, unite us, and lift us up at ReelMusic 2026, which showcases the talents of jazz, rock (and more!) musicians and performers who live with disabilities. ReelMusic 2026 will feature ReelMusicians from the past, new-to-the-Festival ReelMusicians, and our ReelMusic house band.

ReelMusic Affiliated Sponsors

Event FAQs

Performers and House Band

Special Guests

Kelly Dean

House Band

Sax

Kelly Dean has played ReelMusic since 2016. A beloved award-winning music teacher/mentor at The Emery/Weiner School, Kelly plays with his high-octane jazz and R&B group, TKOh! and frequently pops up in major venues and stages throughout Houston.

Emmanuel Gilligan

House Band

Vocals & Guitar

Eman Gilligan is a guitarist and prolific singer-songwriter who, along with his family band The Sundogs, plays throughout Houston. Shot in a robbery attempt nearly 10 years ago, he has not let a spinal cord injury stop him from continuing to share his powerful story and songs.

Andrew Lienhard

House Band

Keys

Andrew Lienhard is a pianist and software developer living in Houston, Texas. After graduating from HSPVA, he started touring with famed Blue Note saxophonist Ronnie Laws. He has since performed with Kirk Whalum, Joe Henderson, Hubert Laws, Doc Powell, Mindi Abair & many others.

David Craig

House Band

Bass

David Craig is a top call bassist often called on to accompany touring artists. A graduate of Kinder HSPVA, he was inducted into the DocFest Jazz Hall of Fame in 2017 and pays it forward by teaching many PVA students who have since pursued their own careers around the country.

Cesar and Miriam Tello

House Band

Keys/Bass/Percussion/Vocals

Miriam and César Tello have built a life of music and service since marrying in 2009. Miriam serves as the music director and César as pianist for contemporary services at REVIVE Church. Miriam is also office manager of the Houston Professional Musicians’ Association.

Kyle Cousins

Vocals & Keys

Singer-songwriter-guitarist-keyboardist Kyle Cousins early on defied others’ expectations by graduating from UH and performing at Carnegie Hall. He currently performs with Elton John, Billy Joel, and Queen tribute bands and with local band Dr. Feelgood.

Jamie Harberg

Vocals

Jamie Harberg brings her love of singing and performing back to the ReelMusic stage. Living in New Haven, CT, she works at Walgreens, brightening lives. Jamie enjoys exercising, traveling, and cherishing time with her family, friends, and her role as a proud aunt.

Myford Collins

Vocals

Myford Collins, a singer-poet-academic advisor, found his voice in 4th grade at Kashmere Elementary. Now a TIRR Peer and advocate, he is working on his first CD of original songs and says, “If you’re looking at the disability, you’re going to miss the person.”

The River Performance Troupe

ReelMusicans

The River Performance Troupe is a musical theatre performance group comprised of students of The River, Theatre Under The Stars’ school for students with disabilities and their siblings. Throughout the year, the Troupe performs at various events throughout the Houston community.

Arthur Gilligan

House Band

Drums/Percussion

Arthur Gilligan received his education from various institutions,such as the Villa-Lobos School of Music, San Jacinto College, and The University of Houston’s Moores School of Music. He is also a performer and member of the DaCamera Young Artist Program and The Music Box Theater.

Teo Bijarro

Vocals & Guitar

Teo Bijarro, (check out his “The Blind Bassist” YouTube channel) is also a singer, guitarist, and arranger who has played jazz in Houston for 25-plus years. He is an active advocate for those experiencing hearing loss.

Toni Hickman

Vocals

Toni Hickman is a remarkable talent who has graced Gold and Platinum albums, earning her place as one of the female hip hop artists from the South. Despite two brain aneurysms and a stroke, Toni’s journey has been one of incredible resilience and determination.

Sashi Nisankarao

Vocals

Emcee

ReelMusicans

Ernie in sport coat and collared shirt smiling

Ernie Manouse

Emcee

Executive Producer and Host, Hello Houston

Ernie joined Houston Public Media, as an anchor and producer in 1996. In addition to the 11 Emmy Awards and long list of additional industry recognitions he has garnered over the past 30 years, Ernie is well known and beloved for his compassionate community advocacy.

Event Tickets

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A night of jazz, rock and more featuring accomplished musicians with disabilities.

About the Festival

About the Organizers

Collaborating Partners

Festival Leadership

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Sponsors

ReelMusic

Event Overview

ReelMusic Affiliated Sponsors

Event FAQs

Performers and House Band

Special Guests

Emcee

ReelMusicans

Event Tickets

Event Overview

ReelMusic Affiliated Sponsors

Event FAQs

Performers and House Band

Special Guests

Emcee

ReelMusicans

Thank You to Our Partners

Event Tickets

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