Candice Reyes, Executive Director and co-founder of The Jazz Exchange, is a jazz vocalist deeply rooted in the El Paso community. Her love for jazz was kindled in her hometown, where she first experienced the genre’s magic and community spirit. Candice, along with her husband Abel Mireles—a professional jazz saxophonist and Artistic Director—shares a remarkable journey that has shaped their commitment to music.

Both UTEP alumni from the Commercial Music Department, Candice and Abel spent a decade in the New York/New Jersey area, immersing themselves in the rich jazz scene and pursuing their professional careers. Their time in the bustling jazz world of the Northeast not only honed their skills but also highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for emerging musicians.

Upon returning to El Paso, they saw a chance to give back to the community that had supported them from the start. They founded The Jazz Exchange to provide a platform where young jazz enthusiasts could explore their passions and grow within a supportive environment. Candice’s dedication to jazz is more than just a career; it’s a heartfelt mission to enrich her hometown with the transformative power of music. Together with Abel, she has brought their dreams full circle, creating a vibrant space for the next generation of jazz musicians in the place they call home.