The Jazz Exchange and TFCU have partnered up to support local artists along the border through the project “Virtual Jazz Sessions.”

Amid the pandemic, local artists are finding it difficult to showcase their talent but the “Virtual Jazz Sessions” are an excellent opportunity to share their performing arts virtually.

This project was created by El Paso and Ciudad Juarez natives and UTEP alumni, Candice Reyes and husband Abel Mireles, professional musicians currently residing in New Jersey.

The first two videos of the series featured musicians from New York and New Jersey, garnering over 120,000 views. The second part of the series will be focusing on local musicians from El Paso, Ciudad Juarez, Mexico and other New Mexico communities, according to a news release from Reyes.

“Both projects speak to the determination of artists to create and connect even in times of social distancing from COVID-19,” said the release. “It also builds communities and includes diversity and inclusion to support all cultures and races.”

According to the release, the Jazz Exchange will be hosting two live streams. The first one being the Southwest Big Band, featuring 24 local musicians, including Reyes and Mireles on vocals and saxophone, and will be live streamed Wednesday, June 10 at noon

The second video, The Southwest Combo, featuring seven local musicians alongside local recording studio Star City Studios, Wednesday, June 17 at noon

Both videos will be live streamed on the Jazz Exchange’s social media platforms and YouTube channel. For more information, visit their YouTube channel.