Art Meets Jazz: Elena Izquierdo

Vocalist Elena Izquierdo, voted “Jazz Rising Star” in the 2026 JazzBuffalo Poll, comes to Beebe's on the Square for an intimate evening that gives us an opportunity to experience an emerging artist whose musical journey began right here in Buffalo.

Born and raised in Buffalo, Elena developed her love of performing at an early age, exploring theatre, pop music, and songwriting before jazz became her greatest artistic passion. While attending Williamsville East, she was selected as the featured vocalist for the school's Legends of Jazz series, performing alongside acclaimed artists Bill Charlap, Ernie Watts, and Regina Carter. In 2017, she was named Outstanding Jazz Vocalist at the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival at Lincoln Center.

Elena went on to earn her degree in Popular & Commercial Music from Loyola University New Orleans in 2024, further developing her artistry in a city where jazz is woven into the culture. Since returning to Buffalo, she has increasingly become part of our jazz community, including a performance at this year's Lewiston Jazz Festival.

Her recognition as the 2026 JazzBuffalo Poll Jazz Rising Star reflects what audiences are beginning to discover: a young vocalist with a genuine connection to jazz, a love for the spontaneity of the music, and an ability to connect with both the musicians around her and the people listening.

For this Art Meets Jazz appearance, Elena will be joined by guitarist Stu Weissman, whom she met at a local jazz jam in 2024. That meeting developed into a musical partnership, with the intimacy of voice and guitar providing plenty of room for interpretation, conversation, and spontaneity.

And there may be no better setting for experiencing that than Art Meets Jazz.

Surrounded by the visual art of the Hunt Art Gallery, you'll hear Elena from only a few feet away while enjoying a glass of wine or cocktail, conversation with friends, and the distinctive atmosphere of Beebe's on the Square.

Art Meets Jazz has always been about more than putting music in a gallery. It's about bringing art, music, hospitality, and community together to create another reason to spend an evening downtown.

It's also about creating opportunities to experience the artists helping shape what comes next for jazz in Buffalo.

Elena Izquierdo is one of those artists.

Art Meets Jazz: Elena Izquierdo
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Beebe's on the Square | Downtown Buffalo

Come experience one of Buffalo's rising jazz voices—up close.

Art Meets Jazz

Event 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Music 6:30 pm to 8:15 pm