7:00 pm

Houston’s own Diunna Greenleaf and her band, Blue Mercy, bring a masterful blend of blues, gospel, jazz, and soul to the stage. A native Texan with deep gospel roots, Diunna has created a unique sound known as “Diunna’s Style of Blues,” drawing inspiration from icons like Koko Taylor, Aretha Franklin, Rosetta Tharpe, and Sam Cooke. Her music captures the heart and soul of the Texas blues tradition, taking audiences on a deeply emotional journey.

Diunna’s remarkable career is highlighted by numerous accolades, including multiple wins of the “Koko Taylor Award – Traditional Blues Female.” Her acclaimed album Trying To Hold On reached #1 on charts across the globe, including XM/Sirius Bluesville and Living Blues. She’s performed at celebrated festivals like the Lugano Blues Festival in Switzerland and the Cahors Blues Festival in France and has shared the stage with legends such as Keb’ Mo’, James Cotton, and Percy Sledge.

Beyond performing, Diunna has dedicated her life to preserving the blues. As the first female president of the Houston Blues Society, she spearheaded initiatives like the Willie Mae Thornton Blues Festival and Blues in Schools programs. She is also a founder of Friends of Blues Montgomery County, inspiring future generations to embrace this rich musical tradition.

Join Diunna Greenleaf and Blue Mercy for an extraordinary afternoon of music that celebrates the deep roots and vibrant energy of the blues.

Opener: Laura Walls

Laura Walls is an up and coming young artist from Sugar Land, TX. A graduate of Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, she is currently a music major at Loyola New Orleans.

As a Mezzo Soprano, Laura’s singing style includes a mixture of Jazz and Neo-Soul, taking

inspiration from the likes of Nina Simone, Jill Scott, Lauren Hill and Erykah Badu. Laura often performs around the Houston area for local and private events.

ABOUT JAZZY SUNDAYS IN THE PARKS:

Jazzy Sundays in the Parks is a free concert series celebrating the vibrancy and rich tradition of jazz as well as the incredible Houstonians who preserve the artform.

The concerts will be held Sundays, March 2, 9, 16 and 23 at Emancipation Park; Sundays, April 6, 13, 20 and 27 at Discovery Green; and Sundays, May 11, 18, 25 and June 1 at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park from 5-7 pm.

All concerts are free and family-friendly. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Food and drink will be available for purchase. A pop-up market will be on site at each park with locally crafted items, food and wearables.

Jazzy Sundays, made possible by a grant from Kinder Foundation, is organized by Discovery Green Conservancy in collaboration with Emancipation Park Conservancy and Buffalo Bayou Partnership.

KTSU is the official media sponsor of the 2025 Jazzy Sundays in the Parks series. Phillip Pyle, II is this year’s commemorative poster artist.

More info at www.discoverygreen.com/jazzy

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