The Trinity Jazz Festival began in 2002. The festival's founder, Father William B. Miller sees jazz -- city music par excellance -- as a vehicle for emphasizing both the Midtown church's urban setting, and its commitment to artistic expression. Rev. Miller believes, “Though jazz in the sacred context may be rare, it is a pairing that makes much sense - theologically, historically, and liturgically. Sharing some of the same roots as indigenous gospel music, this art form is rightly at home in the sacred context”. Rev. Miller’s hope is that the Trinity Jazz Festival will help Trinity Episcopal Church become “an integral part of the cultural and spiritual awakening in our great city”.

The first festival featured Ellis Marsalis, the patriarch of the famed New Orleans jazz family, and Ed Calle, the popular Miami saxophonist, with each artist headlining outstanding performances. The headliners were accompanied by a number of Houston area jazz musicians, including pianist Paul English. Subsequent festivals have featured such notable talents as the legendary sax player David “Fathead” Newman, trumpeter Marvin Stamm, Bud Shank, Andre Hayward, Jason Marsalis, Delfeayo Marsalis, Suzi Stern, Barrie Lee hall Jr., Kyle Turner, David Liebman, Roseanna Vitro and Jason Moran.

The 2002 festival also introduced the “Jazz Mass” - a jazz-themed service that concludes each year’s festival. This extremely popular mass has quickly garnered a reputation as one of the most exceptional and inspiring events of its kind and has featured such unique works as the seldom-heard sacred music of Duke Ellington, as well as spirituals from Lift Every Voice and Sing, the official African-American hymnal of the Episcopal Church. The Trinity Jazz Festival has developed into one of Trinity Episcopal Church’s most significant community outreach programs and the Jazz Mass provides a fitting finale to this wonderfully inspiring event.