About Us

Center Staff

Candace Warren, Executive Director

Ashanta Tolliver, Executive Admin

Venus Beck - Event  Management 

Jesse Davis, Staff

Tennille Malone, Digital Media

Tashia Mitchel, Culnary STaff

2026 Board of Directors

Martin Crockett- Chair

Geretha Andrews

Elouise Burkley

Tori DeRudder

Dr. Robert Donachie

Kent Ellingson

Lucille Tolliver 

Candace Warren (Ex officio)

Founded in 2014 by Candace “Mahogany” Warren, with the encouragement and support of Dallas jazz legend Jason Davis, the Jazz BeCuzz Art Center was created as a safe, inclusive space for families to experience and enjoy the fine and cultural arts. The center encourages exploration of contemporary ways to pioneer and create through music, literature, and movement.

From the age of 11, Candace’s passion for the arts—and her belief that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, create, and express themselves artistically—became the driving force behind Jazz BeCuzz.

After four years of building meaningful community connections and developing innovative programming, Jazz BeCuzz Arts Group became officially incorporated in 2018 as a public 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Since then, Jazz BeCuzz has made a lasting impact across the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex through performances, workshops, and educational programs—both at the Art Center and throughout the region. The organization’s reach has even extended abroad through virtual events and programs.

With a dedicated team of educators and artists bringing together over 50 years of collective experience in arts education, mentorship, and creative development, Jazz BeCuzz continues to inspire, uplift, and transform communities through the power of the arts.