Juan Daniel Chávez (born September 15, 1993, in Guadalajara, Mexico) is a Mexican-American saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, educator, and arts leader based in Chicago. He is the co-founder and Executive Director of the People’s Center for Cultural & Contemporary Arts (PCCCArts), a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to expanding access to arts education and creative opportunities for youth and communities in under-resourced areas.

With more than 16 years of experience in music and entertainment, Daniel has performed, recorded, and collaborated with artists across a wide range of genres including jazz, Latin, regional Mexican, blues, pop, soul, and hip hop. His work reflects a deep connection to cultural traditions while embracing contemporary influences, drawing from both the jazz tradition and Latin American musical heritage.

Early Life

Daniel grew up in Coos Bay, Oregon, where his early musical influences were shaped by the sounds of Regional Mexicano and Latin popular music that filled his home. Inspired by artists such as Selena and various norteño and banda groups, he developed an early fascination with music and performance.

At the age of ten, Daniel began studying clarinet, trumpet, and saxophone through his school’s music program. He later joined the Oregon Coast Lab Band, a nonprofit youth ensemble dedicated to preserving and promoting jazz through education and performance. During his time with the ensemble, he performed alongside renowned artists including Mic Gillette, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and Bria Skonberg, gaining early professional experience performing, touring, and recording throughout the West Coast.

Education and Musical Development

Daniel graduated high school with honors and received a full scholarship to attend the Oregon Center for the Arts at Southern Oregon University. There, he pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education with an emphasis in classical music and saxophone performance, graduating cum laude in 2016.

During his time at the university, Daniel studied under mentors including Rhett Bender, Jeff Richmond, Terry Longshore, Cindy Hutton, Alexander Tutunov, and Tony Hayes. In addition to his studies, he contributed to the development of student jazz and pep band programs, performed in numerous collegiate ensembles, and participated in an international exchange program in South Korea.

While still a student, Daniel performed with artists including Morgan James and with the Britt Festival Orchestra, where he participated in the world premiere of Natural History: Symphony for Nature, later broadcast on PBS.

Professional Career

Following graduation, Daniel recorded his first album as a bandleader, Chillin’ with the Daniel Chavez Quartet, featuring guitarist Brandon Crafts, bassist Garrett Baxter, drummer Jake Riggs, and saxophonist Tony Hayes.

He later joined Lime Entertainment, performing as a professional musician for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruise Lines. During his time with the agency, Daniel performed aboard seven ships across multiple fleets, traveling to more than 30 countries and collaborating with musicians from over 100 nations. In these productions he backed comedians, dancers, and musical artists including Grammy-nominated vocalist Deborah Cox.

After 3 years touring internationally, Daniel returned to the United States to pursue projects more closely connected to artistic collaboration and community impact. In the spring of 2018, he briefly relocated to Los Angeles before being drawn to Chicago later that year. Since arriving in December 2018, he has become actively involved in the city’s vibrant and diverse music scene.

Artistic Work Today

Today Daniel performs as both a bandleader and sideman across Chicago’s diverse musical landscape. He collaborates with artists working in jazz, Latin music, blues, and contemporary genres.

He has recorded, written, and performed with artists including Katie Kadan, Lester Rey & Purple Tokyo, Marca MP with Banda Estrategia, and Herman Olivera and Willy García with the GFC International Big Band. He frequently performs with ensembles such as the Alan Gresik Swing Orchestra and collaborates with artists including Rosalba Valdez, Joaquin Garcia, and Clif Wallace.

Daniel is currently touring with Trabuco Salsa Band, performing at festivals and venues across the United States while contributing to the group’s dynamic Latin music repertoire. He also serves as composer, arranger, and music director for Luis Alfredo Correa’s band, helping shape the ensemble’s sound and repertoire.

In addition, Daniel has recently stepped into a leadership role as the Emerging Music Director for the Chicago International Salsa Congress, contributing to the artistic development and musical programming of one of the country’s premier Latin dance and music festivals.

Alongside these projects, he continues to work as a freelance musician throughout Chicago’s vibrant music scene.

Daniel is currently preparing his next album of original music, supported in part by CASE funding, with a planned release in 2026.

Community Leadership and Arts Education

Beyond performance, Daniel is deeply committed to arts education and community development. In 2020, he co-founded the People’s Center for Cultural & Contemporary Arts (PCCCArts), a nonprofit organization that provides arts and STEAM programming for youth and communities throughout Chicago.

Through partnerships with schools, community centers, and cultural institutions, PCCCArts offers programs in music, dance, visual arts, digital media, and creative technology, serving students in communities that often have limited access to arts education.

As Executive Director, Daniel leads the organization’s artistic vision, program development, and partnerships while mentoring teaching artists and supporting the next generation of creatives.

He believes that the arts are a powerful vehicle for cultural celebration, education, and social impact, helping young people build confidence, creativity, and meaningful connections within their communities.