Founded in 2001 by Grammy-nominated musician and educator John Calloway, Ph.D., together with co-founders Arturo Riera and Sylvia Ramirez, the Latin Jazz Youth Ensemble of San Francisco (LJYE) is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of Latin jazz musicians. From its very first performance — opening for Poncho Sanchez just days after September 11 — the ensemble has stood as a symbol of resilience, excellence, and hope for the future of the music.

LJYE treats young performers not as “kids,” but as musicians. The program provides free, high-level music education and performance opportunities to students ages 10–18 at a time when arts programs are steadily disappearing from public schools. Students rehearse and perform at a professional standard, developing confidence, discipline, and creative voice through original compositions and live performance.

Over the years, LJYE has:

Recorded three critically praised CDs
Earned multiple regional awards
Served as Youth Artists-in-Residence at Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
Performed at major festivals, community events, and San Francisco City Hall
Helped alumni earn national honors and attend leading institutions such as Juilliard, Berklee College of Music, and Manhattan School of Music

Today, LJYE is guided by Volunteer Directors Arturo Riera and Sylvia Ramirez, with Alex Farrell and Daniel Riera serving as Musical Directors, continuing the ensemble’s legacy of artistic excellence and mentorship. The program remains open to all qualified students and never charges tuition.

While LJYE works tirelessly to be self-supporting, donations are essential to sustaining this unique program — nurturing young talent, preserving a vital cultural tradition, and keeping Latin jazz thriving for future generations.

Your support helps turn potential into artistry and students into musicians.

Cultura y Arte Nativa De Las Americas (CANA) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. For over four decades, we have preserved and celebrated the many heritages through culturally and linguistically-relevant dance, music, art, and by creating spaces for community learning, school-based education, advocacy and human services.

Support the Latin Jazz Youth Ensemble