Feel the pulse where rhythm meets legacy. The USC Thornton Afro-Latin American Jazz Ensemble (ALAJE), under the direction of Aarón Serfaty, will ignite the stage with electrifying sounds from Cuba, Puerto Rico, and beyond, bringing to life the vibrant evolution of salsa born in New York City’s rich cultural crossroads.

Join us at Global Arts Studio for an evening that blends the energy of live performance with the intimacy of a jazz night. Featuring flutist Ana Paola Rincones, one of Global Arts’ co-founders, the concert will invite you into a cozy, late-night jazz atmosphere perfect for connection, spontaneity, and a touch of magic.

All proceeds from the concert will benefit Global Arts, an organization that provides music education for underserved youth.

About Aarón Serfaty

Aarón Serfaty, a Venezuelan-born percussionist, began his musical journey at age 15 and, by age 17, was performing professionally. After years of touring and recording with international artists, he moved to Los Angeles to study at the California Institute of the Arts, shaping a career that bridges performance and education.

His global experience includes tours with legends like Arturo Sandoval and collaborations across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, along with masterclasses at major festivals and institutions worldwide. Today, Serfaty is a longtime faculty member at the University of Southern California, where he directs the Afro-Latin American Jazz Ensemble, teaches drum set, and a Latin Percussion class.

About Global Arts

Global Arts unlocks opportunities for underserved youth through high-quality music education, leadership development, and a nurturing community-centered network of support.

In other words: We use music to build a support system that opens doors for youth and their families.

In addition to providing youth with instruments and year-round music education, Global Arts also:

Creates bridges to Los Angeles' vibrant arts scene, for both youth and their families
Builds community among youth and their families
Helps families access resources

Visit our website to learn more: www.globalartsco.org

4 children playing the trumpet
Global Arts Studio

Salsa & Soul: An Evening of Afro-Latin Jazz with Aarón Serfaty and Ana Paola Rincones

A benefit concert with the USC Thornton Afro-Latin American Jazz Ensemble