Salty Paw Jazz Orchestra, Puerto Vallarta’s first and only youth-based jazz orchestra, will be returning to the Jazz Foundation on Sunday, May 7, 2017, at 7 PM. This is their third presentation in their First-Sunday-of-the Month concert series. The Salty Paws’ first two Jazz Foundation concerts in March and April were packed with enthusiastic, cheering audiences.
The “Salty Paw Jazz Orchestra” or “Pata Salada Orquesta de Jazz” is characterized by instrumentation in the style of a Big Band orchestra. The members mainly consist of young musicians learning jazz improvisation – the definition of jazz encompassing 3 major categories – swing, rock and Latin. While the usual big band consists of 18 musicians, the Salty Paw Jazz Orchestra has grown to 27 members. They have already given several fundraising concerts – at Act II Stages in Puerto Vallarta, The Breakers Beach Club Restaurant and Bar in Bucerias, and Plaza Caracol in Puerto Vallarta, to name a few. They aspire to give concerts in other venues throughout the country.
The whole thing got started when several talented young musicians heard the Puerto Vallarta Big Band play. Inspiration struck and a jazz workshop formed. Led by the young, impassioned Founder and Director Victor Kris, it quickly evolved into a full jazz ensemble – and expanded beyond the usual jazz instrumentation, and includes violins, flutes and clarinets, adding innovative dimensions to the ensemble. Shortly afterwards, the founding members voted to name the jazz orchestra “Salty Paw” or “Pata Salada,” which means a person from Puerto Vallarta.
The first semester took place mostly at Biblioteca Los Mangos, starting with the first rehearsal Saturday, September 10, 2016.The Salty Paw Jazz Orchestra has since resided at the American School. In April the kindergarten next to Los Mangos generously offered the use of their space as a home base, which is helpful beyond description. The support of all these institutions is, and has been, crucial. It is far more appreciated than words can ever say.
There is no jazz program like this in Puerto Vallarta. The course offers an academic base of jazz history, music theory, and ensemble. It focuses on teaching individuals to be themselves, to be proud of who they are and what they can create in the moment, while having fun. The course is available to anyone who would like to hear and learn about jazz. If you can play an instrument, you can play with the Salty Paw Jazz Orchestra. If you’re interested, contact Victor Kris at saltypawjazz@gmail.com or Facebook “Salty Paw Jazz Orchestra.” Rehearsals are at the kindergarten next door to Biblioteca Los Mangos on Francisco Villa, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 5:30 – 7 PM and Saturdays, 2 – 4 PM. To confirm, call cell phone (322) 138-2613.
The Salty Paw Jazz Orchestra, which is part of the newly formed Asociacion Civil (AC), Instituto de Artes Musicales Puerto Vallarta (I AM PV), is a privately funded program that relies solely on fundraisers and donations from the community.
As the first youth-based jazz orchestra in the history of Puerto Vallarta, the Salty Paw Jazz Orchestra is honored to be a proud part of this great community. The Salty Paw Jazz Orchestra is active 12 months a year, so stay tuned for future concerts!
THE JAZZ FOUNDATION, Allende 116, el Centro, Puerto Vallarta, just a few feet off the Malecon and across the street from La Bodegita del Medio. Next concert – Sunday, May 7 at 7 PM. A Supporting Fee of 150 pesos, in lieu of a cover charge, will be directly donated to the band. (Jazz Foundation Phone: 01 322 113 0295)