Who knows the exact origins of the San Francisco Latin Jazz Society? Undocumented meetings and impromptu jam sessions or ‘descargas’ at after-hour locations throughout the San Francisco Bay Area started the earliest traditions. Guided by an aim to keep Latin Jazz, “free of the dogmatic practices exercised by more pedestrian endeavors” (anonymous LJS member), the jamsessions became open to the public after demand to attend the ‘secret sessions’ mounted. A rare public shot at an unnamed venue (documents read ‘C.Hall’) shows members in an unprecedented photo, before the LJS went public. These four members were originally expelled from the Society for the unauthorized photo, but after public demand the LJS decided to keep the group as a representation of its ideals in performance.
Keep the Latin Jazz tradition of new exploration alive in the Bay Area and support your San Francisco Latin Jazz Society! Membership is more open than ever, potential LJS applicants can gain membership by attended one of the various performances in their area coming soon!
