The Jazz Society of Ecuador
The Jazz Society of Ecuador is a society of professional jazz musicians, music teachers, and jazz enthusiasts whose purpose is to present live jazz performances, events, and festivals throughout Ecuador.
It was founded in 2012 by New York jazz pianist Jim Gala. Since its founding over 20,000 jazz enthusiasts from all over the world have attended Jazz Society of Ecuador events at the Jazz Society Café, our performance venue in Cuenca, Ecuador.
JSE Achievements:
During the past 9 years, The Jazz Society of Ecuador provided Cuenca with over3,000 live jazz performances, and has educated, promoted, and presented, over one hundred Ecuadorian musicians. The Jazz Society of Ecuador provides free musical instruction in the art of improvisation to Ecuadorian music students at the The Jazz Society of Ecuador School of Improvisation, located in Cuenca. We also promote occasional jazz events in Guayaquil and Quito.
Mission Statement:
“To add jazz to the cultural assets of Ecuador, to educate and nurture aspiring Ecuadorian musicians in the art of improvisation, to create a venue for them to perform before a live audience, to promote jazz events and festivals throughout Ecuador, and to welcome musicians and jazz enthusiasts from other countries to participate in our mission while enjoying the unique beauty and charm of Ecuador.”
The Jazz Society of Ecuador has given Cuenca, Ecuador an international reputation as “The Greenwich Village of Ecuador”. A growing number of American, European, and Asian tourists are choosing to vacation in Cuenca because of its reputation for presenting world-class jazz as well as for its incredible natural beauty and UNESCO Historic District.
Founders:
The Jazz Society of Ecuador was founded by New York pianist, Jim Gala.
The Jazz Society Café:
The Jazz Society Café is the performance venue of The Jazz Society of Ecuador in Cuenca, Ecuador.
Mother and Son Family Kitchen
Mother & Son Family Kitchen is a mother and son partnership that was born in the Philippines. Debby (Mom) moved to Cuenca eight years ago and James (Son) followed three years later. Working together for a total of fifteen years has led them to a strongly shared passion for cooking. They were part of the founding team of Bone-ito and Bento, Cuenca’s first meal delivery business. Mother & Son Family Kitchen is the next step in that evolution.
Honorary Directors:
(Prominent jazz musicians who have endorsed The Jazz Society of Ecuador)
Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Otmaro Ruiz, Branford Marsalis, Ron Carter, Charles Lloyd, Eddie Gomez, Charles McPhearson, John Patitucci, Joe La Barbara, Chuck Israels.