This post is also available in: On a breezy January evening, the Ponce de Le\u00f3n Avenue in Santurce buzzed with the traffic of music lovers making their way to the Centro de Bellas Artes. The air was electric with anticipation for the fifteenth anniversary of the Puerto Rico Jazz Jam, an annual celebration of Puerto Rican jazz organized by Humberto Ramirez<\/a>. This year was particularly special, as it marked a milestone for the event following last year\u2019s celebration of Humberto\u2019s impressive 40 years in music.<\/p>\n Humberto, a celebrated trumpeter, composer, and bandleader, poured his heart and soul into creating an event that showcases Puerto Rican jazz\u2019s richness while providing a platform for local musicians. Over the years, the Puerto Rico Jazz Jam has become a staple in the island\u2019s cultural calendar, drawing jazz aficionados from near and far.<\/p>\n As the concert hall doors opened, the audience was greeted by the melodic sounds of Miguel Zen\u00f3n<\/a> and Luis Perdomo. The duo, known for their close collaboration over the past 26 years, performed pieces from their album \u201cEl Arte del Bolero, Vol. 2\u201d. My wife and I were captivated by the intricate interplay between Zen\u00f3n\u2019s saxophone and Perdomo\u2019s piano, which left the audience in awe of their musical prowess.<\/p>\n The first evening of the Jazz Jam continued with \u201cLittle\u201d Johnny Rivero and his Giants Latin jazz band. On the touching moment of the evening, \u201cLittle\u201d Johnny took a minute to pay tribute to the recently deceased legendary and beloved \u201cconguero\u201d Kachiro Thompson. The rhythmic beats and vibrant melodies filled the hall, culminating in a powerful joint performance of \u201cManteca\u201d alongside Zen\u00f3n<\/a><\/em> and Perdomo. The crowd erupted in applause, their enthusiasm a testament to the magic of the night.<\/p>\n For Humberto, organizing the Puerto Rico Jazz Jam was more than just an event\u2014it was a labor of love. Each year, he meticulously curated the lineup, ensuring that both established and emerging Puerto Rican talent had a chance to shine. His dedication to the craft and his unwavering commitment to the local music scene had enriched the lives of audiences and provided countless opportunities for musicians to grow and thrive.<\/p>\n The festival\u2019s second day featured Humberto and his Big Band, a grand ensemble that showcased his composer and bandleader skills. The evening was made even more special by the addition of singer Camila Isabel<\/a>, a Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music graduate with a master\u2019s degree from Penn State University. Her renditions of Barbara Streisand\u2019s classics left the audience spellbound, her voice soaring effortlessly over the lush arrangements of the Big Band.<\/p>\n Although we could not attend the second day\u2019s performance, the reviews were nothing short of stellar. Those who had the pleasure of experiencing the jazz banquet spoke of the unforgettable performances and the palpable sense of camaraderie that filled the hall.<\/p>\n
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\n\tEspa\u00f1ol<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p>\nDay 1: Zen\u00f3n, Perdomo & Rivero<\/h3>\n
![\"Puerto](\"https:\/\/latinomusiccafe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/20250129_075019-198x300.jpg\")
Day 2: A Tribute to Barbara Streisand<\/h3>\n
Puerto Rico Jazz Jam: the Next 15 Years<\/h3>\n