Latin Jazz Sessions

Latin Jazz Sessions  with Matthew Hernandez & Sergio Segura

Thursdays (check site for updates)

4:30pm – 6:30pm, all ages

Sign up here!

This weekly community band is an introduction to the many popular Latin styles of music from slow and intimate cha cha and boleros to fast paced and high energy salsa, cumbia, and merengue. Join us for an eventful start to the first installment of the Latin Jazz Sessions at Art in the Park, and surprise yourself with how much you could learn in just a few weeks! Sheet music and basic drumming pattern worksheets will be readily available every week. Everyone is free to join this program, though some musical experience will greatly help in familiarizing patterns and learning songs. Art in the Park has drums and some instruments available for use, too, so don’t be shy – stop by and try it out for yourself. 

Matthew Hernandez is a proud community arts advocate that has dedicated his work to the enrichment of cultural celebration and literacy through music. Understanding how music shapes and reflects cultural awareness and ambitions, he recognizes the influence that music has over large groups of individuals that share a common ground in beliefs and expression. The main goal for Matthew is to bring those people together to share the same physical space and strengthen bonds through experiencing the ultimate form of expression that creative outlets, like music, allow. Being a source for bringing the community together brings him all the joy in the world, whether it’s through live performance, group teaching, volunteer work, or even just casual conversation with neighbors and friends. He currently studies at the Herb Alpert Music Center’s Applied Music Program at Los Angeles City College and has built a reputation for being the musical coordinator and saxophonist for salsa and latin jazz band, Timba Tumbao. With his band, he’s performed all across SoCal, delivering a fun and high energy live latin dance show. He loves what he does because he gets the opportunity to connect with so many amazing communities and share an inclusive experience full of dancing, smiles, and fun memories. “Music is a language without words, it speaks in only profound emotion and true expression.” 

Born and raised in El Sereno, Los Angeles, CA, Sergio Segura has been a musician since theage of 13. Originally a pianist, he found his passion lied in drums, specifically Latin percussion drums. Following his musical passion, Sergio went on to receive his Bachelor of Music at Cal Poly Pomona and his Masters at Cal State LA with an emphasis in Afro Latin Music, where he studied under legendary Cuban drummer -Calixto Oviedo- learning the fundamentals of Cuban music such as son, danzon, cha cha’s rumba and others. Since graduating, Sergio has been performing with various bands and artists. As of recent he has performed with Colombian cumbia artist Yeison Landero at the Hollywood Bowl and The Ford. He has also opened and shared the stage with the likes of Elvis Crespo, La Sonora Dinamita, Grupo Sonador among others at festivals such as Besame Mucho. Growing up first generation Mexican in a disadvantaged community, Sergio understands the value of having spaces for children and adults to express their artistic side through music. Sergio believes in giving back to his community by sharing his knowledge. He currently continues to gig throughout the U.S. and enjoys teaching and improving his own skills. “Music is lifelong. There is never an end point and there’s always something new to learn.” “Drumming is the extension of our feelings. Everyone should have access to resources and spaces to express themselves, regardless of the environment theygrow up in.”

Lets help keep each other healthy please stay home if you have any flu like or COVID symptoms. 

check our calendar at  artinthepark.org for updates

Questions email info@artintheparkla.org