Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – A quiet Sunday afternoon at the Comprehensive Care Center for the Elderly (CAIAM) in Coapinole turned into a spirited celebration as Puerto Vallarta’s first and only youth big band took the stage. The Salty Paw Jazz Band delivered a free one-hour concert for residents, bringing generations together through the shared experience of live music.
Founded in September 2016 by Victor Kris, the Salty Paw Jazz Band operates under the umbrella of the Instituto de Artes Musicales Puerto Vallarta (IAMPV), an Asociación Civil dedicated to expanding music education and performance opportunities for local children. Many of its students receive scholarships, making the organization an important part of Puerto Vallarta’s cultural and educational community.
During the performance, conductor Javier Claudio Núñez transformed the audience from passive listeners into active bandmates. Handing out improvised percussion instruments such as shakers and wooden clicking sticks, Nuñez encouraged the senior citizens to play along with jazz favorites and Latin-inspired tunes, including Watermelon Man, Jammin’ with Charlie, Bags Groove, Bossa Maderai, Cute, and Oye Como Va.
One unexpected highlight came when Núñez got the audience singing along to the Batman theme song. The seniors enthusiastically participated throughout the performance, creating an afternoon that was as interactive as it was musical.
The concert also served as a form of music therapy, lifting spirits and creating such a positive response that the band was invited to return for the inaugural Desayuno con Sombrero (“Hat Breakfast”) the following Sunday.
Organized by DIF Puerto Vallarta, the breakfast brought together music, community support, and a shared commitment to improving the lives of CAIAM residents. The event also provided a special moment for Don José de la Cruz, known affectionately as “Keke,” who received hearing aids through the Cumpliendo Sueños (Fulfilling Dreams) program.
Supported by sponsors from the American School of Puerto Vallarta and Gabistro restaurant, the program helped Keke hear more clearly and reconnect with the people and world around him.
The two events highlighted the strength of local support, with contributions from organizations including InnovaRent, Hotel Garza Blanca, and Granito Café. Together, these efforts brought music, generosity, and practical support to CAIAM residents.
For the young musicians, the experience showed that music education can reach far beyond the classroom. By sharing their talents with local seniors, the Salty Paw Jazz Band created a meaningful connection between generations while giving back to the community.
IAMPV (Instituto de Artes Musicales Puerto Vallarta) is a non-profit educational music institute whose mission is to bring the joy of music to children and young adults in the greater Banderas Bay area. This is accomplished through a comprehensive program with many levels of instruction and different musical disciplines. Musical instruments are provided to beginning students.
For more information about the concerts, IAMPV programs, or how you can participate, visit IAMPV.com.mx, or IAMPuertoVallarta on Facebook.
