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Gloria Arjona

About Me

I am a passionate music producer, performer, and educator dedicated to celebrating culture through the arts. For over 20 years, I’ve been curating and performing jazz and world music events, with a special love for Brazilian and Latin jazz. Alongside my husband, Javier, I’ve hosted intimate house concerts and larger productions at venues like The Merc and the Old Town Temecula Community Theater.

As a vocalist and bandleader for Along for the Ride, I bring stories to life through music, blending vibrant melodies with cultural narratives. My work as a college educator fuels my commitment to community culture, creating spaces where music and education unite to inspire and connect.

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My Jazz Story

For over 20 years, my husband Javier and I have been deeply immersed in the world of jazz, passionately promoting Brazilian and Latin jazz. Our journey began in Long Beach, curating vibrant events that celebrate this music's rich cultural tapestry. More recently, we've continued this mission in Temecula, where we not only organize concerts but also perform with our own band, Along for the Ride. Jazz has always held a special place in my heart. To me, it offers the perfect mix of elements for a truly fulfilling experience: a deep sense of history, spiritual connection, intellectual challenge, irresistible grooves, and melodies that linger long after the music stops. My love for jazz began as a teenager in Mexico City. Following the advice of a local jazz singer, I discovered the mesmerizing voice of Sarah Vaughan. That moment opened the door to a world of extraordinary artists and sounds. My older brother played a pivotal role too—he gifted me my first LP when I was just 12: Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66. It was my introduction to the enchanting rhythms of Brazilian jazz, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to meet and learn from incredible talents like Alex Acuña, Abraham Laboriel, Justo Almario, Carlitos del Puerto, Bob Shepard, Mauricio Maestro, Kay Lira, and Nicola Són. Each encounter has deepened my understanding and appreciation of jazz as an art form that transcends borders and speaks to the soul. Brazilian jazz, in particular, is my passion. Its infectious rhythms, soulful melodies, and cultural depth create a unique blend that never fails to inspire. Whether I’m on stage performing or curating an event, I feel honored to share this music and its stories with audiences who, like me, can’t resist its magic.

My House Concert Story

My husband and I have been hosting intimate house concerts in Long Beach and Lakewood, CA, since 2008. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of welcoming some incredible jazz talents, including Alex Acuña, Abraham Laboriel, Justo Almario, Carlitos del Puerto, Bob Shepard, and Mauricio Maestro. From Brazil, we’ve featured the soulful Kay Lira, and from France, the charismatic Nicola Són. These gatherings have been a deeply enriching experience, creating unforgettable connections through music. During the pandemic, we relocated to Temecula but didn’t leave the music behind. We continue to host summer house concerts in Lakewood, CA, while also establishing a new rhythm in our new home. Since September 2022, we’ve been curating monthly Brazilian and Latin jazz concerts at the historic The Merc in Old Town Temecula, held on the third Friday of each month at 7:30 PM. This year, we’ve expanded our vision by producing larger-scale musical events at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater. It’s been an exciting journey, blending our passion for jazz with the joy of sharing it with diverse audiences in two amazing communities!