
Gilbert C. Castellanos – Founder and Artistic Director
“Raising up the next generation of jazz is really where my passion and heart and soul is. When I was starting out, someone gave me a chance to get on stage and took the time to invest some of their knowledge and experience in me. It’s a big part of my success today, and I’m grateful. Today, I’m giving back, and watching these young adults blossom into amazing musicians is an honor and a gift!”
– Gilbert C. Castellanos
“Raising up the next generation of jazz is really where my passion and heart and soul is. When I was starting out, someone gave me a chance to get on stage and took the time to invest some of their knowledge and experience in me. It’s a big part of my success today, and I’m grateful. Today, I’m giving back, and watching these young adults blossom into amazing musicians is an honor and a gift!”
– Gilbert C. Castellanos

OUR STORY
In his youth, Gilbert Castellanos was provided many opportunities by established jazz musicians, and he has performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Horace Silver, Nancy Wilson, George Benson, Diana Krall, Al Jarreau, Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Dr. John, Charlie Hayden, Charles McPherson, John Clayton, and Natalie Cole, just to name a few.
It’s been his ambition to provide today’s young musicians with some of the same opportunities he was fortunate enough to experience. Young Lions Jazz Conservatory is the fruition of this long-held dream.
In The News
Young Arts Winners 2022: Nick Caldwell and Brenda Greggio,
We are very proud of these YLJC students! Congrats on being winners in the 2021 Young Arts competition! Nick Caldwell | Jazz/Saxophone: Alto (Finalist) and Jazz/Saxophone/Tenor (Honorable Mention)...
A Huge Success! | Shape Of Jazz To Come
Thank you to ALL who came out to Bread & Salt and watch the live stream of our 2021 celebration and fundraiser — The Shape Of Jazz To Come! What an amazing day it was! We had a sold out venue...
End Of Year Message from Founder and Artistic Director: Gilbert Castellanos
(Eduardo Contreras/The San Diego Union-Tribune) As we finish up the 2020-2021 season and summer is approaching, I would like to take a moment to express my deep gratitude to each of you for your...

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