Categories: Audrey Bernard,
Belongó—a non-profit organization dedicated to performing, educating about, and preserving the music of the Americas emanating from African and indigenous roots—hosted its inaugural gala on November 11, 2025 at the trendy City Winery in Manhattan. The first-ever celebration attracted leaders, artists, and supporters to honor David Perez, co-founder & managing partner at Avance Investment Management, and celebrated American composer, conductor, and multi-instrumentalist David Amram. Additionally, a special Community Service Recognition was awarded to Michelle Cruz, Director of Economic Development at Union Settlement.
This was a level one event starting with the Master of Ceremonies, award-winning journalist and television host Errol Louis, revered for his work at NY1 and CNN, who set the pace for a magnificent evening for some 300 festively dressed people. Many guests followed the dress code and wore Bugalu fashion — cocktail attire with vibrant cultural flair inspired by the Afro Latin jazz heritage and the spirit of East Harlem’s Bugalú era. The flava was block party chic reminiscent of summertime in New York City where folks joyfully danced in the streets. Guests enjoyed a convivial cocktail reception, dinner, dancing, a live auction of curated exclusive items, and a cigar-rolling experience.
The music was muy caliente and featured pulsating performances by O’Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra and Belongó’s stellar youth orchestra the Fat Cats, led by Zack O’Farrill. evening is bugalú (boogaloo)—a powerful fusion of Latin, African, and African American rhythms. This electrifying genre reflects the spirit of Belongó and brings their mission to life through live performance, dance, and shared connection. As Belongó honors the musical traditions of the Americas, it celebrates the power of culture to unite, inspire, and transform.
Belongó, originally known as the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance, was founded in 2007 by 6-time GRAMMY winner and 2-time Latin GRAMMY winner Arturo O’Farrill who serves as Belongó’s artistic director. O’Farrill, who was born in Mexico and raised in New York City, is a torchbearer for a musical movement rooted in heritage, justice, and evolution and his career spans work with Dizzy Gillespie, Wynton Marsalis, Harry Belafonte, and Carla Bley, and an unwavering dedication to Afro-Latin music as both an art form and a force for equity.
In 2007, Arturo founded what is now Belongó, a visionary nonprofit organization that brings Afro-Latin music to life through performance, education, and cultural preservation. Formerly known as the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance. This esteemed organization has: Provided free music education to over 20,000 students across NYC’s public school system; Presented 870+ performances worldwide to over a million people; Built an archive of 750+ musical scores across 16+ genres; and Forged pathways for cultural exchange between Cuba and the U.S. as an informal ambassador of cross-border artistry
Belongó’s mission is not only musical—it’s transformational. With a deep commitment to community and culture, the organization has been named the cultural partner for Timbale Terrace, a 340-unit affordable housing project being developed on Park Avenue in East Harlem. Its future home, Casa Belongó, will be a permanent cultural anchor—offering music instruction, performance space, and creative refuge to a neighborhood long defined by its rich artistic legacy. The groundbreaking is slated for 2026.
O’Farrill recently released his critically acclaimed live album The Original Influencers: Dizzy, Chano & Chico (Live at Town Hall). It pays tribute to the groundbreaking collaboration between Dizzy Gillespie, Chano Pozo, and Chico O’Farrill (Arturo’s father), whose fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms and modern jazz birthed an entire genre. With guest appearances by Pedrito Martínez, Daymé Arocena, and more, the project reclaims the roots of Latin jazz while passing the torch to a new generation.
In a message of deep gratitude, The Belongó Team thanked their guests. “Thank you for joining us at the first-ever Belongó gala, honoring David Amram, David Pérez, Michelle Cruz, and the spirit of Afro Latin Jazz that continues to unite and inspire us. We hope you enjoyed the unforgettable night of music, community, and celebration. We are also grateful for New York City Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo’s presence; her stewardship has been outstanding. Because of your support, we are one step closer to building a space where artists and communities can belong, and where the music never stops. We can’t wait to see you on the dance floor again soon.”
Proceeds from Belongó Bugalú support free music education programs in New York City public schools, city-wide community programs, a New York City performance season, and free concerts and events. Belongó Bugalu is grateful for the support of Avance Investment Management, LLC, co-founded and led by our honoree David Perez. For additional information contact https://www.afrolatinjazz.org/bugalu. (Gala photos by D’Anthony Photography)
