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11/12/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/12/2025 11:49

Photos From Inaugural Belongó Bugalú Gala at NYC’s City Winery

Hosted by Errol Louis (NY1, CNN)

Performances by Arturo O'Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra and The Fat Cats Youth Ensemble

Honoring David Perez, David Amram & Michelle Cruz

Special Recognition to NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo for Support of Belongó's Capital Project

Notable Guests Included Legendary Musician Joe Bataan, Ahmed Tigani (Housing Preservation & Development Commissioner), and Craig Peterson (Program Officer for Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation, New York Community Trust)

l to r: Joe Bataan, David Amram, Arturo O'Farrill

l to r: Arturo O'Farrill, Laurie Cumbo (Commissioner, NYC Dept. of Cultural Affairs), Marietta Ulacia (Belongo Executive Director), Eduardo Castell (Belongo Board Chair)

Additional Photos Available for Media Use HERE

Photo Credit: D'Anthony Photography

New York, NY (November 12, 2025) - The New York-based nonprofit Belongó marked a major milestone last night with its first-ever gala, Belongó Bugalú. The event, which took place at City Winery in NYC, united leaders across arts, culture, philanthropy, and community development for a night of music, dancing, and East Harlem pride.

Throughout the evening, guests were treated to world-class performances by Arturo O'Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra; La Manga, a collective of women artists inspired by the Caribbean coast of Colombia; and The Fat Cats, Belongó's youth ensemble led by Zack O'Farrill. Hosted by Errol Louis (NY1, CNN), the event featured dinner, dancing, a live auction, and a one-of-a-kind cigar-rolling experience inspired by the spirit of the Caribbean.

The celebration came just days after Arturo O'Farrill received two new GRAMMY nominations for Best Latin Jazz Album for The Original Influencers: Dizzy, Chano & Chicoand Mundoagua-Celebrating Carla Bley, underscoring his continued influence as one of today's most vital voices in jazz and Afro Latin music.

The event paid tribute to three distinguished honorees: David Perez, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Avance Investment Management; David Amram, the celebrated American composer, conductor, and multi-instrumentalist; and Michelle Cruz, Director of Economic Development at Union Settlement, who received the Community Service Recognition Award for her leadership and advocacy in East Harlem. NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo received a surprise recognition for support of Belongó's capital campaign that was introduced on stage by O'Farrill. Cumbo delivered a powerful speech about the need to provide funding and support to an important cultural institution like Belongó, and praised O'Farrill's tireless commitment to not only uplifting his own community, but the entire immigrant story of New York City.

Notable guests included the legendary, Harlem-born "King of Latin Soul" Joe Bataan; Ahmed Tigani (Housing Preservation & Development Commissioner); and Craig Peterson (Program Officer for Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation, New York Community Trust).

Set to the rhythm of bugalú-a vibrant fusion of Latin, African, and African American sounds- the evening embodied Belongó's mission to preserve and celebrate the music of the Americas while nurturing the next generation of artists and cultural leaders.

Proceeds from Belongó Bugalú support free music education programs in NYC public schools, citywide community initiatives, and year-round performances that make music accessible to all.

Looking ahead, Belongó will serve as the cultural partner for Timbale Terrace, a 340-unit affordable housing project in East Harlem. Its ground floor will house Casa Belongó-a permanent cultural hub for music education, performance, and community engagement set to break ground in 2026.

About Belongó

Belongó, formerly the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance, founded by Arturo O'Farrill in 2007, is a non-profit institution dedicated to performing, educating about, and preserving the music of all of the Americas, emanating from African and indigenous roots, through the entry point of jazz. The organization produces The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra's annual performance season in New York and manages the Orchestra's weekly engagement at the famed jazz club Birdland as well as performances worldwide. Its educational programs include the Afro Latin Jazz Academy of Music (ALJAM), an in-school residency program serving public schools citywide with instrumental and ensemble instruction; the Fat Cats, a pre-professional youth orchestra that prepares the next generation of musicians; and the Global Rhythms in Our Tribe (G.R.I.O.T.), a music program that connects youth with rhythms and storytelling from global cultures as a way to engage them in anti-violence activities. In addition, it holds a world-class collection of Latin jazz musical scores and recordings.

Belongó embraces its mission with a commitment to social justice, equity, inclusion, and the equality of all cultures worldwide. For additional information please visit belongo.org.

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