Belongó is a nonprofit cultural organization founded by Arturo O’Farrill, a Grammy awarded Mexican-American piano virtuoso and composer who is dedicated to sharing Latin music and culture. His organization showcases Latin culture by highlighting its African and Indigenous roots through performances and educational programs.
This summer, the nonprofit has upcoming events and programs in Manhattan and the Bronx.
One example of their educational programs is the Afro Latin Jazz Academy of Music. This program, founded in 2009, provides schools with professionals who direct instrumental and ensemble lessons for the students. Additionally, they have a youth orchestra called Fat Cats, and the Global Rhythms In Out Tribe which introduces youth to global rhythms and storytelling. Along with their educational programs, Belongó organizes performances that highlight Latin culture. The organization has many upcoming events planned for June 2026.
On Tuesday, June 2nd, the O’Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra will be beginning its residency at The Pocket. The Pocket is a new jazz club, located on West 46th Street in Times Square. Each Tuesday, the orchestra will perform two sets at the jazz club, one at 7pm and one at 9pm. The orchestra’s weekly residency in began in 2002. From 2002 to 2007, the orchestra held residency at Jazz at Lincoln Center in Columbus Circle.
As well as the residency, the Belongó will present the 12th annual Pueblo Harlem. This event will take place June 26, at Riverside Church in West Harlem on Riverside Drive. The festival will last the entire day and celebrate Latino culture. It will include music, dancing, family workshops, and community programming.
There will be additional events in May and June. These include O’Farrill and ALJO at the May 29 South Bronx Culture festival, the June 23 Fat Cats concert at the Shapeshifter Lab in Brooklyn, July 11 performance Carnegie Hall’s Musical Connections program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility, and more. With these events, the organization will spread Afro Latin Jazz across New York. Belongó strives to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion through culture, music, and creative freedom.
Belongó Latin Jazz Events in Manhattan and the Bronx
Afro Latin Jazz Music Exploration at the Harlem Library – New York Public Library – Saturdays 12-1pm
City Winery Sundays – City Winery – Sunday, April 19-May 31
Arturo O’Farill and The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra at South Bronx Culture Festival- Casita Maria center for Arts and Education – May 29
Weekly Live Jazz at The Pocket – The Pocket – Tuesday June 2 – August 25
¡Pueblo Harlem! Celebrating Latino Culture – The Riverside Church – June 26
Arturo O’Farrill and The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra at Carnegie Hall Citywide- Carnegie Hall- July 11
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