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New York, N.Y. –
The New York City Mission Society honored Afro
Latin Jazz Alliance (ALJA) Founder and Artistic Director and
multiple Grammy Award winner Arturo
O’Farrill at
its annual Champions for Children Gala on Wednesday, April
13, 2016.
Led by Jean
Shafiroff, this
year’s Gala committee included:: Colbert
Narcisse and Katrina
and Don Peebles as
Honorary Chairs; and Peggy
and John Bader, Missy
Kilroy and John Moorhead, Leah
and Stan Rumbough, and, Yemi
and Patrick Vatel (Committee
Members); and,Brooke
Laing (Auction
Chair).
The benefit
supporst the Mission Society’s programs and services that
help youth and families in our city’s most underserved
communities break the cycle of poverty and achieve success.
The Gala was
held at the Mandarin Oriental at 80 Columbus Circle, with
cocktails at 6:30 PM. WABC-TV Anchor Bill Ritter served as
emcee, and the Fat Afro Latin Jazz Cats performed.
Arturo
O’Farrill –
who this February won another Grammy – will receive the
two-century-old nonprofit’s Visionary Partner Award. Last
year, ALJA partnered with the Mission Society to launch G.R.I.O.T.
(Global Rhythms in Our Tribe), an
educational program that provides free musical instruction
to youth in Harlem and surrounding areas.
With a focus in academic enrichment, G.R.I.O.T. is rooted in
a multi-cultural focus on global rhythms of the African
Diaspora, providing approximately 60 middle and high school
students with an understanding
of foundational musical
concepts, proficiency and skill on an instrument,
reinforcement of critical science, technology, engineering
and math skills, as well as opportunities for solo and
ensemble performances.
"I am honored
to again serve as Gala Chair to support the New York City
Mission Society,” said Gala Chair Jean
Shafiroff. “This
event will raise funds to support programs that are changing
the lives of children, young adults and families.”
"Music
education has been a significant part of the New York City
Mission Society's history, and thanks to Arturo O’Farrill
and ALJA we are able to provide our youth with new skills
that they can take with them for the rest of their lives,”
said Elsie
McCabe Thompson, President of the New York City Mission
Society. “This program weds closely to our mission to help
break down barriers and lift children and families from
poverty by creating new opportunities.”
A pianist and composer, O’Farrill founded ALJA in 2007,
endeavoring to develop new audiences for big band Latin jazz
and create a robust educational program for young
performers. ALJA is dedicated to preserving the music and
heritage of big band Latin
jazz, supporting its performance for new audiences, and
educating young people in the understanding and performance
of this important cultural treasure.
With the
support of a group of prominent leaders from the worlds of
jazz and Latin culture, O’Farrill launched ALJA to serve as
a non-profit organization that could advance both the
performance and educational aspects of this uniquely
Pan-American art form. ALJA’s programs serve schoolchildren
throughout New York City, and since inception ALJA has
presented more than 45 concerts showcasing the full range of
Afro Latin jazz from all over the world.
O’Farrill was
born in Mexico and grew up in New York City. His debut album
with the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, Una
Noche Inolvidable, earned a first Grammy Award
nomination in 2006. His next album Song for Chico,
earned a Grammy Award for Best Latin Jazz Album in 2009.
The 2015 release of The
Offense of the Drum was
yet another Grammy Award winner. Arturo was, in addition,
the winner of the Latin Jazz USA Outstanding Achievement
Award, and a Cubadisco Award for The
Offense of the Drum in
2015. His newest album release, Cuba:
The Conversation Continues (Motéma),
is nominated for two Grammys this year: Best Large Jazz
Ensemble Album and Best Instrumental Composition.
About New York
City Mission Society
The New York
City Mission Society has been on the frontlines of the war
on poverty for more than 200 years. Today, our progressive
portfolio of educational, restorative justice, cultural
enrichment, and workforce development programs make a
positive, long-term impact on youth in the City’s most
underserved communities by promoting academic achievement,
combating violence, and providing career opportunities.
Each year, we serve more than 18,000 children and families
throughout New York City with our programs, supportive
services, and community events. Learn more at http://www.nycmissionsociety.org. |