Schedule

“Breathtaking, inventive array of Afro-Cuban jazz.” — LAist, 89.3FM

Mexican American pianist, composer, and bandleader Arturo O'Farrill is a towering figure in contemporary music, renowned for his genre-defying virtuosity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to social justice through music. A 6-time Grammy and 2-time Latin Grammy winner, O'Farrill is “one of our greatest living pianists” (Downbeat) as he bridges the gap between Latin rhythms, modern jazz, and contemporary composition—pushing boundaries while maintaining a profound connection to his roots.

The 2026–27 Jazz Series opens with its defining voice. Arturo O'Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra bring the full force of Afro-Cuban rhythm, modern jazz harmony, and big-band brilliance to the Concert Hall. Founded at Jazz at Lincoln Center and now celebrated internationally under O'Farrill's leadership, the Orchestra represents jazz as a living, evolving art form—rooted in history, yet urgently contemporary. As Segerstrom Center's inaugural Artist-in-Residence, O'Farrill anchors the season's exploration of “Now,” demonstrating how jazz continues to absorb, respond, and reinvent. This opening-night performance sets the tone for a season driven by excellence, energy, and forward momentum.

Arturo O'Farrill performs at Blues Alley, the nation's oldest continuing jazz supper club, in an intimate Georgetown setting.

Arturo O'Farrill performs at Blues Alley, the nation's oldest continuing jazz supper club, in an intimate Georgetown setting.

Step into a night of glamour, rhythm, and pure joy as Arturo O'Farrill transforms the Samueli Theater into a vibrant Latin dance club. Inspired by the legendary Copacabana, Tropicana, and the golden-age nightlife of Havana, New York, and Los Angeles, this playful, social evening invites audiences to move, mingle, and celebrate.

Led by O'Farrill and a handpicked ensemble of virtuoso musicians, the music blends irresistible grooves, bold brass, and Afro-Latin rhythms designed to lift spirits and fill the floor. This is jazz as it was always meant to be experienced: communal, stylish, and alive. Whether you come to dance, listen, or simply soak in the atmosphere, Copacabana Nights offers a festive escape and a reminder that jazz has always been as much about connection as sound.

Arturo O'Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble return to Krannert Center for the first time since 2019 to deliver a performance that's nothing short of electrifying. A six-time Grammy winner and visionary bandleader, O'Farrill blends Afro-Cuban rhythms, modern jazz, and bold original compositions into a sound that's both deeply rooted and forward-thinking. The result is a rich, passion-filled performance filled with precision and world-class musicianship.

Hailed by The New York Times and The New Yorker, the ensemble is known for its dynamic interplay—tight, expressive sections paired with thrilling soloists that keep audiences fully engaged. Whether you're a lifelong jazz fan or just discovering the genre, this is a performance that will resonate on every level.

Mexican-American composer, pianist and bandleader Arturo O'Farrill stands as a towering figure in contemporary music, renowned for his genre-defying virtuosity. With nearly 25 albums as a solo artist, collaborator, and with his ensembles, O'Farrill is a 6-time Grammy winner, 2-time Latin Grammy winner, and has earned 17 nominations.

Driven by a desire to blend the rich traditions of Afro Latin music with the expansive possibilities of modern jazz, O'Farrill leads the Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble — a prodigious octet — in a thrilling fusion of Afro Cuban rhythms, big band jazz and bold contemporary voices. This is jazz at its most dynamic — powerful, passionate and unmistakably alive.

Closing the season, Arturo O'Farrill revisits Rumba para Monk, honoring the groundbreaking 1989 recording by Jerry González and the Fort Apache Band. This vibrant reimagining celebrates the meeting point between Thelonious Monk's angular brilliance and Afro-Cuban rhythm—an encounter that permanently expanded the language of jazz. Featuring O'Farrill and friends, the performance embodies the full arc of the season: legacy transformed through contemporary voice. As Artist-in-Residence, O'Farrill brings the journey full circle, connecting jazz's past, present, and future in one electrifying evening.