He has also performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Wynton Marsalis, Steve Turre, Jerry Gonzalez and the Fort Apache Band. In 1987, he became musical director for Harry Belafonte, and in 1995, he began directing the band that had preserved much of his father's music, Chico O'Farrill's Afro-Cuban Jazz Big Band. With its resident orchestra, the world-renowned Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, and a variety of distinguished guests, Jazz at Lincoln Center celebrates and advances this distinctly American art form by producing a wealth of programs for audiences of all ages. These include concerts, national and international tours, lectures, film programs, master classes, student and teacher workshops, residencies, recordings, publications, television broadcasts, a Peabody Award-winning weekly radio program, an annual high school jazz band competition and festival, and a band director academy. Events are held in the elegant 2,310-seat Concert Hall and reflect the rich cultural traditions of the region.
Special programs serve school children, emergin artists, and local service organizations.
The Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc. is the non-profit organization that operates the national, state, and local landmark that is the Apollo Theatre. Its mission is to ensure the preservation and revitalization of the historic theatre. The goals of The Apollo Theater Foundation are to promote the cultural heritage of African-Americans, honor the great performers who played the Apollo, serve as a platform for introducing new talent, and educate future generations about the Apollo legacy.