Every July, OLA of Eastern Long Island gathers its community at The Church in Sag Harbor for Sabor, its signature cocktail fundraiser. Latin Moon has played several Sabor galas, including Sabor 2026 on Thursday, July 16, the evening that celebrated OLA’s 24th year of service.
“Latin Moon was a vital part of our Sabor Cocktail Gala. Their music brought warmth and energy while allowing our mission to remain front and center. Seamless from planning to performance.”
Minerva Perez, Executive Director, OLA of Eastern Long Island
About OLA of Eastern Long Island
OLA (Organización Latino Americana) of Eastern Long Island serves immigrant and US-born Latinos who live or work in the towns of East Hampton, Southampton, Riverhead, Southold and Shelter Island. The Sabor 2026 invitation put its purpose simply: building a safer, healthier and more equitable East End for Latinos and all community members.
That work is wide-ranging. OLA runs immigration legal services, launched in 2023, and Youth Connect, a youth mental health program started in 2022 in schools and at Suffolk County Community College. It also provides health transportation for frail and terminally ill residents, youth scholarships, food assistance and food delivery to homebound families.
Minerva Perez joined OLA as a volunteer in 2006 and has led it full time since 2016 as its first paid executive director. She was named an #NBCLatino20 leader in 2019 and Dan’s Papers’ 2025 Person of the Year.
The Church, Sag Harbor
The Church is a community arts center founded by artists Eric Fischl and April Gornik in a restored 1830s Methodist church at 48 Madison Street in Sag Harbor. It hosts residencies, exhibitions, workshops and performances, and on Sabor night its lawn and hall fill with OLA’s supporters.
What Sabor is like
Sabor is an elegant early-evening cocktail party. In 2025 it marked OLA’s 23rd year, with actor and playwright John Leguizamo as event chair and Mexican tapas from La Fondita’s chef de cocina Juan Gerónimo. Sabor 2026 ran from 5 to 8 PM on Thursday, July 16. According to OLA’s official invitation, former New York State Assemblyman and OLA board member Fred Thiele was event chair, Montaukila provided award-winning tequila, Yubal Márquez Fleites curated an exclusive silent auction, Janet O’Brien Caterers + Events handled the food, and the music was by Latin Moon, which also appeared among the evening’s sponsors.
Music that keeps the mission at the center
A fundraiser has two jobs: guests should have a wonderful time, and the cause should stay in focus. For Sabor, Latin Moon shapes the evening around OLA’s program. Latin American and Caribbean rhythms, bossa nova and jazz fill the cocktail hour, the music steps back when it is time to speak, and the energy comes up again once the room is ready to celebrate.
“Absolutely the best band and music for our event. I love Latin Moon!!!”
Minerva Perez, Executive Director, OLA of Eastern Long Island
Planning music for your gala
- Share your run of show early, including speeches, a paddle raise or awards, so the set can be built around them.
- Choose the lineup for the room: the signature trio for most cocktail receptions, the expanded ensemble for larger rooms or dancing.
- Plan the space: at least 10′ wide by 8′ deep, 12′ by 10′ preferred, flat and stable, with access to power.
Sabor in the press
See more photos from Sabor, credited to their photographers, in the local coverage: Sabor 2026 on James Lane Post and Sabor 2025 on James Lane Post.
Planning a gala, benefit or cultural evening? Tell us about your cause and your night.
Request AvailabilitySources: James Lane Post, Sabor 2026 · James Lane Post, Sabor 2025 · Dan’s Papers, 2025 Person of the Year · 27east, OLA of Eastern Long Island · Indagare, The Church
Questions organizers ask
Does Latin Moon play nonprofit galas and fundraisers?
Yes. Latin Moon has played several of OLA of Eastern Long Island’s Sabor cocktail fundraisers at The Church in Sag Harbor, and plays galas, benefits and cultural programs across NYC and the Hamptons.
Which lineup works best for a gala?
The trio (piano and vocals, percussion, saxophone and flute) is Latin Moon’s signature lineup and fits most cocktail receptions. The expanded ensemble adds bass or guitar for larger rooms or when the night turns into dancing.
Can the music work around speeches and a program?
Yes. Latin Moon plans the set around your run of show, so the music supports the mission moments instead of competing with them.