Enjoy summer music once more with the return of LACMA Latin Sounds! We have put together an amazing performance for you featuring singer/songwriter Silvia Nicolatto who joins the Brazilian group Sambando for this special performance at Latin Sounds. The award-winning musician was born in Minas Gerais and has performed around the world, including venues across Southern California. The second set will feature guitarist and producer Denys Cristian who has also worked as an arranger for such artists as Belo & Ivette Sangalo, Elza Soares, and Grupo Art Popular.
- Sat, Jul 9, 2022
- 5 pm – 7 pm PT
- Hancock Park | LACMA
- Free to attend
Watch this immersive video from a past LACMA Latin Sounds show featuring SAMBADÁ.
Join us for a wonderful time to celebrate Brazilian music with an incredible cast of musicians.
Let’s Get Together, Brasil! Live Brazilian Music
Brazil Arts Connection is proud to co-sponsor One Globe Radio at the LACMA Latin Sounds concert taking place on July 20th, 2019 at 5pm. Click here for more information. Free event!
Brazilian Guitar Ensemble
Nando Duarte, Rogê & Roberto Montero
Photography Exhibition by Juliana Sakae
The Beautiful Immigrant Project
April 24 | 6:30 PM
Vinicius de Moraes Galery
Consulate General of Brazil in Los Angeles
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-brazilian-music-get-together-tickets-59912793779
Brazil Arts Connection Samba Rock and World Groove featuring One Globe Radio.
Latin Grammy-nominated artist, Rogê represents the new generation of artists
of Brazilian Popular Music. Rogê is known for his samba based compositions and can easily transition to Bossa Nova and a diversity of Brazilian rhythms and styles. Samba Rock-based night!
One Globe Radio (“OGR”) is a project formed by incredible multi-instrumentalists with the goal of making music without borders, based on global music sounds, acid jazz, Middle Eastern, Electronica and authentic Brazilian music.
Marlon Fuentes, a former DJ for Shakira and deep vinyl collector brings to Del Monte heavy dance sets from Brazil and the world to keep you grooving all night!
Fundraiser for Brazil Arts Connection $10.00 at the door.
Del Monte Speakeasy, April 28 at 8:00 PM
52 Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291
Jorge Ben, also known as Jorge Benjor, is not only a great musician and songwriter but has pretty much created his own music style. He became popular around the same time as Bossa Nova which was the prevalent music style in the main cities of Brazil, but most importantly in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Benjor came up with his own brand of samba.
The song “Por Causa de Você Menina,” released in 1963 on the album “Samba Esquema Novo,” showed his new approach to samba and it wasn’t Bossa. It was, nevertheless, readily embraced by the same youth who loved Bossa Nova. The young people of Brazil in the late 50’s and 60’s needed to have their own music and sound – something they could relate to and that represented their generation. Benjor was it.
Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1942 as Jorge Duilio Lima Menezes using the stage name first as Jorge Ben and later Jorge Benjor, Jorge Ben chose his name after his mother who was of Ethiopian origin.
Benjor’s music has always been based on samba and the beat of the escolas de samba of Rio. His brother introduced him to jazz and American music, including rock, as well.
The way he was discovered was one of those interesting stories. Benjor was in a club performing his “Mas Que Nada” where an executive from the record label Phillips was present. One week later his first single with “Mas Que Nada” was released. It is still today one of the most popular songs in Brazil.
Sergio Mendes made “Mas Que Nada” a huge international success as well.
I once asked Sergio how he found “Mas Que Nada” noting that Sergio has been living in the U.S. since the 60’s. He said that he used to see Jorge Benjor performing in Rio. “Mas Que Nada” with Sergio Mendes became an international success.
I once also asked Jorge Benjor how “Mas Que Nada” came about. He said that he used to see this beautiful girl walk by, he would sing and talk to her. She would say “mas que nada” or “let it be” and walk away. That was the beginning of a great song. Remember that “Mas Que Nada” is also one of the biggest songs in the U.S. and it is always sung in Portuguese! The song has been interpreted by greats such as Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, Dizzy Gillespie, and Al Jarreau among many others. I also like the version by South African singer Miriam Makeba from 1966.
A more recent version by Sergio Mendes featuring the Black-Eyed Peas was a huge success introducing this tune to a new generation.
There are many other songs by Benjor that are very popular worldwide such as “Pais Tropical” and “Chove Chuva” and “Cadê Tereza”.
Jorge Benjor is also a big soccer fan. His team is Flamengo. He has written many songs related to soccer – a good example of this is “Flamengo”, “Ponta de Lança Africano”, “Fio Maravilha”, and “Zagueiro” among others.
Another notable contribution to the work of other artist’s was Rod Stewart’s 1978 smash hit, “Do you think I’m Sexy,” which took inspiration from Jorge Ben Jor’s song, “Taj Mahal.”
While visiting Rio de Janeiro, President Barack Obama commented in his speech: “You are, as Jorge Benjor sang, a tropical country, blessed by God, and beautiful by nature” referring to “Pais Tropical.”
Benjor has recorded over 40 albums.
Jorge Benjor has received many awards in Brazil and abroad including the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005.
Sérgio Mielniczenko
Music Performance featuring Rique Pantoja, Marcos Ariel, and Justo Almario.
Please join us for an exhibit showcasing photos, artifacts, memorabilia, and film in honor of the 40th Anniversary ofthe Brazilian Hour Radio.
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
6:30 PM – 9:00 PM PST
Also, enjoy a taste of Brazilian cuisine!
It’s with great enthusiasm that we present our upcoming Brazilian Music Get Together at the Consulate, featuring Rique Pantoja and Marcos Ariel on keyboard, and Justo Almario on reeds. A little background on why this will be a special evening. Lets start with Rique and Marcos. Two friends from Rio De Janeiro. Both had a very musical upbringing. Both became very accomplished professional musicians. However, they never performed together in concert – until now. Joining them is special guest Justo Almario. His multi-cultural life and experience becomes the bridge, the connection, that will create the musical alchemy that transcends borders.
The three will perform together for the first time in what will undoubtedly be a very memorable night of instrumental music.
As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Brazilian Hour Radio, Marcos Ariel was the first independent artist to send his record, a vinyl LP, to the program. “Bambu,” arrived in the mail from Brazil and received many plays on the program. Rique Pantoja played with Milton Nacimento, came to Los Angeles to perform at the Greek Theater. At the time I decided to release his album on a record label I started at the time. It was a great experience and the confirmation of a great friendship. Justo has performed on my programs countless times and its truly a privilege to have him with us.
– Sergio Mielniczenko
Vinicius de Moraes Gallery
8484 Wilshire Boulevard suite 300
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Parking options:
Free public parking is available two blocks south of the Consulate at the Beverly Hills Public Parking Structure on 321 La Cienega Blvd. From there, walk two blocks north and the Consulate building is on the southeast corner of La Cienega and Wilshire.
Paid parking is also available in the Consulate’s building. We do not offer validation. Meter parking is also available nearby.
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Rique Pantoja is a composer, arranger, producer, songwriter and jazz pianist. Growing up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Rique Pantoja’s interest for music began with a family atmosphere that celebrated music. When he was 19, he moved to the United States to study at Berklee College of Music, and after three and a half years, he left for a professional opportunity. While in Boston, he was profoundly influenced by Charles Banacos, a renowned jazz pianist and teacher. He recalls how exciting it was to study music in a culture different from his own. After Berklee, his life as a professional musician took flight with a two-year period in Paris playing with important jazz musicians such as Chet Baker. Since then, he has performed on stage and in the recording studio with artists such as: Chet Baker, Carlos Santana, Brenda Russel, Lee Ritenour, Frank Gambale, Tommy Walker among many others.
His compositions encompass numerous styles, including pop, jazz and gospel. In 2008, “I Believed It,” a song he co-wrote with Zoë Theodorou, won the Covenant Award in Canada for “Jazz/Blues Song of the Year.”
Marcos Ariel is in the forefront of contemporary Brazilian music with a bi-national career bridging Rio and Los Angeles. His musical style is purely “Carioca” (one who is a native of Rio de Janeiro) splashed with a passion for Classical and Jazz. His enthusiasm as a pianist, flutist and composer is inspiring. As a musician, he is swift and precise transcending genuine warmth that can only be Marcos Ariel.
In his home of Rio de Janeiro, music flourished. His father encouraged him to listen and absorb the masters: Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and Chopin. He later developed an admiration for fellow countryman, Hermeto Pascoal and American contemporary Jazzman Chick Corea.
At a tender age of seven he began studying piano and by 1971 he was studying the flute in the School of Music of the Brazilian Symphonic Orchestra.
In 1986 Marcos released the album “Cenas Brasileiras” and was invited to perform at the FREE JAZZ FESTIVAL in São Paulo. Marcos Ariel opened up that evening for the world famous David Sanborn and Stanley Jordan.
In the next decade, Marcos began to develop his bi-coastal career (Rio de Janeiro/Los Angeles) releasing a series of albums that made his popularity even stronger in both Brazil and the U.S.
Marcos Ariel’s history and discography have always shown a forward thinking and desire to blend the eclectic approach to the numerous indigenous rhythms of his homeland with American Jazz.
Justo Almario is a multitalented master saxophonist , flutist, clarinetist, composer, arranger and clinician, with a long list of distinguished accomplishments. His style is a fusion of Jazz, South American genres, and other world rhythms which are a reflection of his own elegant style – signature sound of his former band, the legendary Weather Report. Justo’s mesmerizing sounds have been heard in Grammy-Award winning works such as Linda Ronstadt’s “Frenesi,” Placido Domingo’s “A Mi Alma Latina,” Luis Miguel’s “Romance,” Andrae Crouch’s “Mercy,” and Isreal Lopez Cachao’s “Master Sessions” & “Ahora Si;” as well as the Oscar-winning soundtracks from Happy Feet and Sideways.
Justo Almario’s playing has been featured on diverse projects, such as Queen Latifah’s “Living Outloud,” Jennifer Lopez’s hit HBO Special “Let’s Get Loud,” Andy Garcia’s “The Lost City,” and John Turturo’s “Romance and Cigarette” staring Susan Sarandon and James Gadolfini.
In 2002, while joining the ranks of Cedar Walton, Terrence Blanchard and Joe Lovano, Justo Almario became an integral part of the Newport Jazz Festival Tour, produced by George Wein. A native of Colombia, Mr. Almario went from child protégé to virtuoso. Justo Almario was primarily influenced by John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderly, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Bartok, Debussy and Bach. He studied at the prestigious Berklee College of Music before doing a stint with Mongo Santamaria as the band’s musical director. He has also taught at the Henry Mancini Institute and has mentored inner city youth during workshops at the World Stage. These days, he teaches saxophone in the Jazz Department at UCLA’s Music School.
A native of Colombia, Justo Almario went from child protégé to virtuoso. Although he is extremely appreciative, this modest wind wizard frequently deflects any accolades, opting instead to thank folks for merely showing up and sharing. This is paramount to a keenly sensitive artist who warmly connects with his diverse audience on many levels and will continue to heal and inspire. Justo Almario’s music serves as a bridge that links backgrounds, cultures, ages, and socioeconomic status. His music transcends the mundane and leaves his audience transfixed. A devoted family man, Justo’s spiritual path nurtures both his creative journey and his warm compassion as a human being.
BRAZILIAN HOUR RADIO SHOW
The Consulate General of Brazil in Los Angeles created the Brazilian Hour Radio Show in 1978 to promote Brazilian music and culture in the United States. Hosted, written, and produced by Sergio Mielniczenko, the program was introduced at the radio station KXLU-LA 88.9 FM on Marc 5th of that year. In 1981 the Brazilin Hour started a national distribution via satellite to all public stations in the United States. Also in 1981 the Brazilian Hour began its international distribution to Brazilian Diplomatic Missions and Centers of Brazilian Studies (CEBs). Currently, the Brazilian Hour is produced in Portuguese, Spanish, English, French and Mandarin. The show focuses on Brazilian popular music and presents frequently interviews with iconic Brazilian artists throughout the years, such as Gal Costa, Tom Jobim, Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, Ivan Lins, Flora Purim, Oscar Castro Neves, Sergio Mendes, Egberto Gismonti, Seu Jorge, Céu, Marisa Monte, Jorge Benjor as well as breakthrough artists: Liz Rosa,Marcelo D2, Rogê, Vanessa da Matta, Artur Verocai, Roberta Sá, Paula Santoro, Mariana Aydar, Delia Fischer, Tulipa Ruiz etc. Some interviews can be viewed on the show’s youtube page ( www.youtube.com/user/BrazilianHour)
It is interesting to note that the opening theme of the Brazilian Hour titled Radio Samba was composed by Sergio Mielniczenko and arranged by Rique Pantoja with Rique on keyboards, Justo Almario on saxophone, Randy Tico on bass, Roberto Montero on guitar and Michael Shapiro on drums.
The Brazilian Hour radio show is broadcasted in 33 North American Cities. It can also be accessed online at www.brazilianhour.org
Music Performance “Cantoras”, featuring Katia Moraes, Carla Hassett and Sonia Santos
Exhibit Opening Reception “Divino Feminino”- The vital force of women portraited in the work of 20 contemporary artists.
Thu, March 8, 2018
6:30 PM – 9:00 PM PST
Also, enjoy a taste of Brazilian cuisine!
Enjoy this event hosted and produced by the Brazilian Consulate Cultural Department. Brazil Arts Connection is proud to support the Cultural Mission of The Brazilian Consulate in Los Angeles. We are an independent 501(c) nonprofit organization under the fiscal sponsorship of Community Partners. Your support helps us continue as a support organization to this amazing entity.
Vinicius de Moraes Gallery
8484 Wilshire Boulevard suite 300
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Parking options:
Free public parking is available two blocks south of the Consulate at the Beverly Hills Public Parking Structure on 321 La Cienega Blvd. From there, walk two blocks north and the Consulate building is on the southeast corner of La Cienega and Wilshire.
Paid parking is also available in the Consulate’s building. We do not offer validation. Meter parking is also available nearby.