Grupo Falso Baiano

Choro is Brazil’s earliest popular music, and like jazz, it reflects the melding of African rhythms with European classical music and other influences. Grupo Falso Baiano’s group is celebrating 20 years together and their exploration of choro spans nearly 100 years, including everything from traditional to more contemporary versions and jazz-influenced reinterpretations. This concert features legendary musicians from Brazil: Alexandre Ribeiro (clarinet) and percussionist Roberta Valente. Join us for a lively concert that traces the nuances of Brazilian choro music and its shared roots with American Jazz, showing how each evolved to create a national musical identity.

Brazilian tambourine player, producer, teacher, and researcher Roberta Valente, with 35 years of experience, is one of the leading figures in the world of contemporary choro music. With tours throughout Brazil and abroad (Australia, India, New Zealand, USA, Europe and Latin America), extensive experience in radio and television and publishing projects,  she teaches in Choro School of São Paulo.

The composer and clarinetist Alexandre Ribeiro is one of the brightest Brazilian instrumentalists of the new generation, with exuberant technique and exquisite interpretation. He played and taught at important festivals in Brazil and abroad, USA, Macedonia, Índia, Belgium, Holland, Italy, Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico, Colombia, Russia, Spain, Denmark, Kosovo, among others. He teaches in Choro School of São Paulo and the important EMESP (Music School of São Paulo).

Ami Molinelli is a professional percussionist and educator specializing in American (roots/pop/jazz), Brazilian and Latin music. Ami received her Master of Fine Arts from the California Institute of the Arts. Her performance and recording credits include theater, and television (NBC). She is endorsed by Latin Percussion (LP) and Rhythm Tech.