Choro was the first popular Brazilian music, emerging in the 1870s, and is the precursor to samba, bossa nova and modern popular Brazilian music. Renowned for its virtuosic musicianship and diverse rhythmic palette, it is one of the most exciting instrumental genres on the planet. Andrew Finn Magill who has been featured on NPR and PBS, moved to Brazil in 2014 to immerse himself in Brazilian choro music. Magill was signed to Ropeadope Records in 2018 for his original Brazilian music project. He followed up that release in 2021 with the sequel Festa! Says legendary Brazilian percussionist Airto Moreira (Miles Davis, Chick Corea, etc): "He can fool you into thinking he is from Brazil!"

On the 7-string guitar is Brazilian-born Cesar Garabini, who moved to New York City in 2011 to expand his musical knowledge. Since then, he has performed at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Jazz Standard, Birdland, Columbia University, and the Museum of Modern Art. He has worked with Anat Cohen, Olli Soikkeli, Leny Andrade and Marcos Sacramento among others and has been featured on NPR, NBC and Brazil's national TV network Globo.

Ami Molinelli is a professional percussionist and educator specializing in Brazilian and Latin percussion. Ami received her Master of Fine Arts from the California Institute of the Arts and co-leads the Brazilian and Jazz ensemble, Grupo Falso Baiano with three albums to their credit.

Her percussion curriculum has been used and published in clinics and education workshops including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, The San Francisco Jazz Center, and Los Angeles Music Center, among others.

Press Quotes for Andrew Finn Magill

“It’s nice to see fresh, young musicians carrying on the traditions of Brazilian music. Finn Magill displays a love and authenticity that can fool you into thinking he is from Brazil. His style is playful and light, yet soulful and passionate. Congratulations!”  - Airto Moreira (Miles Davis, Weather Report, Chick Corea)

“Andrew Finn Magill is an extraordinary violin virtuoso who has taken a super deep dive into Brazilian music and culture. Check out his “muito calor” original tunes —they have all the energy and groove of Rio, with a healthy helping of American spin and improvisation! Meu Deus!!!!!" -Matt Glaser, Artistic Director American Roots Music Program Berklee College of Music

"Serene and incredibly soulful, North Carolina fiddler Andrew Finn Magill encounters the tradition in a manner reminiscent of Keith Jarrett on The Melody at Night With You." - The Irish Times

"Magill’s fresh, clear tones calls to mind Stéphane Grappelli...” - Songlines Magazine

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2lcWERW7tw

   Canta, Violino

Canta, Violino! is the brainchild of American violinist Andrew Finn Magill who has been featured on NPR, PBS, and MTV. Magill who moved back from Brazil in 2017, soon thereafter signed with Ropeadope Records for this project which features percussionist Ami Molinelli Hart of Grupo Falso Baiano and award-winning Brazilian guitarist Cesar Garabini. Says legendary Brazilian percussionist Airto Moreira (Miles Davis, Weather Report, Chick Corea): "He can fool you into thinking he is from Brazil!"

   OUD RECITAL    

Gari Hegedus on Oud,

Faisal Zedan on Percussion

The Makam musical tradition of the Middle East, North Africa and parts of Asia is the foundation of the music you will be hearing during this concert.

Both the Classical and the Folk traditions will be explored using well known compositions from the Middle East, Turkey, and Greece primarily and original compositions by both musicians. Gari and Faisal are two of the music giants we are lucky to have in our midst.