VIVA BRASIL
Viva Brasil brings together a collective of celebrated Brazilian and Brazilian-influenced musicians for an expansive concert celebrating the country’s musical heritage. The lineup centers on the voice and guitar of Badi Assad, the trombone and vocals of Natalie Cressman, and the guitar of Ian Faquini, joined by percussionists and surprise guest artists. The program spans choro, samba, baião, bossa nova, MPB, and jazz-inflected improvisation, weaving in works by composers such as Dominguinhos, Noel Rosa, Antônio Carlos Jobim, Chico Buarque, Luiz Gonzaga, Milton Nascimento, Guinga, Jacob do Bandolim, and Pixinguinha, alongside original music from the performers.
The concert is framed as both a tribute and a living dialogue with Brazilian musical traditions, tracing how the country’s rhythms and harmonies have influenced music well beyond its borders. Many performances include immersive visual projections that carry audiences from Rio de Janeiro’s beaches to the Amazon, São Paulo’s cityscape, and the historic streets of Salvador. The event invites listeners to experience Brazil not as a single sound but as a vibrant, evolving musical ecosystem.
When: Sunday, March 7, 2027
Showtimes: 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Venue: The Mansion at Strathmore
Tickets: General admission, $44
Lineup: Badi Assad (voice and guitar), Natalie Cressman (trombone and vocals), Ian Faquini (guitar), plus percussion and surprise guest artists
Repertoire: Works by Dominguinhos, Noel Rosa, Antônio Carlos Jobim, Chico Buarque, Luiz Gonzaga, Milton Nascimento, Guinga, Jacob do Bandolim, and Pixinguinha, along with original music by the performing artists
Seating: General admission, first come, first served
Parking: Free parking is available in the Mansion lot on a space-available basis
Food & Drink: Dining is not currently offered at Mansion performances; a complimentary glass of wine is available before the show for guests 21 and older
Note: Visual projections often accompany the performance, creating an immersive journey through Brazilian geography and culture