The New Orleans Jazz Museum presents An Afternoon of Chorro and Traditional Jazz: Pixinguinha meets Bechet . Join us as we celebrate the artists that make New Orleans a world destination for music.  

This program takes place inside our third floor Performance Center, listening room. Admission is free and open to the public, seating is limited and offered first come, first serve.

Enjoy Jazz Music from home with the New Orleans Jazz Museum! Join the Jazz Museum online for our daily Live-Stream Concert Series, in which dynamic musicians perform live from the Jazz Museum! Tune in at 2pm on facebook.com/nolajazzmuseum/live to watch for free.

Project Description

This captivating evening of jazz will take the audience on a musical journey through the works of two iconic jazz luminaries: Pixinguinha (born Alfredo da Rocha Viana Jr.) and Sidney Bechet. Attendees will experience the harmonious interplay of their compositions and witness how both artists became national torchbearers for Brazil and the United States, respectively.

The concert will feature performances by accomplished Brazilian musicians in New Orleans, a Brazilian artist based in New York City, and a New Orleanian musician also residing in New York. This ensemble promises a rich tapestry of sound, culture, and community.

Our program will breathe new life into classic jazz standards, offering a fresh, upbeat interpretation that honors the timeless essence of these compositions.

 ARTIST BIOS

Ponya Ferdinand Vocals

Ponya Ferdinand, a gifted performing artist hailing from the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana, is a true powerhouse on stage. With her expertise in dramatic acting roles and captivating dance forms rooted in the rich tapestry of the African diaspora, her diverse repertoire also includes soul-stirring vocal performances, where she shines brightest while delivering powerful ballads. Now, with a burning desire to reclaim the stage and rekindle her passion for performance, Ponya is poised to make a triumphant return to the limelight.

Leonardo Lucini- Composer, arranger, Bass guitar, Upright bass

Lucini is a virtuoso performer on electric and acoustic bass. Trained in both classical and jazz styles, he holds a master’s degree in music performance from University of Maryland. He is knowledgeable about many world music styles, including a vast range of Latin music.

Geovane Santos

Geovane Santos, an Afro Brazilian hailing from Belo Horizonte and currently residing in New Orleans, is a versatile artist who excels as a guitarist, vocalist, composer, researcher, photographer, videographer, and educator. His remarkable talent has garnered recognition, including the prestigious 2017 Louis Armstrong Foundation Jazz Composer Award presented by ASCAP in collaboration with the University of New Orleans (UNO).

Alex Caneles

   A Texas native growing up near Denver, Colorado, Alejandro “Alex” Canales took up the     saxophone at age 11. A few years later, he discovered jazz and joined the Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts, attended the University of Denver and New Jersey City University where he studied with such greats as Jim Snidero, Joe Magnarelli and Pete McGuinness.

 Fernando Lima

Fernando Lima (batera)

Fernando De Toledo Teixeira Lima or Fernando Lima is a Brazilian drummer born (06-13-1985) and raised in the city of Amparo of São Paulo state, Brazil. He started his music/ drummer career at 13 years old and moved to São Paulo city to expand his music studies when he was 20 years old. In 2012 Fernando moved to New Orleans, LA - United States to continue his musical exploration and growth.

His main drum mentors/ teachers were the masters Jayme Pladevall and Edu Ribeiro.

 Eduardo Tozzato Piano