Hailed for its spirited performances and fascinating fusion of Latin and folk rhythms with adventurous jazz explorations, the VNote Ensemble (formerly The Snake Trio) gives a voice to the hidden treasure of Venezuelan music. The band, formed in 1997, is committed to raising that voice and exploring the connection between North American jazz, traditional Venezuelan songs, and original musical ideas. Defiantly ignoring musical boundaries, the group creates a new direction that journeys through the infectious rhythms of the waltz-like joropo, swing, traditional gaita, be-bop, calypso, and beyond. The VNote Ensemble is Sam Bevan, Donna Viscuso, Jackeline Rago, and Lali Mejia.

Grupo Falso Baiano opens a musical window into the history and diverse culture of Brazil with the irresistible strains of choro, one of Brazil's earliest popular musics. Dating back to the late 1800s, choro reflects the melding of African rhythms with a melodic and harmonic structure closely resembling Baroque Classical music. G.F.B.'s repertoire spans nearly 100 years of choro, from traditional to more contemporary versions and jazz-influenced reinterpretations. Featuring Zack Pitt-Smith (reeds), Brian Moran (7-string guitar), Jesse Appelman (mandolin/bandolim), and percussionist Ami Molinelli, Grupo Falso Baiano aims to preserve the traditional sounds and instruments of choro while incorporating their own influences and Bay Area heritage.

Visit The VNote Ensemble's website

Visit Grupo Falso Baiano's website

VNote Ensemble photo by Debra Zeller. San Francisco, CA