Intercultural Journeys presents Alex Shaw

Specializing in the rich musical heritage of Afro-Brazilian culture, percussionist and vocalist Alex Shaw will be debuting new work featuring original material and his contemporary interpretation of traditional rhythms and songs of northeastern Brazil. Director of renowned Brazilian ensemble Alô Brasil, and long-time section leader in Spoken Hand Percussion Orchestra, he has been performing and cultivating the region's Brazilian music scene for many years. In recognition of Black Consciousness Day in Brazil, this program will pay special homage to the musical tradition of Capoeira Angola, an ancient Afro-Brazilian martial art with an enduring legacy of social justice and cultural resistance. Live visuals of vintage capoeira footage and other Afro-Brazilian cultural images will also be interwoven throughout the program to include another dimension of context and artistry.

The ensemble will feature renowned musicians from this region and beyond, including Alex Shaw - vocals, percussion; Patricio Acevedo - guitar, cavaquinho; Luke O'Reilly - keys; Mike Boone - bass; Jeremiah Shaw - cello; Tim Thompson - trumpet; Ernest Stuart - trombone; Alexa Barchini - vocals; Ze Mauricio - percussion; Fernando Saci - percussion; and Rucyl - audiovisual artist.

A small ensemble of students from FACTS Charter School in Chinatown, Philadelphia, will join this performance as a culmination of an eight-week arts residency in Capoeira Angola with Alex Shaw. Special guest Dr. Ken Dossar will also provide some opening remarks about the tradition and legacy of Capoeira Angola.

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