Press Release
Brazilian star Vanessa da Mata headlines
second annual Ritmo Doral
Doral, FL – The City of Doral in partnership with The Rhythm Foundation will feature world-renowned Brazilian singer Vanessa da Mata and South Florida’s own Locos Por Juana at the highly anticipated second annual Ritmo Doral, a multinational concert and cultural event that will take place on Saturday, March 31st, 2018 in Downtown Doral Park. This year, Latin Grammy winning songstress Vanessa da Mata will headline the free, family-friendly festival, promoting the community’s cultural, diplomatic, business and tourism ties. Ritmo Doral 2018 will expand cultural programming and incorporate Augmented and Virtual Reality components that will stimulate and educate attendees and virtually connect Doral to its Sister Cities around the globe. This all ages event will feature food and drink vendors, samplings and activities for kids, as well as arts offerings and cultural activations from Doral’s Sister Cities and the local community. Ritmo Doral is made possible by a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, as part of Knight Arts Challenge.
Vanessa da Mata is one of the biggest stars in Brazilian music today. Her highly anticipated performance at Ritmo Doral is part of her 2018 US tour in support of her new live CD and DVD release Caixinha de Musica (Music Box) on Sony Music, featuring her best-known songs performed live with new arrangements and including brand new material. Born in 1976, in Mato Grosso, Brazil, da Mata relocated to Minas Gerais, and began performing in clubs, soon moving to São Paulo to continue her career. After several collaborations, she began her solo career in 2002 with her eponymous first album, scoring a hit with the song “Não Me Deixe Só.” Her next album, Essa Boneca Tem Manual (This Doll Has a Manual) propelled her further into the limelight, helped by the strength of the single "Ai Ai Ai," a #1 song in Brazil. Three years later her third album Sim (Yes) won a Latin Grammy for Best Contemporary Brazilian Pop Album and featured appearances from the acclaimed pianist João Donato and American rocker Ben Harper. Her bilingual collaboration with Harper, “Boa Sorte/Good Luck,” and the track “Amado” were both #1 songs in Brazil. Her discography includes the studio album Bicicletas, Bolos e Outras Alegrias, the live album Multishow ao Vivo - Vanessa da Mata, and the acclaimed Antonio Carlos Jobim tribute album Vanessa da Mata canta Tom Jobim.
Opening for da Mata will be Locos Por Juana, a Grammy and Latin Grammy nominated bilingual Latin Jam-Band, most notably recognized for their energetic live performance and unique fusion of Latin, Caribbean, and American rhythms. The band, locally formed in Miami, FL in 2000, consists of Colombian-American vocalist Itagui Correa, guitarist Mark Kondrat and drummer Javier Delgado, which form the nucleus of the group, joined by trombonist Lasim Richards and percussionist Carlos Palmet. Locos por Juana’s sound is a distinct one, a hybrid drawing not only from the band members' diverse backgrounds but also from other countries' musical styles as well. They incorporate the beloved sounds of their heritage and upbringing like Cumbia, Champeta and Afro-Colombian rhythms such as Mapale and Chande, reshaping and breathing new life into them in order to give them a new identity altogether.
About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Knight Foundation is a national foundation with strong local roots. We invest in journalism, in the arts, and in the success of cities where brothers John S. and James L. Knight once published newspapers. Our goal is to foster informed and engaged communities, which we believe are essential for a healthy democracy.
About the Rhythm Foundation
The Rhythm Foundation, an award-winning non-profit cultural organization, is a leading presenter of world music in the US. Founded in 1988 in Miami Beach with the goal of increasing international awareness through live music – Rhythm Foundation produces concerts, events and festivals by established and innovative artists from around the world. Special focus is given to those cultures connecting to South Florida audiences – music from Brazil, Latin America, Africa, the Caribbean, Asia and Europe.
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