February 14, 2016 7:30 PM "Matuto" brings Brazilian Forró meets American Jazz, Folk, and Bluegrass to Crossroads

Matuto’s core members share a combined obsession with connecting the dots between Brazil, rural America, and creative reinterpretation of long-standing party-hardy forms. You’ll hear Brazil in the rich tones of Rob Curto’s forró accordion playing, in the rural rhythms of maracatu (from the Pernambuco region), in the urban beats of Rio’s samba, and in the intricate, chorinho-inspired melodies and American jazz, blues, bluegrass, and folk in Clay Ross’s virtuoso flat-picked guitar and colorfully satiric lyrics.
A South Carolina native, Ross moved to New York in 2002 to pursue a jazz career, but just a few years later found himself in Recife, Brazil, immersed in the region’s folkloric music. Returning to New York, he began looking for like-minded conspirators and found the perfect match for his love of Brazilian music in renowned accordionist Curto (Forró for All). Born in New York, Curto is widely regarded as forró’s (NE Brazil’s accordion-driven country roots music) foremost ambassador in the States. He spent years living and playing in Brazil, completely absorbing and interpreting the country’s musical traditions.
When they stepped out on stage in front of ten thousand party-ready Brazilians in the northeastern city of Recife, they weren’t quite sure what to expect. It was their first ever show as Matuto. “There, on that massive stage, during the apex of Carnaval, through our jazz-influenced originals and bluegrass barnburners our ‘little project’ became the new center of our musical worlds,” recounts Ross. “Feeling that crowd stomp along, with their Brazilian dosey-doe and joyful abandon, was truly special. Since then, we’ve toured the world recreating that moment.” It was that moment when Matuto (Brazilian slang for “country boy”) knew they were onto something.
SPECIAL CHILDREN'S CONCERT AT 6 PM
Children’s programs begin at 6:00, last 30-40 minutes, and are free to children under 12 and their parents or other caregivers. Unless otherwise noted, all take place at Calvary Center for Culture and Community. Seating is first come, first served.
Please note: children must be accompanied by parents or other adults at all times.
We do not have sufficient staff (or legal clearances) to supervise unaccompanied children.
At Calvary Center
48th Street and Baltimore Ave.
Philadelphia PA
Tickets $10-$30