June 11, 2026
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The Sergio Mendes Band: Celebrating 60 Years of Brasil '66
Gracinha Leporace and Katie Hampton – Vocals Leo Costa – Drums Gibi dos Santos – Percussion Kleber Jorge – Guitar & Vocals Andre de Santanna – Bass Scott Mayo – Keys, Saxophone, Flute & Vocals Jamieson Trotter – Piano The Songs: Why did people all over the world love Brasil ’66 as much as they did? What makes this sound so special, so remarkable, so unique? Most importantly, it was Sergio’s unique selection of songs and the bridge he created between cultures. It was him taking Beatles songs, translating them into Samba and Bossa Nova. It was him introducing Jobim songs to the world for the first time. His repertoire was his most influential gift to us, and it will continue to be shared. The Vocals: Why do the songs and melodies of Brasil ’66 work so well? It’s the vocal sound. Gracinha Leporace has been the heart and soul of Sergio’s trademark vocal sound for 54 years, alongside Katie Hampton for the last 18 years. Instead of singing himself, Sergio decided to utilize not one, but two beautiful female voices singing straight-tone in unison. No vibrato, vulnerable, personal, nothing to hide. Powerful and tight, with a natural simplicity. Sergio expressed his deep love for beautiful melodies, and he created the perfect vehicle for their delivery. The Band: The music of Sergio Mendes gave us an iconic selection of songs delivered by a personal and pristine vocal sound. But a final essential element are those infectious Brazilian rhythms - Bossa Nova, Samba, Batucada, Afro-Samba. The Sergio Mendes Band continues the high level of rhythmic talent that always surrounded Sergio, especially since the joining in 2014 of Leo Costa on drums and Andre de Santanna on bass with longtime guitarist Kleber Jorge, percussionist Gibi Dos Santos, and woodwind player, vocalist, and keyboardist Scott Mayo. Since then, this same band has been delivering the highest caliber of rhythmic cohesiveness, creating a sound that brings audiences to their feet. His songs, his vocals, his band...his music.