Claudia Villela Group with Vitor Goncalves, Jeff Buenz, Gary Brown, Celso Alberti

Claudia Villela can't remember a time when she wasn't singing or otherwise involved in music. Growing up in Rio de Janeiro, she absorbed the sounds of Brazil: samba, bossa nova, partido alto, baião, choro, the influences of Brazilian classical composers and American jazz. Her impressive vocal range and improvisational abilities have earned her a dedicated following in the Bay Area and beyond. The Claudia Villela Group is a excellent cast of Bay Area aces including Vitor Goncalves – piano and accordion, Jeff Buenz – guitar, Gary Brown – bass, and Celso Alberti – drums. As her recordings with Toots Thielemanns, Kenny Werner and Michael Brecker can attest, Villela's thirst for musical exploration knows no limits, sometimes dramatic, sometimes humorous, but always fascinating.

Doors & dinner beginning at 6:00 pm