Brazil Fest

Name: Brazil Fest
Start: 2026-04-10T19:30:00-07:00
Location: St. Mark's Lutheran Church

Schedule

Fri, 10 Apr, 2026 at 07:30 pm

UTC-07:00

Location

St. Mark's Lutheran Church | San Francisco, CA

Brazil Fest brings a vibrant weekend of Brazilian rhythm, virtuosity, and celebration to San Francisco. Presented by the Omni Foundation, this two-concert festival features two extraordinary performances by some of Brazil’s greatest guitarists and mandolin player, showcasing the dazzling artistry and infectious spirit of Brazilian music.
— Two Concerts • One Ticket • Now only $99—
(Originally priced at $75 + $70)
Save with one special weekend package!
Friday, April 10th — The festival opens with the return of legendary 7-string guitar master Yamandu Costa, one of the most electrifying performers on the international stage today. Renowned for his breathtaking technique, deeply expressive compositions, and fearless improvisation, Costa transcends genre, blending Brazilian traditions with classical and jazz influences. His performances are famous for selling out around the world, leaving audiences astonished by the immense sound he creates from a single guitar. As The Village View marveled, “Here is a man with nothing but one single classical guitar spellbinding audiences… producing a wall of sound reminiscent of a symphony orchestra.” Experiencing Yamandu Costa live is unforgettable—an evening of music that is both exhilarating and deeply moving.
Saturday, April 11th — The celebration continues on with a joyful collaboration between mandolin master Mike Marshall and Brazilian guitar virtuoso Alessandro Penezzi. Blending choro, samba, and improvisation, their program showcases two world-class musicians whose partnership highlights the expressive power of the mandolin and guitar.
A three-time Grammy nominee, Mike Marshall is one of the most versatile and accomplished string instrumentalists performing today. From his early years touring with the David Grisman Quintet and jazz legend Stéphane Grappelli to collaborations with artists such as Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer, and Chris Thile, Marshall has built a career bridging musical worlds. His deep connection to Brazilian choro—sparked by travels to Brazil—has helped bring the style to audiences across the United States.
Alessandro Penezzi, one of Brazil’s most soulful and technically dazzling guitarists, is celebrated internationally as both a performer and composer. Fluent on multiple instruments and a leading voice in Brazilian popular music, he has appeared at festivals around the world and received numerous honors including the Visa MPB Instrumental and Prêmio da Música Brasileira awards.
Together, these concerts form a weekend of irresistible rhythm, virtuosic playing, and musical conversation across cultures. Brazil Fest is more than a concert series- it is a celebration of the energy, beauty, and joy of Brazilian music.
One ticket grants admission to both concerts.