BRAZILIAN & LATIN JAZZ AT THE MERC

The Merc is proud to present, for the first time in Southern California, a special tribute to the late Brazilian singer Emílio Santiago — often called the “Nat King Cole of Brazil” for his velvety voice, elegant phrasing, and timeless romantic style. Rising to prominence during the golden era of modern Brazilian popular music in the late 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, Emílio Santiago became one of the defining voices of MPB (Música Popular Brasileira), helping bring sophisticated Brazilian songwriting to mainstream audiences while preserving the richness of samba-canção, bossa nova, jazz, and romantic ballads.
Deeply rooted in the Afro-Brazilian musical tradition, Santiago’s artistry carried the rhythmic soul and emotional depth that emerged from Brazil’s African cultural heritage. Through samba and other Afro-Brazilian expressions born from the African diaspora, his music honored the traditions that shaped Brazilian identity while elevating them through refined orchestration and jazz-influenced interpretations. His celebrated Aquarela Brasileira albums became landmarks in Brazilian music history, reintroducing classic composers and songs to new generations and reaffirming the beauty, sophistication, and cultural diversity of Brazil’s musical legacy.
This unforgettable evening will feature the Eli Vasconcellos Band:
• Eli Vasconcellos — vocals
• Fabio Rocha — drums
• Leo Nobre — bass
• Daniel Carneiro — guitar
Special guests:
• Ana Malandro — dance
• Bia Ferreira — tambourine
Join us for an evening celebrating the music, elegance, Afro-Brazilian roots, and enduring cultural legacy of one of Brazil’s greatest voices through passionate performances, rich rhythms, and the spirit of Brazilian music at its finest.