Choro Louco - Tiny Circulation Desk Concert

Choro Louco performs the enormously appealing Brazilian music genre known as choro. The band was formed in 2013 by a group of accomplished musicians who have all established themselves as virtuosos in other genres - ranging from classical music and jazz, to Celtic, klezmer, and Middle Eastern music. They love sharing their enthusiasm for this wonderful music genre.

The band members are Carl Dimow (guitar, flute, bass flute), Nicole Rabata (flute), David Newsam (7-string guitar, mandolin) and Eric LaPerna (pandeiro, bongos).

Choro originated in Brazil in the early 20th century. Its beautiful melodies, complex harmonies, and syncopated rhythms combine elements from many styles of music: European folk and classical; ragtime; jazz; Latin; and African music - creating a mix that is uniquely Brazilian and has wide appeal. Choro is experiencing a resurgence of popularity, both in Brazil and with bands throughout the world.

Thursday, June 11 at 7:30 PM (doors 7:00 PM). Tickets are $20 for Mechanics’ Hall Members, $25 for General Admission.

ABOUT THE BAND

Carl Dimow has toured and recorded with the Casco Bay Tummlers klezmer band for over thirty years. He also performs with his own jazz quartet and numerous other ensembles. His award-winning compositions have been performed on five continents. He taught at Colby College for over three decades.

Nicole Rabata is a virtuoso classical and Celtic flutist who has toured throughout Europe and the US to great acclaim. She currently performs Celtic music with Fodhla, baroque flute with North Star Baroque and classical flute with numerous orchestras and chamber ensembles. She is a member of the faculty at Colby College.

David Newsam has taught jazz and classical guitar at Berklee College and U. of New Hampshire for over thirty years. He is exceptionally versatile on guitar and mandolin and is in great demand as a soloist, sideman and studio musician. He has performed with many legendary jazz greats, including Clark Terry, Jim Hall, and Milt Jackson.

Eric LaPerna is a master of hand percussion. He is the director of the Maine Middle Eastern Orchestra and plays Middle Eastern music with a number of other ensembles. He also plays klezmer with the Casco Bay Tummlers, early music with the Da Ponte String Quartet and jazz with Bedlam and Eunoia. He teaches at Bates College.

ABOUT THE SERIES

Inspired by a certain well-known desk-based concert series, the Mechanics’ Hall Tiny Circulation Desk brings the same stripped-down, close-up energy, with more library cards and fewer office supplies.

Equal parts cozy hangout and low-key listening room, this weeknight series transforms the Mechanics’ Hall Library into one of Portland’s most intimate and unexpected music venues.

Filmed by the Portland Media Center, each concert feels like a live demo, a secret show, and a community gathering all at once. Tea and libations provided.

PARKING & TRANSPORTATION

Mechanics’ Hall is located at 519 Congress Street. Our main entrance is between Loquat Shop and the Art Mart. The Greater Portland Metro’s Congress & Casco Street Stop is directly in front of our building, served by routes 1, 7, 8, and 9B.

Parking is available at the Arts District Garage, located on Casco and Brown Street, with a rate of $5 per hour. Metered street parking is available on Congress, Casco, Cumberland, Free Street, and other nearby streets. Free hourly street parking is available between Parris and Alder Street.

ACCESSIBILITY

To enter our building, patrons will need to navigate a single step or use a modular ramp. There is a wheelchair-accessible elevator.

If you have a wheelchair or need accessibility accommodations/questions, please contact us at [email protected] or 207-773-8396.

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Host or Publisher Mechanics' Hall (Maine)