Badi Assad, Natalie Cressman & Ian Faquini   

VIVA BRASIL brings together an all-star collective of visionary musicians to celebrate the depth, beauty, and global influence of Brazilian music. Featuring the singular voice and guitar of Badi Assad, the lyrical trombone and vocals of Natalie Cressman, the masterful guitar of Ian Faquini, joined by percussion and surprise guest artists, this electrifying ensemble bridges tradition and innovation with joy, virtuosity, and soul. 

Drawing from the vast canon of Brazilian music, with works by Dominguinhos, Noel Rosa, Antônio Carlos Jobim, Chico Buarque, Luiz Gonzaga, Milton Nascimento, Guinga, Jacob do Bandolim, and Pixinguinha (as well as original music by this cadre of artists), VIVA BRASIL traces how Brazil’s rhythms, harmonies, and poetry have shaped music far beyond its borders. Choro, samba, baião, bossa nova, MPB, and jazz-inflected improvisation flow seamlessly together, revealing Brazil not as a single sound, but as a living musical ecosystem. 

The performance is often accompanied by immersive visual projections that transport audiences across geography and time: from the sun-washed beaches of Rio de Janeiro to the lush expanse of the Amazon, from the dynamic cityscape of São Paulo to the historic streets of Salvador, a UNESCO World Heritage site and cultural heart of Afro-Brazilian traditions. 

At once intimate and expansive, VIVA BRASIL is both a love letter and a living dialogue— honoring Brazil’s musical ancestors while reimagining their legacy through bold collaboration, improvisation, and shared joy. Audiences are invited not only to listen, but to travel, feel, and celebrate.