Those who appreciate the genuine sound of Brazilian instrumental music will have the opportunity to enjoy the 4th Annual Choro Festival (Chorofest) in New York City, presented by the Brazilian Music 
Foundation (BMF), in partnership with Bossa Magazine, and Asuos Productions, on November 6, 2018 – 8 PM at Opera Center America, 350 Seventh Ave., 7th Floor, featuring a variety of interesting performances by the BMF Choro Collective Ensembles with: Alex Sobreira/Musical Director/Arrangements/7-String Guitar, Luiz Simas/Piano & Vocals, Wesley Amorim/Cavaquinho & Guitar, Grant Ziolkowski – Bandolim, Laura Dreyer – Flute/Sax, and Everton Isidoro/Pandeiro.
The Festival will pay tribute to Jacob do Bandolim, one of the founders of choro, named after his instrument “Bandolim.” The composer and musician was born Jacob Pick Bittencourt to a Jewish-Brazilian mother and a Gentile father in Rio de Janeiro in 1918. This 
emotional tribute to one of Brazil’s greatest composers features creative arrangements by Alex Sobreira, ranging from traditional to experimental. In celebration of Jacob’s centenary, the Brazilian Music Foundation will explore Jacob’s legacy and influence.
Jacob do Bandolim (“Jacob Bandolim”) was one of the most influential Brazilian composers of the 20th century. He composed in the style known as choro, the most important genre of popular instrumental music in Brazil, often compared to early jazz in the United States. In the 1950s, Jacob do Bandolim led a revival of choro that helped make the style a central symbol of Brazilian national identity. A serious and dedicated musician, he instilled a high degree of professionalism into the traditionally relaxed music — even though he was never a professional (he made a living as a pharmacist, insurance salesman, street vendor, and finally a notary public, to support himself while working “full-time” as a musician). Jacob began his long musical career plucking his instrument with a 
hairpin, and soon developed into the greatest mandolin virtuoso Brazil has ever known.
He fought to preserve Brazilian roots and battled to impose his artistic sincerity on the music industry. He left important compositions that were incorporated into the repertoire of chorões. Jacob managed to achieve the highest level of quality with his band Época de Ouro. Jacob hated the stereotype of the “sloppy, drunk folk musician” and demanded commitment and impeccable attire from his musicians who, like himself, all had “day jobs.”
His compositions practically defined the choro style in the 30s, 40s, and 50s, and he remains one of the most beloved 
figures in Brazilian music to this day.
The festival first took place in August 2015, and it was a great success. Due to this positive reception, we will continue with an annual presentation. The event will provide an opportunity for everyone to learn about one of Brazil’s oldest musical genres, Choro and Brazilian Jazz.
About Choro
Brazilian Choro has roots in jazz and is considered Brazil’s first “urban pop” music. There are over 30 different types of rhythms in Brazilian Music, and by showcasing the diversity of our rhythms, we hope to encourage diverse musicians, music students, adults, and children to engage in creating dynamic, communicative, energetic, fun, creative, and highly inspiring music! For tickets and information available at: www.bmf-usa.org