The Refectory restaurant has been supporting and hosting live jazz for several years now and this weekend plans to be a special treat with the Brazilian-inspired Nova Madrugada with talented vocalist, Maggie Green. Nova Madrugada is a five-piece ensemble which marries Brazilian music with bop, post-bop and jazz-fusion, and uses original compositions and a common language developed over many years as a freshly-prepared canvas.
Embracing both the music of Brazil and the great American songbook, word is spreading quickly about vocalist Maggie Green. Some of her performance highlights include performances in Brazil, including a television appearance in the hometown of beloved singer Elis Regina.
Maggie’s passion for jazz led her to Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of Music. While at Berklee, Maggie honed her jazz skills and began to delve into Brazilian music. Studying with vocalist Mili Bermejo, she became fascinated with the syncopated rhythms of Brazil. After graduating from Berklee in 2000, Maggie moved to Columbus, Ohio and began establishing herself as a vocal artist. Following a string of performances in the region including the Columbus Arts Festival, the Columbus Jazz and Rib Fest, the Columbus Latino Festival as well as many night club dates, Maggie began to make appearances outside of Ohio, performing at festivals and clubs from Massachusetts to California.
Continually inspired by Brazilian rhythms, Maggie made her first trip to Rio de Janeiro during the summer of 2005. She immediately struck up a musical friendship with pianist Marcos Ariel. The two collaborated on a show, “Rio–New York Connection” featuring NYC saxophonist Joel Frahm, Brazilian drummer Jurim Moreira and bassist Andre Neiva. They played two sold-out shows in front of enthusiastic Rio crowds — a highlight of Maggie’s career.
Two years later, she returned to Rio and recorded an album of Brazilian music featuring renowned artists Luiz Avellar, Kiko Freitas, Marcos Ariel, Jurim Moreira and others. This recording stands as a testament to her immersion in bossa nova and samba music.
Nova Madrugada featuring Maggie Green
The Refectory
May 25th, 6pm
More information about the dinner and jazz show at: The Refectory Website