SpokFrevo Orquestra (from Brazil) ... Hopefully, this show will be rescheduled

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PLEASE NOTE: The concert that was originally planned on October 28, 2014 has been canceled. A reason wasn't given. Hopefully, it will be rescheduled another time. As soon as a new date is finalized, we'll let everyone know.

An astounding 17-piece big band from northeast Brazil, SpokFrevo Orquestra draws inspiration from frevo, a vibrant, old style of carnival music packed with high energy, driving rhythms, and infectious happiness. Directed by saxophonist Inaldo Cavalcante de Albuquerque, known as Maestro Spok, SpokFrevo Orquestra plays blistering new arrangements with carnivalesque abandon. Rows of trumpets, trombones, and saxophones are backed by a rhythm section of guitar, bass, kit drums, surdo (large drum usually associated with samba and samba reggae), and pandeiro (heavy tambourine).

SpokFrevo Orquestra draws inspiration from frevo, a vibrant music of elaborated arrangements and deep roots. SpokFrevo takes tradition to the center stage, but does not renounce allegiance to freedom. It relies on what jazz is all about: improvisation. Spok Frevo Orquestra takes frevo from its traditional supporting role at carnivals and presents it as the leading actor, shedding light on its original texture and complex technique – allowing room for artistic freedom and improvisation. With its inexhaustible energy and relentless, driving rhythms, “it would be difficult to find jazz music which is more infectious than fervor or more definitive of a region” (All About Jazz).

There are many videos if you do an internet search of this band. For example, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckAQ2SOWjqg

SpokFrevo Orquestra arose in 1996, initially with the name Banda Pernambucana. The band, now with 18 young and talented Pernambuco musicians, is leaded by the virtuous Inaldo Cavalcante de Albuquerque, also known as conductor Spok who accumulates the roles of saxophonist, arranger and music director. The musicians exploit the freedom of expression in improvisations with clear influence from the jazz. “Frevo is a unique rhythm, different from all others, cheerful and with a special magic: the one to transmit happiness,” Spok explains.

For more information, additional songs, videos, etc. about SpokFrevo Orquestra, please visit http://www.last.fm/music/Spok+Frevo+Orquestra

Tickets & Meetup Info

Regular tickets for this concert are in the range of $20-$45 depending on how close people would like to sit to the stage.

It does not appear that this concert will sell out -- so one option will be to gather at the Byham Theater Box Office and buy at the door especially for those that wish to sit together as a group. It is likely we'll also get a 10% discount. If anyone is interested in buying at the door and sitting together, please be at the Byham Theater Box Office between 6:45-7 PM before the box office gets too busy.

At 7 PM, we'll be in the Byham lobby near the bar area for a quick drink and mingling prior to the 7:30 PM concert. And we'll meet in the bar area again during intermission.

We'll monitor the ticket situation closely and let people know how many tickets may be available at the door or whether it is recommended everyone buy advance tickets (see below) if sales suddenly jump and it appears it might sell out.

If anyone is interested in meeting even earlier, the group can gather at the nearby Backstage Bar for a drink/food and free live jazz beginning at 5:30 PM. Then this group would have the option of buying tickets together at the adjacent Theater Square Box Office and then walking over to the Byham Theater a bit later on as long as you make it before the 7:30 PM concert.

To Buy Advance Tickets on Your Own

This option is for those that wish to pick their own seats (e.g., if you prefer sitting as close as possible to the stage) in advance. As always, it is also fine if you'd like attend on your own or with family/friends instead.

To buy advance tickets and check out seating options for $20-$45 tickets, please visit http://trustarts.culturaldistrict.org/performance/43168/tiers/show or you can stop by the Theater Square Box Office or call (412) 456-6666.

For more information about the show, please visit http://trustarts.culturaldistrict.org/performance/43168/tiers/show

Parking

Here is the ParkPGH website with real-time info on downtown parking garage availability http://parkpgh.org where you can also download apps, get garage availability via text messaging, etc. You can also call 412-423-8980.

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Don't miss this lively concert from one of the most unique bands from Brazil!

Stay tuned for updates!