From El Salvador & Brazil to Drogheda - Live Seasonal Festive Sounds

Saturday 21st December

2pm

From Brazil & El Salvador to Drogheda - Festive Beats & Seasonal Sounds

El Salvadorian guitarist Mike Rivas with Brazilian musicians-guitarist Gaudiê Otero, singer-songwriter Sara Yamit & cellist Eugênio Biondi.

About:

El Salvadorian guitarist Mike Rivas was born in Santa Tecla, estate of La Libertad, El Salvador, Central America, as a young boy Mike used to hear his father playing songs with an old guitar at home. Then Mike’s brother taught him the first chords in the instrument. Months later, during an afternoon, early December of 2010, Mike’s father mentioned about Classical Guitar workshops in a local place. Mike went with his brother Roberto to the workshop and was taught in the days to come by Erick Herrera, who still is his friend until this date. In the first class, when Mike played the second space of the third guitar string, he felt that he had found something that suited him immensely. He identified with the instrument.

To this day and age, Mike has been thought Classical Guitar by Arnoldo Pereira, a Salvadorian musician, who got a scholarship to study in Cuban and who also is an inspiring performer for Mike.

Living now in the Boyne Valley, Mike recently performed for the 30th Anniversary of the Drogheda Library, for 2024 Mayoral Awards celebrated in Highlanes Gallery, and a solo rectial at the gallery in Summer 2024.

Gaudiê Otero is a Brazilian guitar player from the countryside of São Paulo. From jazz to samba and even a bit of classical music, Gaudiê has transited through many genres in his career, always prioritizing musicianship and freedom on his playing

Sara Yamit is a neo-Tropicalia artist bringing a fresh take on classic Brazilian sounds with her music act, *Saudades do Canto da Sereia*. Inspired by the great icons of 1960s and 1970s Brazilian Tropicalia—such as Caetano Veloso, Jorge Ben Jor, and Gal Costa—Sara blends samba, bossa nova, and Brazilian regional folk rhythms with bluesy guitars and British rock influences.

Earlier this year, Sara premiered her debut single live on RTE Radio 1’s Arena to an enthusiastic reception, signalling a promising journey ahead in a music scene that transcends borders. Currently working on her first EP, Sara Yamit continues to captivate audiences with her heartfelt homage to Brazil’s rich musical heritage.

Listen here - Yankari Afro Beat & Friends on RTE Radio 1's Arena featuring Sara Yamit - https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/clips/22379155/

Eugênio Biondi was born in Feira de Santana - BA; master’s degree in Interpretation (Cello), from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, graduated in the Composition and Conducting course from the School of Music of the Federal University of Bahia; and in a Degree in Music with Piano skills from the Catholic University of Salvador - BA. He worked as a music teacher in basic education in the Municipal Network of São Francisco do Conde - BA, in the period of (2017-2019); in the Professional Education of the State of Bahia (CEEP) Arts and Design of (2014-2015), Salvador - BA; in the social project Escola de Samba Unidos de Itapuã, in the period of (2014-2017); in the City of Knowledge, Camaçari - BA, in orchestra formation in the period (2011-2015); in the extension of the State University of Feira de Santana (CUCA-UEFS) - BA, in the period of (2010- 2013); and with guitar classes at the Institute of the Blind of Bahia during the period (2009- 2010) in Saviour - BA.

As well as a musician, he is an arranger, composer and cultural promoter. He uses the cello as the main instrument for musical performances; being a member musician and founder of the Salvador Chamber Orchestra (OCSAL), coordinated and governed by Maestro Angelo Rafael Fonseca since 2008. He worked as a cellist of the Brazilian Popular Symphony Orchestra in the period of 2011 Camaçari- BA. He performs diversified works in partnership with local and national artists, made recordings and presentations with the artists: Mou Brasil, Celo Costa, Heitor Dantas, Roberto Mendes, Carlinhos Brown, Lazzo Matumbi, Ellen Oléria, Saulo Fernandes and others.

Cellist and founding member of the Sotakes Group, whose artistic objective is the dissemination and promotion of Brazilian and Latin music, using the instrumental classical formation: the string and percussion quintet. A varied and eclectic repertoire is used, which aims to create a dialogue between the artistic and musical trajectory of each participant of the group; the repertoire produced is the result of this interaction, using complete works, adaptations or arrangements, of local artists or personalities with great recognition of the public, building a relationship of belonging between the works played and the audience.

Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be served at this event.