World Music Institute to Present Brazilian Bossa Nova Star Bebel Gilberto at National Sawdust

World Music Institute opens its 2016-17 Masters of Brazilian Music series with Bebel Gilberto.

This is a unique chance to see the torchbearer of Brazil's Bossa Nova tradition
(daughter of João Gilberto) in an intimate setting on: Tuesday, October 4, 2016, 10:00 p.m.*; Wednesday, October 5, 2016, 10:00 p.m.; and Thursday, October 6, 2016, 10:00 p.m. at National Sawdust (80 North 6th Street, Brooklyn). Tickets: $45 standing room / $65 VIP (seated balcony) at www.worldmusicinstitute.org. *Pre-show talk with folklorist Naomi Sturm of Staten Island Arts takes place on October 4 at 9:00 p.m.

From WMI Artistic Director Par Neiburger: "This show will be a rare opportunity to see one of Brazil's most stunning contemporary voices in the very intimate setting of National Sawdust. This is also the first of many concerts that World Music Institute will be co-presenting with National Sawdust, one of New York's most exiting new performance venues. As we begin our Desert Blues concert series with a true family legacy show with Vieux Farka Touré (the son of Ali Farka Touré) on October 1, we also begin our Masters of Brazilian Music series with a family legacy show. Bebel is daughter of João Gilberto, one of the artists to first develop the genre of Bossa Nova in Brazil, as well as the daughter of the legendary singer Muicha, and niece to Chico Buarque. When her first album Tanto Tempo was released at the turn of the millennium, produced by the late legend Suba, it became an instant classic and immediately set Bebel apart as the next generation star in Bossa Nova music. Since then her work has cemented her legacy as one of Brazil's most important voices. "

As one of Brazil's top-selling artists and with multiple Grammy nominations, world-renowned singer-songwriter Bebel Gilberto has captivated fans and earned critical acclaim worldwide as the torchbearer of Brazil's Bossa Nova tradition. She is the daughter of Brazilian music icon João Gilberto, one of the artists to first establish the genre of Bossa Nova in the country. Her mother is acclaimed vocalist Miúcha, and her uncle the legendary Chico Buarque. Coming from this rich family tradition of Brazilian masters, Bebel's influences are vast and eclectic. Her penchant for sonically transporting listeners to Brazil, with bright, incandescent Bossa Nova-infused melodies, lyrics about love, and her lilting performance style have earned her rave reviews of her live performances and a strong following among music enthusiasts.

These intimate performances at National Sawdust will hold only 240 audience members per night, for a three-night engagement. This is a rare opportunity to experience Bebel Gilberto up close and personal. A pre-show talk with folklorist Naomi Sturm of Staten Island Arts takes place on October 4 at 9:00 p.m.

Founded in 1985 as a not-for-profit, World Music Institute (WMI) has served as the leading presenter of world music and dance within the United States.

WMI is committed to presenting the finest in traditional and contemporary music and dance from around the world with the goal of inspiring wonder for world cultures through music and dance. WMI aims to enrich the lives of people living in New York by promoting awareness of other cultures and their traditions. WMI collaborates with community organizations and academic institutions in fostering greater understanding and appreciation of the world's cultural traditions and presents at venues throughout the city.

Under new leadership since 2015, its 30th anniversary season, World Music Institute has introduced an ambitious expansion of concert offerings that include contemporary, experimental and avant-garde presentations, as well as the traditional music that WMI has long been known and admired for. In addition, the institution is thrilled to have launched new partnerships with BAM, 92nd Street Y, SummerStage, Merkin Concert Hall, National Sawdust, Storm King Art Center, Le Poisson Rouge, Littlefield and Drom-while continuing partnerships with The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Town Hall, Symphony Space, French Institute Alliance Française, and Apollo Theater (the annual Africa Now festival).

WMI has presented more than 1,500 concerts and events featuring artists from more than 100 countries across all continents. Through powerful programming, WMI is creating a movement that promotes awareness and engagement of other cultures, helping to encourage deeper understanding of communities around the globe.