Fernanda Cunha & Ricardo Rito w/ special guest Celso Machado

Fernanda Cunha is a brilliant young singer from Rio de Janeiro. She is the daughter of Telma Costa, who sang the song Eu Te Amo with Chico Buarque. Cunha sings classic samba and bossa nova with a substantial and versatile voice that’s reminiscent of the late, great Elis Regina and Joyce. On her third CD, Zingaro, she’s in the distinguished company of acoustic guitarist Zé Carlos, and together they soar in a post-bossa groove. This year’s Festival performance has her paired with longtime pianist Ricardo Rito. As 2008 marks the 50th anniversary for the bossa nova sound, special guest Celso Machado will join Cunha and Rito to commemorate the music’s half century. Machado is a Brazilian-born, Vancouver-based guitarist/singer/percussionist who delights audiences with his mixture of infectious vocals, irresistible rhythm, and inspired lunacy. He’s been hailed as “the most important Brazilian guitarist of the new generation.” His performances are unerringly thrilling, beautiful, and awe-inspiring. This should be some celebration!