Station Archive

LISTEN NOW as Alex Elvis Calatayud explains building a musical bridge between Brazil and the USA. Listen in as Alex shares his story and introduces us to some new Brazilian musicians. We will be playing selections from the music of Nilton Rabello, Bororo, Marcus Biancardini and many more.

From Goiânia, Brazil, the  percussionist Alex Calatayud descends from a long line of musicians and is recognized as one of the most exciting and unique performers on the pandeiro(link is external) (Brazilian tambourine) as well as the timba(link is external). Alex has music in his blood: he is the youngest of three brothers, all of whom play music. Alex’s commitment to the tambourine,  started around age 8. While most kids on his age were playing with toys or video games, young Alex was busy playing the  pandeiro the  Brazilian tambourine  Alex  left  school after the fifth  grade and started  performing professionally  at age 14  playing 5 nights a week with bossa nova groups in Bars  and Hotels in Goiania Brazil(link is external), in California!!!  Alex performed with his Band Boca Do Rio(link is external),  Alex now travels back and forth between Brazil and the United States Creating a musical bridge between the two cultures,  Alex plays all the Brazilian percussion of his native land. Descending from a long line of musicians, Alex continues the tradition in the Bay Area and regularly performs with many of the regions top Brazilian bands.