Soulful Sounds of Brazil to Benefit a Children’s Program

Dan Reckard, center, José Gurria and Capital, who will perform Friday, July 27, at a gig earlier in the year.

The soulful and sensual sounds of Brazil return to Laguna on Friday, July 27,  when award-winning local saxophonist, pianist and composer Dan Reckard hosts a benefit concert at the Neighborhood Congregational Church.

The event, called “Zuzu: A Night of Brazilian Music with Dan Reckard,” will feature two sets of music from his group, Bossa Zuzu. The proceeds will benefit Grupo Arte Consciente, an after-school program near Salvador da Bahia, Brazil, that teaches dance, music, art, fitness and circus to children.

In addition to the music, the event will feature Brazilian refreshments, a raffle drawing, a silent auction and a CD signing of Bossa Zuzu’s first album. Reckard and Bossa Zuzu played to a sold out house at the Hotel Laguna this winter as part of Laguna Beach Live’s Winter Jazz Series.

“The cause is really close to my heart, since I had the chance to volunteer at Grupo Arte Consciente when I lived in Brazil,” said Reckard. “These kids live in a rough neighborhood and this program is one of the only things keeping them off of the streets. Our contributions will make a huge difference.”

The doors will open at 6:45 and the concert starts at 7:30. A donation of $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors is suggested.

An article about Grupo Arte Consciente can be found here: http://provisionslibrary.com/?p=10932

Samples of Bossa Zuzu’s CD can be heard here: http://soundcloud.com/dan-reckard/bossa-zuzu-cd-samples