A multi-ethnic, female-led seven-piece, En Canto’s world pop music—a combination forró, samba, and choro-inspired originals and reimagined covers of classic Brazilian hits—commands attention and inspires movement. “We love this music because of its compositional brilliance, its original grooves, and its revolutionary nature … its roots in post-colonialism, in cultural battles for class and racial equality,” Accordionist Jamie Maschler, explains. “Why wouldn’t it also inspire gender-equality?”
“En Canto formed three years ago and has become a familiar fixture at Columbia City’s Royal Room, Capital Cider and at festivals such as Northwest Folklife. The septet specializes in forro, from Brazil’s Northeast, a music that features accordion and flute and has a kind of honky-tonk bounce.” (The Seattle Times)
“En Canto packs The Royal Room to capacity for every show, bringing in people from all corners of Seattle. Their Brazilian rhythms and palpable enthusiasm get people moving even in their chairs, raising their glasses, and dancing. En Canto turns strangers into friends, creating a spontaneous community with one thing in common: they just want to have a good time!” (The Royal Room)
“En Canto is one of those bands that manages to balance an exciting high-energy dance feel with that sweet and relaxed groove that is so beautiful in Brazilian music. Their performances are delightful for either dancing or listening!” (Kelli Faryar, programs manager, Northwest Folklife)
