The Cultural Arts Commission’s annual free summer concert series continues on Friday, July 9 with an energetic performance from Choro Guys. The concert will be held at the Tremayne Shelter in Creve Coeur Park at 7 p.m.
The Brazilian performance group features a variety of instruments, including acoustic guitars and mandolins. Choro music is popular in Brazil for its fast and happy rhythm as well as the musicians’ improvisations.
The trio is lead by Brazilian native Mo Marchini, who has been playing Choro music in the Midwest for more than 20 years. Marchini founded Chicago Samba and St. Louis group Samba Bom before forming Choro Guys.
The group also includes guitarist Derek Pardue, assistant professor of cultural anthropology at Washington University, who lived and studied Choro music in Brazil for four years. Rounding out the trio is Craig Myers, who recently graduated from Washington University with a degree in Economics. Myers grew up playing fiddle and started playing mandolin while in college. He was introduced to Choro during his junior year, when he took Pardue's course on Brazilian music.
After a speaking engagement at Washington University, Marchini started rehearsing Choro music with Pardue and Myers, which ultimately led to the formation of Choro Guys.
“Part of the inspiration to form the group came from the need to fill this musical niche in Choro, since no other musicians or groups were playing this music style here in St. Louis area,” Marchini said.
The July 9 concert is free and appropriate for all ages. Residents should bring their own seating, food and beverages. In case of inclement weather, call (314) 738-2599 after 4 p.m. the day of the show for the alternate location.