Cape Verdean chanteuse Maria de Barros invites us into her culture’s joyful musical tradition. Her songs are filled with love, romance, and longing for the beautiful islands of Cape Verde. Born in Senegal of Cape Verdean parents, de Barros expresses through song the influence that French culture and music had on her life growing up in West Africa. In addition to the African- and Latin-flavored coladeiras and bluesy mornas common to Cape Verdean music, de Barros introduces another intoxicating rhythm, the funana, which is undeniably danceable and joyful. A prodigious and evocative songwriter possessed of a lustrous voice and exquisite phrasing, de Barros and her musical world are well worth a visit.

Don’t miss Maria de Barros on WMPG, Greater Portland’s Community Radio, February 9th during the “Gooveyard Shift” (6:30AM-8:30AM) with host Brother John Mooney. Brother John’s show often features Cape Verdean jazz and he will be speaking with Maria on the air discussing her music and her upcoming performance at Portland Ovations. You can listen to John and Maria’s interview on WMPG by tuning to 90.9 or 104.1 on your FM dial.