The Café Pequeno Theater, in Leblon, will host the Café Pequeno Jazz Festival starting July 3. There will be 14 shows spread across Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with tickets starting at R$ 50.
Conceived by Amanda Bravo, the festival reaches its 5th edition, reaffirming its commitment to promoting instrumental music, jazz, and Brazilian music in Rio de Janeiro.
Check out the July lineup for the Café Pequeno Jazz Festival
The opening night, on July 3, features saxophonist, composer, and producer Beto Saroldi with the show “Vale Night.” Based on the album *A Noite é Nossa*, the artist explores jazz, funk, soul, and groove alongside Bárbara Paiva, Rafael Sena, Regis Alves, and André Amon.
The following day, bassist Jimmy Santacruz and singer Patrícia Bosio will present “A Arte do Improviso,” featuring jazz and blues standards as well as original compositions.
On the 10th, saxophonist, flutist, and composer Daniela Spielmann will present the show “Afinidades, ” alongside Domingos Teixeira and Rodrigo Vila.
In addition, Sunday is set aside for one of the highlights of this edition. Trombonist Neris Rodrigues and Trombonando will pay tribute to the centennial of Moacir Santos, bringing together contemporary Brazilian music, Afro-Brazilian roots, and global influences.
The festival continues with tributes, remembrance, and major collaborations
On July 17, singer Leila Maria and musician Rodrigo Braga will come together for the show “Ao Jazz, com Carinho, ” dedicated to standards that have spanned generations of Brazilian musicians.
One of the most anticipated moments of the program takes place on Friday, July 24. That’s because Luana Mallet will pay tribute to Leny Andrade, alongside conductor João Carlos Coutinho, Jamil Joanes, Erivelton Silva, José Arimatéa, and Julio Merlino.
On Saturday, July 25, guitarist Victor Biglione presents “Barney Bossa Kessel Nova.” This brand-new show is dedicated to the work of jazz guitarist Barney Kessel, featuring Augusto Mattoso and Vitor Vieira.
Sunday features Mauricio Einhorn, a harmonica player considered a global authority on samba-jazz and instrumental bossa nova. At 94 years old, Einhorn takes the stage accompanied by Bernardo Ramos and Bruno Aguilar.
Finally, wrapping up the July concerts, Veronica Sabino and Conexão Rio will celebrate the fusion of jazz, bossa nova, and Brazilian music on the 31st.
From bossa nova to American swing in August
And there’s plenty more jazz in August! On the 1st, singer Thaís Fraga celebrates 33 years of her artistic career with “Bossa’n Jazz in Natura.”
Sunday, July 2, features the festival’s second major tribute: “Um Som para Milito,” a tribute to pianist Osmar Milito. Double bassist Augusto Mattoso —Milito’s musical partner for over thirty years—joins pianist Alberto Chimelli and drummer Kleberson Caetano, with a special appearance by singer Ilka Villardo.
The lineup continues on August 7 with singer-songwriter Liz Rosa. She’ll share the stage with arranger Antonio Guerra for a setlist that includes “Ave Rara” (Edu Lobo and Aldir Blanc) and “Para um Amor no Recife” (Paulinho da Viola).
Saturday features Ithamara Koorax with her “Jazz Project.” Voted 12 times among the world’s best jazz singers by DownBeat magazine, Koorax revisits songs she has recorded on more than 20 albums.
The festival will close with tenor Wladimir Cabanas, from the Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro, in a show dedicated to classics by Frank Sinatra and Michael Bublé.
It’s worth noting that the Café Pequeno Theater has a capacity of 90 people and no assigned seating. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, and tickets can be purchased online or at the theater box office.
Café Pequeno Jazz Festival 2026
📍Teatro Café Pequeno | Av. Ataulfo de Paiva, 269 – Leblon
📅July 3–August 9
🕛Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. | Sundays at 7 p.m.
💵Starting at R$ 50 (half-price)
