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BIOS:
Novo Mundo was founded in 1998 by Kay Peper and Beth Lederman, two Arizona natives with a love of Brazilian and Latin music. The group has gone on to become one of the most in-demand bands in Arizona. Composed of full-time professional musicians, they have performed for concerts, schools, and private functions throughout the state. The core group of four musicians expands to the full six-piece ensemble for a musical impact you won't soon forget! For booking information contact: Beth Lederman Kay Peper Lead Vocals, Guitar, Percussion Kay's proficiency in Brazilian music is the end result of many years of study. A native Arizonan, Kay attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston earning her B.M. in Jazz Composition.. She has a strong background in world music, performing with African dance, drum and song groups, and directing the World Choir at Naropa University in Boulder, Colo. She earned her teaching certificate from Colorado State University. Her performances in Brazilian jazz and folkloric drumming culminated in extended visits to Brazil in 1997 and Cuba in 1995. Beth Lederman Keyboards, Vocals Beth has been playing the piano since age 5. Her family ran Lederman Music Co., one of Arizona's largest music stores. Classically trained, Beth earned a B.A. in Music, Cum Laude, from ASU. She has been musical director for a national touring production of "Phantom of the Opera", the salsa band "Mas", Brazilian band "Zum,Zum,Zum", and the all-woman group "Sophia". Beth's jazz quintet was on the AZ Arts Commission Artist Roster List from 1991- '95 performing concerts and residencies throughout Arizona and Mexico. She has also recorded her own tape, and is featured on 11 CDs for the GIA label. Felix Sainz Electric and Acoustic Bass, Vocals Felix's wide array of musical experience has made him proficient in a variety of styles. He is as comfortable playing salsa as he is playing big band music or a funky reggae beat. But Brazilian music is Felix' specialty. Also a native Arizonan, he has played with many bands in the Phoenix area including latin bands "Brazilia" and "Pazport", reggae artist "Walt Richardson", Dan Pinson, Trio 380, and internationally known group "Sister Sledge". Todd Chuba Drum Set, Percussion Todd is one of the most sought -after drummers in Phoenix. He is constantly busy in the recording studio and also plays for numerous groups. His past playing experience includes accompanying Alice Tatum, Chuck Marohnic, Charles Lewis, Colleen Callahan, Tom Booth and many others. His work was also featured on the CBS sitcom "Evening Shade". In addition to playing rock, country, and almost every musical style he is an excellent latin drummer and an experienced clinician. Joe Garcia Percussion, Congas Originally from Miami, Florida, Joe is of Cuban descent. His forte is blending traditional latin rhythms with today's contemporary sounds. He excels as a clinician having given numerous workshops in the Phoenix area with his percussion group "Tambores". Joe has also recorded several CDs with the Celtic group "Meadowlark" and played almost every style of music imaginable from calypso to funk. Jerry Donato Saxophones. Jerry has a B.M. in Music Education, which he earned at Towson State University in Maryland. He plays alto, tenor, and soprano saxes, clarinet and flute. One of the first calls for recording any kind of pop or rock music, Jerry also performs with numerous bands. He is an excellent arranger and his reading skills and multiple instruments also make him a first call for many of the shows that come through town. |
