Arts and Culture / Magazine Feature

Mariza brings ‘Portuguese blues’ to the Newman Center

Mariza, a Portuguese fado singer, will perform at the Newman Center for Performing arts on Nov. 14 as part of a three-month, 47-city tour of North America.

Mariza is the reigning “Queen of Fado.” Fado is called the “Portuguese blues” because of its mournful tone. As a musical form, it has been around since the early 19th century, although some scholars believe its origins to be much older.

“[Fado] was the music of Portuguese sailors, of African slaves, of Brazilians,” Mariza says. “It was a fusion of cultures. Our sailors and explorers spread Portuguese culture abroad, but they brought some back, too.”

Born in Mozambique, Mariza Reise Nunes grew up in Lisbon and began singing at the age of 5. She credits her own mixed African-Portuguese heritage with inspiring her unique contemporary slant on the style.

“Mariza is a stunning, world class vocalist,” says Natalie Ryan, the Newman Center’s director of marketing. “We are in great company presenting her. To hear her voice and see here with the acoustics and the beautiful backdrop of June Swaner Gates Concert Hall will be a night not to be missed.”

Mariza was named “Best European Artist” by BBC Radio 3 in 2001, 2005 and 2006, and was named a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2005.

Mariza will perform at the Newman Center for Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m on Nov. 14. Tickets range from $28–$48. Parking is free. A free “Behind the Curtain” lecture will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased through the Newman Center and TicketMaster. For more information, call 303-871-7720 or visit www.newmancenterpresents.com.

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