Isabella Mendes and Flavio Lira play bossa nova and other Brazilian music styles on the Best Video Film & Cultural Center deck. Isabella Mendes is known for her sensitive interpretations of jazz, bossa novas, as well as the pop-tinged music and her own originals. Isabella Mendes was born in Brazil, where she began her music studies at the age of 4. Four years later, she was composing and well advanced in mastering the piano, which earned her a scholarship to the world renowned conservatory of music Fundação Magda Tagliaferro, where she went on to earn several prizes in piano competitions and Master Classes. In 1999, a career opportunity brought her family to the United States, where she continued her musical studies with noted instructors Rachael Elliott and Qi Liu, both then at Yale University. In her senior year of high school, Isabella received the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award and was recognized for her musical achievements with a “2002 Hamden Salutes Young Artists” by the town of Hamden and the State of Connecticut. She further her studies at New Haven’s Educational Center for the Arts (ECA) and has performed at Yale University and Woolsley Hall. Isabella Mendes’ multicultural musical interpretations and compositions can be enjoyed at her performances throughout Connecticut. Hailing from Brazil, Flavio Lira is very active and eclectic. Musical styles have never been a restriction for him, and since the beginning, he has performed with groups ranging from Popular Samba to Classical Chamber Music. “Regardless of style, if there are great musicians on stage, I’m happy to be there!” Flavio Lira has kept developing the passion for his own musical roots, as well as working with different musical traditions of the world, such as Jazz, Caribbean music and others. Living close to New York, Flavio Lira is able to fully employ his versatility as a musician, collaborating with different artists and performing in prestigious venues, such as Birdland and Jazz at Lincoln Center. As part of his most recent project, Flavio Lira released the album Coffee Gold Sugar Cane, a rhythmic fusion of Brazilian grooves, Cuban clave, Colombian folkloric and jazzy chords. We ask respect for social distancing, please, and conscientiousness on masks. Not everybody is vaccinated yet and our venue wants to advise caution and consideration for others. Masks are required inside Best Video. No cover charge but please bring cash for the musicians’ tip jar. This has been a real hard time for musicians, almost all of whom have seen their live performance income dry up. There will also be a donation vase set out for Best Video. Parking available behind Best Video and on Thornton Street.