Join us Wed., May 4, 7-9 PM for a Best Video Film & Cultural Center Great Give® social followed by a concert by the Brazilian music duo of Isabella Mendes and Flavio Lira. This event is free but we are encouraging supporters to donate to us in The Great Give® during the 8-9 PM hour.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation is once again, generously providing a $10,000 match pool for performing and visual arts organizations in The Great Give. The Bank of America Raise the Curtain Power Hour will be May 4, from 8-9 PM. Bank of America will provide a pro-rated match based on the number of unique donors that give to qualified organizations like BVFCC during the Power Hour from 8-9 PM on May 4.

From 7-8 PM, enjoy free snacks and discount drinks and schmooze with your fellow friends of Best Video.

From 8-9 PM, enjoy superb Brazilian music by Isabella Mendes and Flavio Lira (and donate to BVFCC online in The Great Give® to help us garner a strong share of the Bank of America Raise the Curtain Power Hour matching pool). Funds from The Great Give® in 2020 and 2021 paid for the building of the deck (as well as the regular rent, utilities, and insurance bills when the pandemic crashed our income stream)! The Great Give®, which is coordinated by the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, is Best Video Film & Cultural Center’s most important annual fundraiser. Hundreds of wonderful cultural and social action on-profit organizations participate each year.

The marathon part of The Great Give® starts on Tuesday, May 4, at 8 AM and lasts until Wednesday, May 5, at 7:59 PM. Advance giving starts on Monday, Apr. 25.

Born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Isabella started to study music at age four and hasn't stopped since. She has been studying with Grammy Winner pianist Fabio Torres and Emmy Winner vocalist Michal Towber. Isabella is also a leader in education, studying at Carnegie Hall as part of the Music Educators program. She is the founder and teacher of IMMusic Studio, a private music school, where she teaches piano and voice. She is an advocate for women and diversity in the arts, and is leading workshops bringing diversity through music in schools and community events.

Brazilian native bassist, 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. Now in 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.

This is an indoor show so attendance is 30 max. Proof of vaccination is required to enter and masks are required.