Orlando and Patricia Haddad invite the public for a concert, cake, and dance party, celebrating 40 impressive years making music in Philadelphia.
Known for their Brazilian ensemble Minas, Orlando and Patricia moved to the Philadelphia area from Rio de Janeiro in 1984, where they continued to perform and record while pursuing graduate studies at local universities. Orlando earned two masters, one in Arts Administration from Drexel, the other in Music Composition, from Temple. Patricia earned a Masters in Jazz Piano Performance from The University of the Arts.
In addition to their studies and busy performing schedule, Orlando and Patricia recorded 8 full- length albums, raised a family, and worked on education. The program “Brazilian Adventure”, presented in schools and focusing on Brazilian culture, has been seen by over one million students. Orlando was also Adjunct Faculty at U-Arts for 10 years, and Visiting Professor at University of Pennsylvania, conducting Brazilian ensembles, exposing undergraduate and graduate students to samba percussion and Bossa Nova.
Alongside with Minas, Orlando and Patricia developed more complex works. While Patricia wrote and presented her musical La Giara, The Water Jug, based on her book about her family’s immigration from Sicily to Philadelphia, Orlando wrote the multi-movement chamber music piece Lendas Amazônicas- Amazonian Legends, commissioned and performed by Orchestra 2001.
In 40 years, Minas has built a reputation as one of the most enduring and sought-after Brazilian groups in the United States, performing at prestigious venues such as The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Kimmel Center, and Mann Center for the Performing Arts. Their albums, two released on vinyl, eight on CDs, were indicated for multiple Grammys. These projects, mostly recorded in Philadelphia with prominent musicians, are available on all streaming platforms worldwide.
Orlando, born and raised in Brazil, came to the United States in 1974 to pursue an undergraduate degree in Music Composition, while Patricia, born in Denver, CO and raised in Carlisle, PA, was getting her degree in Voice. For a few more years after graduation, Minas proceeded to play all over North Carolina and south eastern United States. Following the birth of their first child, Nicole, the couple moved to Brazil for two years, where they lived, performed, traveled, and released the stelar album Num Dia Azul. Following the years spent in Brazil, Orlando and Patricia returned to the United States and chose the Philadelphia area as their home.
Num Dia Azul, first released in 1983 on vinyl, became a collectors item, the original fetching up to $500 on Discogs. The record is on its fourth edition, the latest, released on vinyl and CDs in 2023 by the British label Mr. Bongo.
Minas’ latest album, Beatles in Bossa, released in 2022 on double vinyl and CD by their self- owned label Blueazul Records, reached #1 in July of the same year, and was one of the top 10 Latin Jazz albums in 2022, according to Roots Music Reports.
To celebrate 40 years in Philly, Minas will return to The Music Hall at World Cafe Live. They will perform as a sextet, featuring a cast of performers who’ve been a part of the band for many decades: John Swana (valve trombone/EVI), Andrew Neu (sax, flute), Tom Cohen (drums), Jim Stager (bass). After the first set, featuring many Minas’ originals ("Strong Black Coffee," “Primavera," “Only the Moon and the Stars") and classic Bossa Nova ("The Girl From Ipanema," “Desafinado"), Orlando and Patricia will cut the anniversary cake and the group will perform dance music.
The Music Hall at World Cafe Live
3025 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA, 19104
Box office number: 215-222-1400
Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 on day of show, plus fees. Fees can be avoided by purchasing by cash directly at the WCL box office. One show only, at 8:00 pm. Restaurant opens at 6:00 pm. Full service bar and dinner served a la carte upstairs in The Lounge. Mezzanine ticket holders have access to private bar, restrooms, and dining. Reservations recommended. Parking is free after 5:00 pm under the Walnut Street Bridge—access via 31st and Chestnut. Handicap accessible.
Known for their Brazilian ensemble Minas, Orlando and Patricia moved to the Philadelphia area from Rio de Janeiro in 1984, where they continued to perform and record while pursuing graduate studies at local universities. Orlando earned two masters, one in Arts Administration from Drexel, the other in Music Composition, from Temple. Patricia earned a Masters in Jazz Piano Performance from The University of the Arts.
In addition to their studies and busy performing schedule, Orlando and Patricia recorded 8 full- length albums, raised a family, and worked on education. The program “Brazilian Adventure”, presented in schools and focusing on Brazilian culture, has been seen by over one million students. Orlando was also Adjunct Faculty at U-Arts for 10 years, and Visiting Professor at University of Pennsylvania, conducting Brazilian ensembles, exposing undergraduate and graduate students to samba percussion and Bossa Nova.
Alongside with Minas, Orlando and Patricia developed more complex works. While Patricia wrote and presented her musical La Giara, The Water Jug, based on her book about her family’s immigration from Sicily to Philadelphia, Orlando wrote the multi-movement chamber music piece Lendas Amazônicas- Amazonian Legends, commissioned and performed by Orchestra 2001.
In 40 years, Minas has built a reputation as one of the most enduring and sought-after Brazilian groups in the United States, performing at prestigious venues such as The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Kimmel Center, and Mann Center for the Performing Arts. Their albums, two released on vinyl, eight on CDs, were indicated for multiple Grammys. These projects, mostly recorded in Philadelphia with prominent musicians, are available on all streaming platforms worldwide.
About Minas
Orlando and Patricia formed Minas in 1978, at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. The name Minas pays homage to Orlando’s home state in Brazil, Minas Gerais.Orlando, born and raised in Brazil, came to the United States in 1974 to pursue an undergraduate degree in Music Composition, while Patricia, born in Denver, CO and raised in Carlisle, PA, was getting her degree in Voice. For a few more years after graduation, Minas proceeded to play all over North Carolina and south eastern United States. Following the birth of their first child, Nicole, the couple moved to Brazil for two years, where they lived, performed, traveled, and released the stelar album Num Dia Azul. Following the years spent in Brazil, Orlando and Patricia returned to the United States and chose the Philadelphia area as their home.
Num Dia Azul, first released in 1983 on vinyl, became a collectors item, the original fetching up to $500 on Discogs. The record is on its fourth edition, the latest, released on vinyl and CDs in 2023 by the British label Mr. Bongo.
Minas’ latest album, Beatles in Bossa, released in 2022 on double vinyl and CD by their self- owned label Blueazul Records, reached #1 in July of the same year, and was one of the top 10 Latin Jazz albums in 2022, according to Roots Music Reports.
About The 40th Anniversary
MInas has maintained a 15 year relationship with World Cafe Live, presenting and releasing many major projects there: Bossa Nova Day (2010), Symphony in Bossa (2015), Num Dia Azul Reissue (2016), La Giara (The Water Jug) (2019), Beatles in Bossa (2022), and producing heartfelt tributes to legendary artists such as Sergio Mendes, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Astrud Gilberto, Joao Gilberto, and Cole Porter.To celebrate 40 years in Philly, Minas will return to The Music Hall at World Cafe Live. They will perform as a sextet, featuring a cast of performers who’ve been a part of the band for many decades: John Swana (valve trombone/EVI), Andrew Neu (sax, flute), Tom Cohen (drums), Jim Stager (bass). After the first set, featuring many Minas’ originals ("Strong Black Coffee," “Primavera," “Only the Moon and the Stars") and classic Bossa Nova ("The Girl From Ipanema," “Desafinado"), Orlando and Patricia will cut the anniversary cake and the group will perform dance music.
Tickets
Friday, April 11, 2025The Music Hall at World Cafe Live
3025 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA, 19104
Box office number: 215-222-1400
Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 on day of show, plus fees. Fees can be avoided by purchasing by cash directly at the WCL box office. One show only, at 8:00 pm. Restaurant opens at 6:00 pm. Full service bar and dinner served a la carte upstairs in The Lounge. Mezzanine ticket holders have access to private bar, restrooms, and dining. Reservations recommended. Parking is free after 5:00 pm under the Walnut Street Bridge—access via 31st and Chestnut. Handicap accessible.
