After more than five decades of myth, music, and movement, Novos Baianos — Brazil’s most defiant (yet joyful) musical collective — have finally come to North America, landing in Chicago last week for their first U.S. gig, following up with stops in New York and Miami. And on Sunday, August 3, they’ll bring their blend of samba, rock, and psychedelic soul to Seattle’s Neptune Theatre. 

Part of the Jazz Is Dead series presented by ArtDontSleep, the legendary band is hitting up a couple of joints along the West Coast on their first North American tour including Berkley, CA and Portland, OR. The Seattle stop is a rare chance to catch Novos Baianos perform in the U.S., bringing with them tons of history, passion, and unstoppable rhythm.

Formed in Salvador, Bahia in 1969, Novos Baianos came together at a time when Brazil’s military dictatorship had a stranglehold on the country. But rather than leaning into the dark, the group went the other way — creating music that vibed with light, energy, and freedom.

More Than a Band

Novos Baianos were more than a band. They were a family, literally. Living communally — first in a Rio apartment, then on a rural farm nicknamed Cantinho do Vovô. Their home became a studio, a safe haven, and a creative incubator where João Gilberto, godfather of bossa nova, was known to frequently drop by. 

Their 1972 album Acabou Chorare is widely considered a triumph. It was a commercial and critical success in Brazil and, decades later, was named the greatest Brazilian album of all time by Rolling Stone Brasil. 

Although the band officially broke up in 1979, members have reunited for select performances over the years. But this 2025 tour marks the first time they’ve ever performed for audiences outside of Brazil.

The show is part of the Jazz Is Dead series, a collaborative project and record label founded by producer Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad, known for his work with A Tribe Called Quest. Designed to bridge generations, the series pairs legendary artists with new audiences through fresh recordings, remixes, and live performances. Bringing Novos Baianos to Seattle certainly fits that bill. 

For those in the Seattle area, this isn’t just another night at The Neptune — it’s a rare chance to experience one of Brazil’s most iconic and influential bands up close and personal. Tickets are available now, and if you appreciate world-class global sounds, this is one show not to be missed.