Latin Grammy nominated & Brazilian Music Awards granted artist, songwriter, composer and musician in his own right, considered to be a principal part of the Brazilian popular music scene revival (MPB), Rogê has released 7 solo albums and 2 collaborations - with samba legend Arlindo Cruz (Na Veia, 2016, Warner Music) and with Seu Jorge (Seu Jorge & Rogê, 2020, Night Dreamer Records). Now based in Los Angeles, CA, he just released "CURYMAN" (Diamond West Records), his debut album in the United States.

The Sextones
Founded in 2015, The Sextones built a devoted following across the West Coast before breaking out internationally with their self-released 2017 debut album Moonlight Vision, quickly finding success in Japan via P-Vine Records. Soon after, the band began touring extensively across the U.S. and Europe, quickly garnering international attention from soul music fans, record collectors, and critics alike. A steady roster of national performances cemented their reputation as critical and festival favorites, with Okayplayer describing Moonlight Vision as “The result of a Herculean work ethic, mixed with a Sherlock Holmes-esque attention to detail and a nuance that can be appreciated by true music lovers.” Live For Live Music detailed their musical approach, writing: “By taking classic sounds, modernizing them, and making them their own, the Sextones have carved out a niche for themselves within the modern funk and soul movement, and we are digging every second of it.” And PopDust praised the group as “A glowing reminder of where music came from, and serves as a vehicle to light a fire under a new generation.”

Friends since childhood, The Sextones are Mark Sexton (guitar, vocals), Alexander Korostinsky (bass), Daniel Weiss (drums), and Christopher Sexton (piano). Having known each other for so long, their musical chemistry is effortless and forms the foundation of the band’s longevity and creative workflow. Despite their bond, each member has been able to channel their creativity into other acclaimed groups—Alexander and Mark with their cinematic-soul project Whatitdo Archive Group and Daniel’s recent engagement in the soul/jazz group Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio. Flexing their creative muscle individually has only strengthened The Sextones’ collective songwriting ability and heralds their formidable return to the spotlight with their upcoming record. With their recent signing to heavy-weight soul label, Record Kicks, the self-made heroes of soul begin a new chapter in their sonic journey, ready to scale new heights and plumb deep emotional depths in service of the genre they love.

"The Ambassador"
Allen Thayer is one of the preeminent Brazilian music scholars/journalists in the U.S. As an author, music journalist, radio show host, and DJ, he’s devoted over 20 years to exploring the depths of Brazilian music. Thayer has interviewed over two dozen iconic Brazilian musicians - both contemporary stars like Seu Jorge, and icons like Sergio Mendes. He recently penned the definitive English language book about one of Brazil’s musical icons, the infamous “James Brown of Brazil”, Tim Maia. Published by Bloomsbury's iconic 33 1/3 imprint, a series that encourages deep dives into seminal albums, Thayer’s volume is a groundbreaking exploration of the Brazilian soul superstar's existential detour on his legendary "cult" albums: “Tim Maia Racional Vols. 1 & 2”. In addition to magazine work for Wax Poetics and The Fader, his investigative work has been highlighted in the New Yorker. Thayer’s liner notes have been featured on dozens of releases for notable record labels such as Light in the Attic, BBE, and Luaka Bop. He DJs under the name "The Ambassador" around his hometown of Portland, OR as well as nationally, and you can catch him on his weekly radio show “The Brazilian Beat” on KMHD Jazz Radio 89.1 FM/KMHD.org, Saturdays 9-11am PST.