By Phil Orlandella
North End resident and entertainer Joe Nicholson, known as the “Gringo da Viola†has left for Rio de Janeiro to perform in a series of shows.
Even though his last performance at the Tropical Café in Framingham was supposed to be his last gig in New England, he was invited to the Lily Pad in Cambridge to entertain on Thursday, September 21 with Brazilian singer Grazi Medori.
At the Tropical Café, “Samba I Love You†inspired patrons with the famous glamour nights in Rio de Janeiro of the 1930s and 1940s. The café was swinging all evening and patrons were really getting into the music. Styling included hats that were brought from local stores in the North End.
Musicians included students and graduates of Berklee College of Music, a seven string Brazilian guitar, a pandeiro, a type of Brazilian tambourine and vocals filled the café with music.
           The production was made possible with cultural support (or sponsorship) by MacMurray and Associates Law Firm, MAPA translations and Studio 3 English Classes.