Foleada is a group of seasoned musicians based out of Seattle that play Forró (“foh-hoh”), dance music from the Northeast region of Brazil. Forró draws on many musical styles, but two of the primary influences are Afro-Brazilian rhythms like samba and baião, and European melodies such as schottisches and polkas. Excerpts from their website: A traditional Forró ensemble features accordion, triangle, and drums. Foleada is a sextet featuring two accordionists: Jamie Maschler and Gabe Hall-Rodrigues, two percussionists: Jeff Busch and Sam Esecson, Michael Catts on bass, and Brazilian vocalist Adriana Giordano. All their members are active in the Seattle music scene and are veteran performers.

Foleada pays homage to Forró’s Northeastern Brazilian historical roots to transport their audiences to the vibrant streets of Brazil while also adding their own Pacific Northwest flavor. As recipients of the 2023 Jack Straw Studios Artist Support Program, Foleada is currently producing their first full-length album, including 4 originals and 4 classics from the traditional repertoire.

Their new album, “Eu Vou Pra Lua”, was released July 5, 2024. You can buy their US digital album for $10 US which Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

Jamie Maschler and Gabe Hall-Rodrigues have spent the majority of their lives studying the versatility of the accordion. As a duo, Creosote is the fusion of their collective experience and for the past 7 years the dynamic accordion duo has pioneered a style all their own. They incorporate their vast knowledge of Brazilian music, jazz, western swing, French musette, and tango to create original compositions and arrangements for dueling accordions.

Jamie and Gabe have traveled the world in search of incredible accordion music, artists and learning through shared experience, whether that means playing accordion on a secluded beach in Brazil, competing in the 2019 Trophee Mundial in Portugal, or performing at the NAMM Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad, California. On their most recent trip to Brazil, Jamie and Gabe were featured on TVCeara’s show, “Sanfonas do Brasil” (Accordions of Brazil) with renowned accordionist and host Rodolpho Forte. The duo also runs the Emerald City Accordion School where they educate online and host in-person lessons, group sessions as well as the annual Emerald City Accordion camp.

Jamie has her Bachelors in Music performance from Cornish College of the Arts where she studied under many amazing professors including Jovino Santos Neto, Chuck Deardorf, Julian Priester, and Murl Allen Sanders. Gabriel Hall-Rodrigues holds a Bachelors in Music Therapy and a Masters Degree in Piano Performance from Arizona State University where he studied under Mike Kocour and Sam Pilafian. Both have toured the United States extensively with various projects and performed at accordion festivals throughout the country. Jamie and Gabe also perform with Foleada, Seattle’s premier forró ensemble and recipient of the Jack Straw Artist Grant in 2023.

Jamie and Gabe met through a shared interest in Brazilian music and a kismet “meet cute” at the Petosa Accordion manufacture in Seattle, WA where they both currently work. They were married in 2023. Expect to be charmed by their joyful energy and award-winning virtuosity on a unique instrument. Check out their most recent self titled album “Creosote” on Spotify.
 
Foleada partners with @ForroinSeattle to host regular dance workshops and events for the Brazilian and Forró community. The traditional dance borrows from Cuban salsa and samba to create a simple partner dance. Our largest cultural event, Festa Junina, draws 400+ people.

Whether you’re a seasoned Forró enthusiast or a newcomer to Brazilian rhythms, Foleada invites you to join them on a musical journey filled with infectious beats and sounds of Northeastern Brazil. Their music is a celebration of joy, community, and the vibrant spirit of Brazil that transcends borders.

Future 2024 performances Include:
September 24, North City Bistro
November 5, Royal Room
December 24, North City Bistro

For further information:  Jamie.maschler@gmail.com