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Miami Student Jazz Ensemble Makes International Debut in Brazil, Draws Crowd of 4,500 and National TV Coverage
New single “Babayaga” out August 7 2025
In a landmark cultural exchange, The YMU Jazz Collective – the flagship student ensemble of Miami-based nonprofit Young Musicians Unite – has returned from a successful debut tour in Brazil. They performed at the 30th Annual Inverno Festival in Domingos Martins – one of the oldest and most respected music festivals in the land of the bossa nova. This is the first of its kind cultural exchange initiative by the second largest provider of free music education in the US – YMU.
The student-led band played three official concerts, headlining the festival’s main stage in front of an audience of over 4,500 attendees (which is one third of the town’s population). They also gave a masterclass on jazz improvisation and music business, engaging local musicians and students aged 16 to 60. The group’s work was featured on Brazil’s national broadcaster TV Espírito Santo, spotlighting their music and educational mission to a nationwide audience.
Led by acclaimed jazz guitarist and YMU Chief Operating Officer Zach Larmer, the Jazz Collective includes standout student performers Noah Orlowsky – bass, Sophia Frank – keys, Nina Marie – vocal, Cole Gonya – sax, and Christian Barcelata on drums. Together, they delivered high-calibre performances that received widespread praise from audiences, educators, and cultural leaders alike.
“I’m incredibly thankful our students got to experience this,” said Larmer. “It’s rare to see something you’ve worked toward for so long unfold in such a powerful way. Watching the YMU Jazz Collective take the stage and connect across cultures was deeply rewarding and it’s a clear reminder of why we must continue to invest in the arts and music education not just in Florida, but throughout the US.”
The group met with local government officials including the Mayor of Domingos Martins – Eduardo Ramos and his wife – Avani Alves De Sousa. They also shared YMU’s work and purpose with Mr. Armindo Klitzke, Manager of Cultural Affairs of the beautiful Brazilian town. The invitation for the band’s participation in the week-long engagements was by Maria da Penha Quintero, Secretary of Tourism and one of the festival’s organizers. The band was honored with dinners hosted by popular local restaurants, offering a rich taste of the region’s hospitality and cuisine where cultural exchange was the main flavor.
Following the tour’s success, Young Musicians Unite has been invited to return to Brazil in 2026 for expanded programming, including more masterclasses and live performances.
Back home in Miami, the YMU Jazz Collective will release a new single titled “Babayaga” on August 7. The release is a cover of the famous jazz tune by Philip Lassiter and reimagines how student performers can re-invent with excellence. “Babayaga” blends intricate jazz arrangements with deep funk grooves and neo‑soul edge. It’s described as an “eerie hoodoo number” with strong J Dilla and D’Angelo‑influenced textures. Baba Yaga is a legendary figure from Eastern Slavic folklore typically portrayed as a crone or hag. Depending on the story, she can range from an evil, child‑eating ogress to a cryptic, occasionally helpful guardian figure.
Local Miami audiences can see the band perform live at their official homecoming concert at the Shelborne Hotel on August 21 at 7 p.m. RSVP here.
For photos from the tour in Brazil, click here.
Miami based Young Musicians Unite believes that every student in Miami-Dade deserves access to music education regardless of their socio-economic background. They collaborate with schools to provide free music education, which has been proven to inspire personal development, foster a sense of community and prepare our future leaders. Follow YMU here: @youngmusiciansunite.