Mike Marshall is one of the world’s most accomplished and versatile string instrumentalists and a three-time Grammy nominee. A master of mandolin, guitar, mandocello, and violin, he blends American roots with classical, jazz, pop, and Brazilian music. At 19, he joined the David Grisman Quintet and has since produced over 40 recordings while collaborating with Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer, and Chris Thile. Deeply committed to education, Mike directed the Acoustic Music Seminar at SMF and teaches globally. With his wife, German mandolinist Caterina Lichtenberg, he co-founded the Mandolin World Retreats and continues to tour internationally, inspiring musicians worldwide.

Mike Marshall & Alessandro Penezzi

The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

Every summer some of Brazil’s greatest musicians gather in the redwoods of Cazadero for California Brazil Camp, and every season several faculty members venture down to the Gardens to share their mesmerizing music. Past concerts have included some of the South American nation’s most celebrated artists, such as Monica Salmaso, Teco Cardoso, Guinga and Fabiana Cozza. This year’s show, “Brazilian Choro” is led by two masters at the forefront of a virtuosic instrumental tradition that marked Brazil’s first African/European musical fusion, clarinetist/composer Alexandre Ribeiro and seven-string guitarist/composer Alessandro Penezzi. Born in late 19th century Rio de Janeiro, choro has undergone repeated revivals over the decades, while influencing almost every subsequent Brazilian idiom, from samba to Brazilian jazz. Frequent performing and recording partners, Penezzi and Ribeiro played an essential role in sparking the choro renaissance of the 1990s. They’ve forged deep ties to many Bay Area musical Brazilophiles and will be joined by several colleagues for an afternoon of jaw-dropping instrumental interplay.

Alessandro Penezzi

Events

Upcoming events

Aug 13, 2026

Brazil in the Gardens: Alexandre Ribeiro and Alessandro Penezzi · Yerba Buena Gardens Festival

Past events

Mar 26, 2026

Mike Marshall & Alessandro Penezzi · Savannah Music Festival

About

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