The Front Porch and the Center for Cultural Vibrancy team up to present Danny Knicely, Cesar Garabini, and Fernanda Bravo, the first concert in our 2026 Global Roots series!

This unique trio blends the musical traditions of Appalachia and Brazil in a joyful and captivating fusion.  Danny grew up in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley and is a master mandolinist, guitarist, fiddler and flatfoot dancer. He is joined by Brazilian-born seven-string guitarist Cesar Garabini, known for his mastery of choro, the intricate musical style that gave rise to samba and bossa nova. Garabini has performed at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Birdland and MOMA. Completing the trio is Rio-born vocalist and percussionist Fernanda Bravo, whose expressive voice blends samba, bossa nova, and jazz. Together, they explore the deep musical connections between two rich traditions, offering a vibrant and soulful performance full of rhythm, melody and cultural exchange. The group has recently performed here and abroad, at the Richmond Folk Festival and the Clifden Arts Festival in County Galway, Ireland.

Danny has the uncanny ability to thrive in and elevate most any musical situation, and often melds the Appalachian folk music of his youth with the expansive types of music he has encountered in the diverse cultural communities of the U.S. and the world. He has shared his music and collaborated with musicians in four continents, including U.S. State Department tours in Russia, Tunisia, Morocco and Cabo Verde, as well as participated in the celebrated Mountain Music Project with traditional musicians from Nepal.

Doors open at 7 PM. Music starts at 8 pm. This is a seated indoor show; seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, check out our FAQs!