From pop to bossa nova, Henrique Portugal and Conexão Rio pay tribute to Brazil’s king of romance on March 7 at Manouche. Zé Carlos Bigorna joins as special guest.
A tribute to Brazil’s king of the feminine soul
Henrique Portugal, keyboardist and founding member of iconic Brazilian rock band Skank — active for over 32 years and a Latin Grammy winner — teams up with Rio de Janeiro ensemble Conexão Rio for the show “As canções que não fiz para ela” (The Songs I Never Made for Her). The concert is a heartfelt tribute to the musical universe of Roberto Carlos, Brazil’s legendary romantic singer, featuring fresh arrangements spanning pop, reggae, and bossa nova.
The setlist spans decades of Roberto’s career. It opens with “É Proibido Fumar”, from his early days performing with small bands, and reaches all the way to “Café da Manhã” and “As Curvas da Estrada de Santos”, pieces with a full orchestral concept. The piano anchors most of the arrangements, creating an atmosphere that is both intimate and grand.
For a long time, I tried to understand the universe of romantic relationships, their reasons and their dreams. It was through this search that I found the king of Brazilian music. His songs with Erasmo, his unique way of interpreting life as a storyteller, became the soundtrack of generations. The arrangements in this musical story are mostly guided by the piano. For all these reasons, we decided to pay homage to the artist who understands the feminine soul better than anyone in Brazil. — Henrique Portugal
Conexão Rio: 22 years of bossa nova and MPB
Rooted in bossa nova, samba-jazz, and MPB, Conexão Rio features André Cechinel (piano), Fernando Barroso (bass), Fernando Clark (guitar), and Zé Mário (drums). Over 22 years, the group has performed on every major Rio de Janeiro stage, from the legendary Mistura Fina to the current Blue Note in Rio and São Paulo.
The ensemble has shared the stage with celebrated artists including Raul Mascarenhas, Léo Gandelman, Celso Fonseca, Vinicius Cantuaria, Verônica Sabino, and Vittor Santos. They have released two albums: one with saxophonist Raul Mascarenhas celebrating the work of João Bosco, and another with trombonist Vittor Santos honoring Chico Buarque.
Zé Carlos Bigorna as special guest
The evening also features the special participation of Zé Carlos Bigorna, saxophonist and flutist regarded as one of the finest voices in Brazilian instrumental music. His presence promises to add another layer of sophistication and emotional depth to the night.
Event Info
Show: As canções que não fiz para ela (The Songs I Never Made for Her)
Featuring: Henrique Portugal and Conexão Rio, with special guest Zé Carlos Bigorna
Date: March 7, 2026
Time: 10 PM
Venue: Manouche — basement of Casa Camolese, Rua Jardim Botânico, 983, Rio de Janeiro
Tickets: BRL 130.00
Capacity: 100 seats
Photo: Divulgação
