Jennifer Scott has never been to Brazil.
But a trip to the South American country is on the books in early 2026 for the world-renowned musician, touring performer and educator who calls Metro Vancouver home.
“It’s been on my bucket list for years,” Scott told the Tri-City News today, Oct. 11, noting she’ll be travelling with Karla Mundy’s SongRoots as part of her SongRoutes program.
Brazil is a place the North Vancouver-raised Scott has been fascinated with for years because of its African-based rhythms and high-energy beats. And although she doesn’t speak Portuguese, Scott likes singing the language, too.
Scott is part of Brazilian music ensembles in Canada and the United States, including Crossing Borders and Novo Tempo, and her Brazilian album Sonho Meu (translated as My Dream) was featured on the Rio Olympics soundtrack in 2016.
On Saturday, Oct. 19, she and fellow musicians Rene Worst (bass), Bill Coon (guitar) and Nino DiPasquale (drums and percussion) will showcase a range of Brazilian tunes for the second concert of the Inlet Theatre Music Series in Port Moody.
Scott said she was invited to play by series organizers Bill Sample — her former jazz piano teacher at Vancouver Community College — and his partner, Darlene Cooper.
“Jennifer Scott is a hidden gem,” Sample told the Tri-City News.
“She should be a major star, headlining major venues, but we are blessed to have her right here at the Inlet Theatre in Port Moody.”
Scott said the concert will not only feature tunes from Brazil, but it will also highlight the talents of a quartet “who have played together for a very, very long time. We know the music intimately […] People are want to get out of their seats. It’s very danceable music.”
An instructor at Capilano University, Scott grew up in a family filled with musicians: Her mother was an opera singer, church organist and choir leader while her siblings, aunts and uncles also played.
Scott studied classical music early on; however, she was later drawn to the jazz and world beat genres. Over the years, the Juno- and Jessie-award nominated musician has performed around North America and Europe, including at the Monterey Jazz Festival with Crossing Borders, and performed with the likes of Jon Batiste, Clark Terry, Kenny Wheeler and Paul Horn.
Scott has recorded eight albums and plans another release next year, she said.
For tickets at $40 plus tax to see Jennifer Scott and her band at the Inlet Theatre inside Port Moody City Hall (100 Newport Dr.), 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, you can visit Eventbrite.ca.
