The Chestnut Hill Library’s “Meet the Musicians” program concludes its spring lineup with a bang on Tuesday, April 30, with the local Brazilian ensemble Minas, followed by the vocal ensemble Variant 6 on Tuesday, May 14. Both performances are scheduled to start at 5:15 p.m.

Minas group leaders are Orlando and Patricia Haddad, who moved from Brazil to Philadelphia 40 years ago – and have been at the forefront of world music and Brazilian jazz on the East Coast ever since. Minas has recorded and released eight CDs, seven of them in Philadelphia. Their latest, "Beatles in Bossa," was among the ten best Latin jazz albums in 2022 on Roots Music Report. Minas has performed in many major national venues including Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and The Kimmel Center. And locals may remember their dazzling performance in Pastorius Park. 

The singers of Variant 6 will present a varied program of works old and new, featuring music included in an upcoming May 17 concert at the Chestnut Hill Friends Meeting. Members regularly perform with groups as varied as The Crossing, Tempeste di Mare, Piffaro, and Choral Arts Philadelphia. Recently returning from their educational residence at Louisiana State University and their performance with the New Orleans Philharmonic, Variant 6 artists will present a unique and intimate musical experience at the library. 

The Friends of the Chestnut Hill Library, which sponsors the program, has been thrilled with the community's response to the musical programming. For Black History Month, Gibby’s Joint performed songs corresponding to themes in Horace Pippin’s artwork. In March, Killen & Clark celebrated their Irish heritage through their music. 

Performances are free and in the Community Room of the Chestnut Hill Library.