Forró for All is a band dedicated to Forró, the upbeat, Accordion-driven party music of Brazil, and the legacy of its primary innovator, Luiz Gonzaga.
The band is led by accordionist Rob Curto; widely considered Forró’s main ambassador in the United States. Rob is one of the musicians responsible for introducing American audiences to Northeastern Brazilian music.
Rob has worked with some of Brazil’s greatest accordionists, and is deeply knowledgeable about the life and work of the great Luiz Gonzaga. Gonzaga, born of humble origins in 1913, in the rural interior of Northeastern Brazil became a champion for his people’s culture, and a musical legend whose work reverberates today. Forró dances, which began as local parties in backyards, are today regular events in capitals throughout the world.
Forró for All has performed at major festivals and arts centers: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in Minneapolis; Skirball Center in Los Angeles; Chicago World Music; Lotus Fest in Bloomington; Lowell Folk Festival in Massachusetts., Festival International in Lafayette, La; Chico World Music Festival in Chico, Ca., Nuits d’Afrique in Montreal; Cotati Accordion Festival; the Carrefour Mondial de l’Accordeon in Montmagny, Quebec; and the American Folk Festival in Bangor Maine.