She comes on stage like an explosion, her body in constant motion, her voice excited and dynamic." Los Angeles Times

Katia Moraes is an energetic Brazilian singer/songwriter/dancer from Rio de Janeiro who has been living in Los Angeles since 1990. In 1984 Katia was invited to join O Espirito da Coisa, a Rio pop-rock band. She toured Brazil with the band for three years, appearing on Brazilian TV and singing (Slightly Pregnant), which became a hit song throughout Brazil. Since then she has sang and/or performed with Sergio Mendes, Rita Lee, Banda Cheiro de Amor, Alex Acuna's and Justo Almario's Tolu, Badaue, Kalani, Midnight Drums, among others. Katia came to Los Angeles in 1990 where she was inspired by the new environment and musicianship. Poetry, prose and movement have been Katia's companions since she was 13. Songwriting came later when she put together "Ten Feet and the Sun", her first American CD, with her band Brazil Nuts.

In 1998, Katia started putting out a monthly newsletter, Brazilian Heart, to challenge her as a writer and Îcommunicator.â Brazilian Heart explores issues of culture, art and music following Katia's personal whims and passions. Her short stories and articles have appeared at 'Soul Brasil' magazine and at the Leila M’colis's Blocos.com. Katia also translates screenplays and dubs for movies.

Katia is currently performing with the Sambaguru band (with whom she recorded her second CD, 'Ginga'). She is also composing new songs for her next CD, and performing a new stage show, 'The Mystery of Brazilian Music', which presents songs from the great Brazilian composers of the 20 century mixed with spoken-word interpretations of Brazil's greatest poets. Katia is currently teaching 'Dance With a Brazilian Heart', a Brazilian Dance class that incorporates an introduction to Brazilian culture through rhythms and song.

Katia Moraes has performed at House of Blues, Hollywood Bowl, John Anson Ford Amphitheater, Getty Center, Playboy Jazz SummerFest, Verizon Music Festival, Cerritos Center, Jazz Bakery, Luna Park, The World Famous Baked Potato, Santa Monica Festival, The French Quarter Festival in New Orleans, Riverside Jazz Festival, African Market Place, Grass Valley World Music Festival, IAJE - Jazz Educators Convention, among other events and venues.

In 1998 Katia Moraes & Bill Brendle had their composition 'N‹o Va' chosen as a finalist in the World Music category of the John Lennonâs Songwriting Contest. Katia Moraes & Sambaguru is featured on the musical score for the film 'Woman on Top', a Fox Searchlight Picture released in September 2000. In 2001 and 2002 the group was nominated in the best World Music category for the New Times Newspaper Music Awards. Katia Moraes & Sambaguru was selected to be on The California Arts Council Touring Roster 2002-2003.

For booking information, please email cadencearts@aol.com