Music and arts in Brazil – Salvador De Bahia. February 21st to February 28th 2026


Join us on an extraordinary journey to Salvador De Bahia from March 9th to the 16th, where you’ll immerse yourself in the richness of Afro Brazilian culture with its vibrant musical and artistic expressions. It is not a coincidence that the UNESCO has declared Salvador De Bahia part of the “Cities of Music Network”

“Salvador lives by the rhythm of music and uses it successfully to convey a great sense of social cohesion within a rich multicultural city. Home to the renowned composers Gilberto Gil and Caetano Veloso, Salvador has been the birthplace of many music genres including tropicalismo, axé, bossa nova and samba.”
Our hosts for this adventure are ICBIE, a non-profit organization located in the picturesque Ribeiro. Here, you’ll find a haven with seven rooms, hammocks, meeting spaces, a library and a garden. Ribeiro, located along the coast where fishing boats dock, offers gentle sea breezes amidst lush tropical greenery. Read our blog from last year trip to get a sense of what is in store for you.

This setting is ideal for musicians and non musicians as well as couples seeking an unforgettable experience, there will be activities for everyone. Prepare to hear outstanding local artists, engage in jam sessions, visit nature preserves and turtle sanctuaries, beaches, vibrant local markets and museums, witness the craftsmanship of artisans who create exquisite percussion instruments.

This is a trip for well traveled and curious people, the accommodation is in a comfortable hostel where each room has a private bathroom, alternatively we can host you in apartments nearby. We will be moving around by Uber and other local transportation in small groups.

The Schedule

Saturday, February 21st – Saturday, February 28th, 2026


Day 1(Saturday, February 21st)

  • Arrival in Salvador De Bahia
  • Arrive in Salvador De Bahia, transfer to ICBIE in Ribeiro and check-in to your rooms
  • Welcome dinner at ICBIE , where you’ll taste authentic Bahian cuisine.

Day 2(Sunday, February 22nd)

  • Morning: Begin your journey with a guided visit to the Casa Do Carnaval. Casa do Carnaval tells the story of the celebration with a visual and sensory journey, including various thematic aspects of the festival that is at the heart of popular culture, social transformations, and the formation of Bahian identity.
  • Afternoon: Join a workshop led by a local artist
  • Evening: dinner in a local restaurant and live music.

Day 3(Monday , February 23rd)

  • Morning: Explore Praia do Forte, known for its turtle sanctuary, clear waters, natural pools, rivers and an ecological reserve of native flora and fauna.
  • Afternoon: Beachside picnic, swimming, and snorkeling.
  • Evening: Dinner at ICBE.

Day 4(Tuesday, February 24th)

  • Morning: Explore the bustling Mercado Modelo, a lively market specializing in local crafts and art.
  • Afternoon: Afro Brazilian rhythm and percussion workshop at the Escola Olodum.
  • Evening: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of a local jam session.
Music Workshop In Bahia

Day 5(Wednesday, February 25th)

  • Morning: Visit the Museum of Modern Art to admire contemporary Bahian artwork.
  • Afternoon: Explore the studios of local artisans creating traditional percussion instruments.
  • Evening:  Attend an Afro-Bahian dance performance at the charming Teatro Vila Velha.

Day 6(Thursday, February 26th)

  • Morning: Breakfast.
  • Afternoon: Engage in hands-on workshops at the Cultural Center of the Bahia Reconcavo, learning about dance, capoeira, and cuisine.
    Interact with local artists and gain insight into their creative processes.
  • Evening: Dinner in a local restaurant followed by a performance of traditional Bahian music.

Day 7(Friday, February 27th)

  • Morning: Guided tour of the historic Pelourinho district, known for its colorful colonial architecture.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Museum of Sacred Art, home to an extensive collection of religious artifacts.
  • Evening: Experience the lively Largo do Pelourinho with its street performers and local cuisine. Group jam session!

Day 8(Saturday, February 28th)

  • Morning: Gather for a farewell breakfast at the ICBIE center, where you can share memories and contact information. Bid farewell to Salvador De Bahia or extend your stay to explore Brazil on your own.

Tarciso Santos and Angela Velloso – Tarcisio will be one of your instructors during your stay in Bahia.

Gallery

PRICING

Workshop Participants

Prices include accommodations, all musical activities, group meals, and excursions.

Room TypeSingle Occupancy (USD)Double Occupancy (USD)
Single Room$2,300N/A
Double RoomN/A$1,800

Why Join Us?

This a one of a kind opportunity to fully immerse yourself into the birthplace of Afro Brazilian music, one of the most influential and singular musical traditions. Not only will you improve your musical skills but also gain a deeper understanding of Afro Brazilian culture, leaving Bahia with unforgettable memories and lifelong connections.

Your Host

Marco is involved in several projects, his main focus currently is in the capacity of co-owner and co-director of the New York Jazz Workshop. Founded by Marco Chelo and Marc Mommaas in December 2008. The New York Jazz Workshop is a community music school that offers high quality and affordable music classes as well as specialized outreach programs to various institutions and university. Marco was the owner of a large Italian Travel Agency for much of his life, he is responsible for organizing the New York Jazz Workshop annual trips to Tuscany and now to Salvador De Bahia in Brazil. Marco is also a saxophone player who regularly performs with bands from the African disapora.

During his career as travel agent Marco has organized trips for himself and his clients to many destination around the world including Africa ( Nigeria, Tanzania, Sudan, Burundi, Tunisia) and the Caribbean (Cuba, Jamaica, Antigua). His connection with Brazil is through his long time friend and musician Roy Zimmerman who is the honorary director of ICBIE, the institute that will host us in Ribeiro.

What You Can Expect

Included

  • Accommodation at ICBIE.
  • Daily breakfast, lunch, and select group dinners.
  • Music rehearsal and instruction with top jazz musicians.
  • Cultural excursions to iconic sites including temples, shrines, and cultural districts.
  • Local transport for all scheduled activities.

Not Included

  • Airfare to and from Brazil.
  • Optional activities not listed in the itinerary.
  • Personal expenses like shopping and extra meals.

Ready to Join?

Secure your spot today! Register Without Commitment for More Information and be part of an unparalleled jazz experience in one of the world’s most enchanting cities.

Register today

Topics and Prerequisites

Music and arts in Brazil

There are no prerequisites for this cultural trip to Brazil, musicians and singers will have opportunities to play and learn about Brazilian musical forms and rhythms. Everyone will enjoy performances, workshops and visits to many cultural landmarks of Salvador as well as enjoy food and sights and quite a bit of Tropicália.

We will accept a maximum of 10 participants to guarantee a safe and intimate experience.

Feel free to reach out to us at info@newyorkjazzworkshop.com or text/call: ‪(212) 287-5908‬. We’re here to help make Music and Arts in Brazil an experience of a lifetime.