Coming up Rosy

Although she has a degree in literature from a university in her native Rio de Janeiro, local singer-songwriter Rose Max always had music in her genes. "My great-grandfather was a classical composer and conductor, and my grandfather was part of the samba scene in Rio in the Thirties," she says.

Max started out singing in amateur bands during high school, and soon after, she was working professionally in Copacabana nightclubs while pursuing an academic career during the day. "My literary studies have been very helpful because I write the lyrics to my original songs," she explains. In late 1993, she came to South Florida for what was to be a monthlong engagement, but decided to stay permanently because of the response to her music. She and husband (and fellow musician) Ramatis Moraes applied for permanent residence as artists, and have since been constantly playing.

During her various concerts in South Florida, Max always blends original music with well-known Brazilian favorites, but for her show this Tuesday at the Van Dyke, the set will be dedicated to the 50th anniversary of bossa nova. "Bossa nova is not just an era's movement," Max says. "It is a rhythmical musical concept that is in constant reinvention." For this intimate tribute, Max, Moraes, Van Dyke musical director Randy Singer, and several guests will perform classics such as "No More Blues," "The Girl from Ipanema," and "Meditation" from both nostalgic and modern points of view — the perfect setting for cuddling up with a special someone and a glass of wine.