Riccardo Crespo is a South Brazilian musician, singer and songwriter who plays both acoustic guitar and harmonica. He performs with his group Sol Brasil and also appears often as a solo artist. Before coming to New Orleans in 1999, Riccardo enjoyed a highly successful career in Brazil. He has performed extensively throughout Europe and returns to his homeland annually for inspiration and to enrich his musical soul. Riccardo Crespo has released two compact discs. The first independent CD, Riccardo Crespo, was released in Brasil in 1995 to great musical acclaim. Crespo"s second CD Do Rio Camaqua ao Rio Mississippi, from the Camaqua River to the Mississippi River, was recorded in New Orleans and released in 2000. This recording continues to be in great demand both domestic and internationally. Riccardo third New CD entitle Milonga di NOLA, Milonga of New Orleans has just arrived. Riccardo"s original compositions are a gentle mix of MPB or Musica Popular Brasileira and contain elements of Folk, Bossa Nova and Latin Music. The result is a beautiful blend of World Music, that is both distinctive and passionate. Riccardo was a featured artist at the 2001, 2003 and 2008 at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. For the past seven years, he has performed with his ensemble Sol Brasil in the annual New Orleans French Quarter Festival. Singing in Portuguese, Riccardo knows how to connect intensively with his audience. He enjoys performing his own musical compositions as well as popular Brazilian music by Tom Jobim, Joao Gilberto and others. The music of Riccardo Crespo & Sol Brasil has left a musical imprint on the city of New Orleans, and the city of New Orleans remains dear to Riccardo"s heart. Now more than ever, audiences can appreciate the essence of Brazil through the magic of Riccardo"s music performed in traditional Brazilian style.