Arley e Sua Orchestra

 Recently, I went to a concert by my host grandfather's orchestra.  The music was older and classy, with a mix of songs, both Brazilian and American.  I felt my heart beat with excitement when they played "New York."  There were several older couples who also felt the beat in their hearts and got up to dance in front of the stage.  Some whirling around their partners, others stumbling, but everyone having a fantastic time.

 

My grandfather, playing the piano and conducting.  He always gets super excited when talking about music.  It is his passion.  We were at a restaurant one time and a friend of his was playing the piano.  He was offered a turn to play a song and accepted gratefully.  It was so easy to see as he closed his eyes and his fingers ran across the keys how much he truly loves music.  He stood there at the piano with all of us watching for several songs.  The restaurant was loud and the waiters were running around frantically getting their orders in, but he was already in another world.  It was so beautiful to see.  The same thing happened at the concert here.

 He has been playing music since he was a teenager and still hasn't grown tired.  

There was a fun exhibit about some of the artists there and the pictures above are taken from the book about my grandfather's orchestra.  They started as a bunch of teenagers and are still playing today.  I love this. 

My host uncle, my host mom's brother.  He also is part of the orchestra with his rich, full voice complementing my grandfather's piano.

And my lovely host parents.  No words can explain how incredible my family is.  I am so lucky to be a part of this family and have no doubts that even though I'll soon be leaving this country, I will always be a part of this family.