Josefina Méndez & Gabriel Santiago

Heather’s  is proud to present beloved local jazz vocalist Josefina Méndez and her very special guest, acclaimed Brazilian guitarist and composer Gabriel Santiago.

This unique collaboration promises a soulful, genre-blending performance rich in Latin rhythms, expressive vocals, and extraordinary musicianship—all set in the warm, intimate atmosphere of Heather’s.

Josefina Méndez: Argentina-Born, Roaring Fork Beloved

Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Josefina Méndez is known for her multilingual artistry and global jazz fusion style. Singing in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, she brings a signature blend of swing, samba, bossa nova, boleros, and tango to every performance. Her voice is both powerful and intimate—instantly captivating.

Josefina began her training at 15, studying operatic voice for four years before shifting into jazz under the guidance of Brazilian jazz singer Livia Barbosa. By 18, she had become the youngest singer to perform with La Orquesta Argentina de Jazz and began collaborating with prominent musicians in Argentina’s jazz scene.

After moving to Colorado in 2001, Josefina quickly found a new artistic home in the Roaring Fork Valley. She completed a certification in voice technique, ear training, and musicianship through the Berklee School of Music, released three albums (Todo Llega, Songs of Love and Longing, and Christmas Time is Here), and built a reputation as a magnetic performer and generous collaborator.

Her performances at Heather’s are always a treat—and often feature talented friends from around the globe. This August, she welcomes one of her most accomplished guests to date.

Gabriel Santiago: Brazilian Virtuoso

Gabriel Santiago is a highly accomplished guitarist, composer, and arranger from Brazil whose music bridges Brazilian traditions, jazz innovation, and classical sophistication. With 14 albums released—including CDs and DVDs—his compositions have earned acclaim from JazzTimes Magazine, which praised their captivating quality.

Gabriel studied with jazz legends Pat Metheny, Adam Rogers, and Maria Schneider, and has been honored with the ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Award. He holds a Doctorate in Music Composition from the University of Texas at Austin and now shares his knowledge as a faculty member at the University of Denver.

His diverse collaborations span some of the biggest names in contemporary music, including Chris Potter, Stefon Harris, John Clayton, and Janek Gwizdala. He also had the distinct honor of being the first artist to record with the inaugural microphone line designed by legendary audio engineer Rupert Neve.

Gabriel’s compositions and performances resonate across cultures and genres—from symphony halls to jazz clubs—always rooted in deep musical integrity and artistry.

Together, Josefina and Gabriel will create a one-of-a-kind musical experience—elegant, dynamic, and rich with emotion. This is a rare opportunity to see two international artists share the stage in an intimate mountain setting.

Wednesday, July 23, 2025
 7:00 – 10:00 PM

 Friday, August 16, 2025
 7:00 – 10:00 PM

Seating is limited—early reservations are strongly recommended for this unforgettable evening of global jazz at its finest. Call 970-429-8644 to reserve your table