Three-time Latin Grammy nominee Jovino Santos Neto will join Brazilian jazz sextet O Som Do Jazz for a concert of original works by Jovino that fuse jazz, Northeastern Brazilian styles and classic Brazilian Bossa Nova and MPB.

Neto, a master pianist, flautist and composer, was born in Rio de Janeiro, and his career has been closely associated with beloved Brazilian musician Hermeto Pascoal after traveling with Pascoal’s band from 1977 to 1992. In 1993, Neto relocated to Seattle, where he teaches piano and composition at Cornich College of the Arts. He has also toured with Sergio Mendes, Airto Moreira and Flora Purim’s group, Fourth World. He leads his own Seattle-based Quinteto, and he still travels the world as a piano soloist with symphonies, bands and collaborations with other artists. He has recorded many CDs, including three that were nominated for Latin Grammys, Canto do Rio(2004), Roda Carioca(2006) and piano duet with Weber Iago, Live at Caramoor(2009).

According to his website, jovisan.net, Neto’s style blends “energetic grooves, deep harmonies, telepathic improvisation, lyrical melodies and great ensemble playing, always inspired and informed by the colorful richness of Brazilian music.”

O Som Do Jazz is based in St. Petersburg, Fla., and features SPC music faculty members Dr. David Manson on trombone, Austin Vickery on saxophone and Mark Feinman on drums, along with  Rio de Janeiro singer Andrea Moraes Manson and Bill Pullicere on bass.

On Saturday, May 21 at 4 p.m., Neto will give a free workshop on Brazilian Jazz, sponsored by EMIT and the F.E. Likes Foundation, where he will perform and discuss various styles and rhythms found in modern Brazilian music.

The event promises to be packed with smooth Brazilian sounds. Admission for the May 22 concert is $15 and tickets are only available at the door. The SPC Music Center is located at 6605 Fifth Ave. North in St. Petersburg.