Southeastern New England has an abundance of Portuguese culture, from culinary delicacies to the musical styles of fado and pimba.
The International Portuguese Music Awards will celebrate outstanding achievements by artists of Portuguese ancestry at its 10th anniversary show, which makes its Providence debut April 23 at the Providence Performing Arts Center.
Actress Daniela Ruah, who is best known for starring in CBS’ “NCIS: Los Angeles,” and Ricardo Farias, host of the late-night talk show “De Cá P’ra Lá” on RTP Açores, will co-host the event.
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Thirteen awards will be up for grabs in categories that include rock, rap and fado. French multi-instrumentalist Cordeone leads the field of nominees with three: Best World Music Performance, for the song “Vamos Ser Felizes”; and both Best Fado Performance and Song Of The Year, for “Bem Estar Interdito.”
While most identified with the accordion, Cordeone also plays piano, classical guitar, Portuguese guitar, drums, bass and Brazilian percussion instruments. During his career, he’s collaborated with the likes of Jah Mason, Turbulence, Big Joe Turner, Michael Pipoquinha, Mario Canonge and Samson Schmidt.
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Other categories include Music Video Of The Year, Best Instrumental Performance, Best Traditional Performance, Best Dance Performance, Best Rap/Hip-Hop Performance, Best Rock Performance and Best “Musica Popular” Performance. While each act has Portuguese roots, nominees hail from nine countries: Canada, Switzerland, Brazil, Cape Verde, Spain, France, Malaysia, the United States and, of course, Portugal.
One standout category is Best New Talent, which is between two nominees: Boston’s Giuliana Amaral and K45, from Stoughton, Massachusetts. Both nominees will perform live, with the panel of judges scattered in the audience. The winner, who will be announced later in the show, will receive a $2,000 cash prize and studio time with the Toronto-based boutique arts and entertainment company MDC Music.
“Our label and management company develops young new artists to help them realize their dreams,” Manuel Da Costa, president of MDC Media Group, said in a press release. “Helping this year’s winner along in their musical journey is something we are very proud to be a part of, and we can’t wait to see this year’s up and coming talent.”
In addition to Amaral and K45, soul artist Aurea, “Musica Popular” legend Jorge Ferreira, multi-platinum recording artist Paulo Gonzo, pop duo Calema and Portuguese rock icons Xutos e Pontapés and Delfins will perform.
A sold-out afterparty will follow the awards show at 10 p.m. in the Providence Performing Arts Center’s grand lobby. DJ Melo Musik will be spinning music all night long to celebrate the winners and everyone involved in the ceremony.
If you go …
What: International Portuguese Music Awards
When: April 23, 7 p.m.
Where: Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St., Providence
Tickets: $43-$254
Info: ipmaawards.com., (401) 421-2787
