Jazz lovers unite for a night at the cinema with WMPG’s screening of Cesaria Evora: La Diva Aux Pieds Nus
By Dahlia Wechsler | Contributor
Hosted by the Portland Conservatory of Music in the city’s historic west-end neighborhood, WMPG reintroduced its Jazz at the Movies screenings.
Featuring guest speaker, Kalu Monteiro, the night consisted of a screening of Cesaria Evora: La Diva Aux Pieds Nus. The intimate documentary film told the story of famous Cape Verdean jazz singer, Cesaria Evora, following her rise to stardom in the mid-’90s.
Kicking the night off, Evora’s former band member, Kalu Monteiro spoke to Evora’s eccentric ways, telling stories of his time on tour with the iconic jazz diva.
“She had this mystique about her,” Monteiro tells.
The film follows Evora from humble beginnings, showing her hometown of Mindelo, Cabo Verde. Taking a deep dive into the roots of the singer, the audience heard heart-warming, nostalgic stories of Evora and where her charming quirks originated, most notably, where she got her reputation as the “Barefoot Diva”.
Evora is commemorated as an influential feminist figure in her journey from poverty to an internationally adored Queen of Jazz.
To catch the next WMPG: Jazz at the Movies, be informed of upcoming events on their Instagram, @wmpgfm
