Moises Borges & Ava Preston

When Ava Preston and Moises Borges are on stage together you are transported to another place and time. Instantly, you are warmed by tropical breezes and seaside memories.  They weave a rich tapestry of velvet and haze, of sweetness and lost love. Ava and Moises’ voices alternate, balance and blend smoothly taking us on the scenic route of this South American musical journey.  These forever classic Brazilian tunes, and Moises’ seemingly timeless originals, tap into a feeling so many of us long for, a musical vacation, rejuvenation, relaxation, entertainment, enjoyment, fun, nostalgia.  Their performances are powerful and delicate, from intimate vocal and guitar duo engagements to groovy, energetic and danceable ensembles with the addition of percussion, sax, bass and piano.

Moises Borges
Based in Cleveland, Ohio for over two decades, Moises Borges is a gifted guitarist and vocalist born in Bahia, Brazil, He grew up experimenting with rhythms such as Bolero, Baião, Xote, Afoxé, Frevo, Forró, especially Samba and Bossa Nova which are basic to his performances, his soothing voice and charm make for a wonderful evening of entertainment for all lovers of Brazilian Jazz.

Performing either solo or with his band, Borges is a wonderful storyteller, and a vivid, funny performer who plays mostly in the Samba and Bossa Nova traditions, interpreting his original songs and soulfully delivering classics by Jobim, Gilberto, Bosco and many others. "Far away from his native Brazil, the music of his homeland is very much alive when he is on stage."

Ava Preston
Ava is a vocalist and songwriter who enjoys writing and performing jazz, blues, pop/rock and indie songs as a solo artist and as a featured guest with various combos and bands throughout the Cleveland and Akron area.

Ava is a 2023 YoungArts Finalist and Silver Award Winner for Jazz Voice and is an 11x Downbeat SMA winner, 6x for Vocal Jazz Soloist and 5x for Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist. She performed at the 2023 Monterey Jazz Festival as the vocalist for the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra.