Brazilian jazz will fill cathedral

The setting will be English gothic, but the music will be pure Brazilian samba.

“Samba in the Cathedral,” a fundraiser for the Interfaith Hospitality Network of Spokane, starts tonight at 7 at St. John’s Cathedral, 12th Avenue and Grand Boulevard.

It’s the latest in an occasional series of concerts at the cathedral, featuring music ranging from jazz to rock to country, to benefit local charities.

During the last “Samba in the Cathedral” fundraiser four years ago, a samba line snaked through the aisles, according to organizer Richard Relyea.

The music will again come from Spokane’s own Desafinado, a nine-piece band led by saxophonist Gary Edighoffer.

Desafinado is steeped in the traditions of Brazilian jazz, samba, bossa nova and other styles made famous by Antonio Carlos Jobim, Stan Getz and Sergio Mendez.

You’ll hear tunes such as “One Note Samba,” “Black Orpheus” and “Morning of the Carnival.”

It’s all for an important cause. The Interfaith Hospitality Network is a multidenominational alliance of religious organizations, created in 1997 to provide shelter, meals, assistance and compassion to families in need. About 30 congregations participate in the program, providing lodging and meals on a rotating basis.

General admission tickets are $10, available at the door, by calling (509) 838-4277 or through TicketsWest outlets (509-325-SEAT, 800-325-SEAT, www.ticketswest.com).

A portion of the costs is underwritten by American West Bank and Avista.