POTSDAM — Jazz guitarist Paul Meyers will give a workshop on Brazilian rhythms for guitar on Saturday, Aug. 3 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the Saint Lawrence Arts Council at the Creative Spirit Community Arts Center, 6-8 Raymond St.

In these 2 hours Meyers gives students handouts for the rhythmic patterns and for several tunes, starting with the great Bossa Nova patterns, which apply to so many songs from Brazil but can also be easily used with American standards. The class go over the chords for the classic Girl from Ipanema.  

Then students will move on to the rhythm that is really the heartbeat of Brazil, samba. They will cover a few of the most common patterns and look at the song One Note Samba, and look at the great syncopation in the melody.

Meyers will also give the students a peak at a few other rhythms from Brazil (and Latin America) that are wonderful and can work great on the guitar. These rhythms are very close to many pop/rock and funk rhythms used in the states.  

Students are advised to bring their guitar, a tuner and a notebook and pen for notes.

Cost to attend is $30.

Visit https://slc-arts-council.myshopify.com/products/brazilian-jazz-workshop-with-paul-meyers to sign up.