Drummer and Rio de Janeiro native Vanderlei Pereira is one of the most sought-after musicians on the contemporary Brazilian jazz scene. Combining a prodigious knowledge of Brazilian rhythms with dazzling technique and a distinctive touch, Vanderlei has captivated audiences around the world with his unique and electrifying performances. In addition to leading his own acclaimed Brazilian jazz sextet, Blindfold Test, he has appeared with numerous outstanding artists and ensembles, including Toots Thielemans, Airto Moreira and Flora Purim, Leny Andrade, Paul Winter, Emilio Santiago, Rosa Passos, Tito Puente, Arturo O’Farrill’s Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, Claudio Roditi, Romero Lubambo, Bebel Gilberto, Sivuca, Antonio Adolfo, Dom Salvador, Guilherme Arantes, Beth Carvalho, Jamelão and Rio de Janeiro’s Orquestra Sinfônica Brasileira, among many others. A respected educator, Vanderlei is an adjunct faculty member at the City College of New York (CUNY) and the New School, and has taught master classes at several other universities and music conservatories.