Exotic and ethereal, Brazilian singer Raquel Ramos epitomizes the romance of Bossa and Samba music. Singing in her native Portuguese, swaying to the rhythms of Brazil, Raquel casts a Latin spell over all who come into ear and eyeshot.

"It's wonderful to connect with the audience," says Raquel. "And it's a way to take people with me on a trip to Brazil! Through music I can show people the Brazil I have in my heart. I grew up listening to all kinds of Brazilian music, which is very much about poetry, about how the words, melody and rhythm work together. Music is a language by itself, one that can be understood by all."

Raquel began formal studies on guitar as a small child, and formed her first band, "Trio Três," at the tender age of eight. At 18 she began studying the viola, joining youth symphonic and chamber music orchestras, and performing in many prestigious venues in Sao Paulo. But the rhythms of popular Brazilian music were in her blood. In 1996 Raquel laid her viola aside and moved to New York, where she studied voice and pursued a Master of Fine Arts degree.

As co-founder of the San Francisco Bay Area band Nossa Bossa, Raquel applies her luxurious vocal style to some of the best and most famous songs of the Brazilian repertoire. "I want people to learn about and to fall in love with Brazil and with Brazilian music," says Raquel. "I want people to loosen up, dance, smile and feel good." In addition to be the lead vocalist of Nossa Bossa, Raquel also sings in many venues around the bay area accompanied by the amazing brazilian guitar player Carlos Oliveira. Their group is called Rio Brasil.

"Many Americans don't realize that there are many different types of Samba, like Samba de Partido Alto, Samba de Breque, and Samba Canção. There are so many different moods that go by the name Samba, ranging from sad and slow, to happy and danceable, from deep to light. Nossa Bossa also plays tunes with a Northeast flavor, including Baiãos and Xotes, which are mostly dancing tunes."

In addition to music, the multi-talented Raquel is an award-winning author and illustrator of 16 children's books and has also brought home six international awards for her animated short film, "The Tapir." She is currently at work on a series of 10 children's books, planned for publication in Brazil.