reviews – Juliana Areias – The Bossa Nova Baby

Sunset Songs Returns to North Cottesloe – Free Every Friday this Summer
2 January – 27 March 2026 | 6–8pm | Beside Magic Apple

Award-winning Brazilian singer-songwriter Juliana Areias, known as The Bossa Nova Baby, is back with her much-loved Sunset Songs at North Cottesloe series. Every Friday evening from 2 January to 27 March 2026, locals and visitors are invited to enjoy free, intimate beachside performances set against Perth’s iconic sunsets.

After a two-summer hiatus, Juliana brings her smooth bossa nova and Brazilian jazz back to her favourite local beach, joined by WAAPA-trained acoustic-guitarists Joshua de Silva and Ridge Moss. A minimalist, family-friendly activity for the whole community, Sunset Songs invites audiences to bring a picnic, unwind and enjoy iconic West Coast sunsets set to gentle Brazilian rhythms.

Perth’s own Girl from Ipanema — or rather, our Girl from Cottesloe — brings her authentic, gentle bossa nova tunes back to the place she calls home. Juliana explains that the community spirit behind the series is what brings her back:“Every time I walk along the beach, someone asks when the Sunset Songs at North Cottesloe series will return. I’ve missed it too. Bossa nova was born at the beach, and the beach was my first stage as a singer in Brazil, and even my surname Areias means beach sands, so returning to sing here is always deeply meaningful to me, it feels like coming full circle. I’m grateful to the Town of Cottesloe and the NCSLSC for supporting the idea again – it’s truly a gift to share with the community. If I can keep singing close to the sea until I die, I’ll be happy.”

Recently seen at the Perth International Jazz Festival, Juliana has performed internationally at some of the world’s most renowned venues, including the Sydney Opera House, Montreux Jazz Festival (Switzerland), Ronnie Scott’s (London), The Green Room (New York), and Rio’s legendary Beco das Garrafas, where bossa nova was born.

Juliana’s love of music and performance stretches back to her teenage years in Brazil, when she was personally introduced to the founders of bossa nova by legendary Brazilian journalist and historian Ruy Castro, who gave her the nickname The Bossa Nova Baby. That early connection inspired her to pursue a professional career in music – one that has taken her across Europe, the USA, Japan, Singapore, Latin America, New Zealand and Australia.

Her acclaimed album Bossa Nova Baby won Best Brazilian Album at the US Focus Brazil Awards and reached the US Top 100 Jazz Charts. She is a five-time Western Australian Music Awards nominee, with ABC Radio National describing her as “the changing face of Australian music”, and The Australian praising her for “excelling in elegance.”

The Sunset Songs performances are entirely self-funded, with Juliana welcoming donations and sponsorship to help sustain the project. The series is designed to be inclusive and engaging: audiences are free to dance, walk along the sand, enjoy a meal or picnic, or simply stop for a moment and soak in the music.

Critics internationally have celebrated Juliana’s artistry:

“Rhythmically perfect and passionate vocal delivery… She excels in elegance.” — The Australian
“A wonderful Brazilian-Australian bossa nova baby with contemporary bossa nova songs.” — Key and Chords, Belgium
“It’s bossa that plays soccer with jazz — and scores.” — O GLOBO, Brazil
“Mixing styles and cultures is reflected in her life and music.” — Daily Record, USA

This summer, West Australians are invited to experience the magic of Sunset Songs at North Cottesloe — an enchanting mix of music, community and the golden beauty of Perth sunsets, created by a local artist for her home and the people who love it.

Enjoy previous Sunset Songs Photo album here.

For more information:
www.JulianaAreias.com

Sat 28 Feb 2026 – Juliana Areias – Muses & Divas of Brazil at The Ellington Jazz Club – BOOK NOW

Doors 6pm
Show 7pm

“The toast of the Perth Jazz Scene. The release of Bossa Nova Baby has elevated her above a mere covers singer or bossa specialist. Rhythmically perfect and vocally passionate” The Australian

Award-winning singer-songwriter Juliana Areias,The Bossa Nova Baby, brings her authentic Brazilian style to this festive concert – blending iconic and contemporary MPB female vocalists and composers with timeless bossa nova classics – in anticipation of International Women’s Day and Harmony Week celebrations.

Expect favourites by masters such as Jobim, Milton Nascimento, Joao Donato, Elis Regina, Gal Costa, Rita Lee, Marina Lima, Maria Gadu, Ceu, Luedji Luna, Chiquinha Gonzaga, Leny Andrade, Rosa Passos and many more.

Juliana Areias has performed on major stages around the world, including the Sydney Opera House, the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London, the Green Room in New York, and Rio’s legendary Beco das Garrafas – where bossa nova was born.

Her acclaimed original album Bossa Nova Baby won Best Brazilian Album at the US Focus Brazil Awards and reached the US Top 100 Jazz Charts. A five-time Western Australian Music Awards nominee, her music was considered “the changing face of Australian music” by ABC Radio National and praised as “excelling in elegance” by The Australian in its four-star review.

For this exclusive concert, Areias is excited to welcome award-winning guitarist Ridge Moss to share the stage with the beating heart of her dream band, joining Paul Millard (sax/flute), Bronton Ainsworth (drums), and Rafael Medeiros de Souza (percussion). Let’s sway and be spellbound by Juliana Areias and her Bossa Nova Baby Band!