Monday, December 21, 12 PM 

Miami-born and San Diego-based, vocalist Amanda Portela brings her captivating multi-genre fluency to the Athenaeum for an unforgettable afternoon of music. Drawing deeply from her Portuguese and Colombian heritage, Portela masterfully blends classic jazz standards with boleros, bossa nova, cumbia, and pop earning a stellar reputation for her sultry, deep tone and fluid, multilingual phrasing. 

For this intimate performance, she shares the stage with virtuoso Latin jazz pianist, arranger, and composer Irving Flores. Backed by Irving Flores’ acclaimed four-decade career, Portela’s sultry croon bridges timeless jazz sophistication with the raw passion of a romantic repertoire. 

Flores has performed with Bill Watrous, Charles McPherson, Abraham Laboriel, Poncho Sanchez, Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Alex Acuna, Akira Jimbo, Rene Camacho, Cuba’s “El Negro” Hernandez, Gilbert Castellanos, Peter Sprague. Currently, Flores is living and working in San Diego and has celebrated the release of his album, American Influence.

The Athenaeum’s Mini-Concerts offer a weekly opportunity to experience live music in the intimate setting of the Joan & Irwin Jacobs Music Room. Presented every Monday at noon, the series features a diverse range of performers, from local and touring musicians to university faculty, chamber ensembles, and prize-winning students. Programs span classical music as well as jazz, folk, and world music.

Founded by Glenna Hazleton in 1970, Mini-Concerts is one of the Athenaeum’s longest-running concert series. Each performance lasts approximately one hour and is free and open to the public. No reservations or tickets are required. Seating is first-come, first-served and limited.

Doors open at 11:40 a.m. and close for entry at 12:10 p.m. or when capacity is reached. Donations are welcome.