Few jazz musicians have had the opportunity to perform and remain a mainstay for over five decades on the vibrant New York music scene. The Brazilian drummer Portinho is one of them. If you have listened to and love artists such as Astrud Gilberto, Leny Andrade, Gato Barbieri, Tania Maria, Harry Belafonte, Dom Salvador, Airto Moreira, Michel Camilo, and Paquito D’Rivera, then most likely you will have heard Portinho at some point. 

Until recently he was regularly playing gigs in New York and occasionally even touring internationally. Sadly, since the beginning of the year the health of Portinho, now 87 years old, began to deteriorate rapidly, culminating in a critical state of anemia that led to an emergency hospitalization on February 15th, 2025. After several blood transfusions and seven weeks of hospital care, this resilient man wants to swing again and has returned home in better physical condition, although still very vulnerable and with some cognitive impairment. Now is the time for those of us who have offered our encouragement and affection to show a bit of generosity, both to aid in his continued recovery and to hopefully see him return to the stage.

Currently we are following the recommendation by the hospital to request caregivers who can look after his well-being at home on a regular basis. As some of you may know, this process can take a while, possibly months, to be approved (if at all).

However, we cannot wait that long to offer him assistance. We need to act immediately. The purpose of this campaign, therefore, is to help fund the following services necessary for our friend:

As many of his friends know, Portinho doesn't like to ask for help even in situations of life or death. However, he loves life; he loves his friends, and he knows how to receive the love they offer him as well as to give it back in many ways, especially through his music. 

I am a close friend, colleague, and also his health care proxy.

Please contact me if you have any further questions.