Like so many great musical acts, Brazilian vocal group Ordinarius resist classification. But if there is a common thread running through their catalog, it is that they seek to put a distinctly Brazilian spin on everything they touch. Using mostly the human voice, the sextet has interpreted North American pop and instrumental choro music from its own country. Most recently they turned their attention to one of their homeland’s best-known cultural exports—Carmen Miranda. For Ordinarius, it’s all about sharing. “We are very proud of this music and this culture,” says group member Maíra Martins.

Ordinarius
Thu, 8pm, $30+
Oshman JCC, Palo Alto

Traditionally, mariachi as a musical form comes from a specific place. It is played on specific instruments, and its practitioners often limit performances to specific spaces within a specific region. New York-based Mariachi Flor de Toloache maintain a rotating ensemble of all women performers—all from highly diverse backgrounds—and infuse their western Mexican arrangements with elements of rock, jazz and hip-hop. They are just as comfortable performing at a local cultural center as they are playing with Black Keys frontman Dan Auerbach at the Bowery Ballroom. As such, they are connecting with audiences in a manner that straightforward mariachi acts couldn’t hope to match.

Mariachi Flor de Toloache
Oct 27, 8pm, $35
Oshman JCC, Palo Alto

Texas-born fiddler Phoebe Hunt grew up the child of disciples of Indian yoga master Swami Satchidananda, which means Hunt’s music carries a chime of Eastern incantation to go along with its distinctly Americana instrumentation. Hunt first emerged as part of the popular Austin band The Belleville Outfit. Now, she’s embarking on a tour with her new band The Gatherers in support of a haunting new album of sweet mountain ballads—Shanti’s Shadow, which grew out of an extended visit to India to study at the knee of the great Indian classical violinist Kala Ramnath.

Phoebe Hunt & the Gatherers
Thu, 8pm, $35
Oshman JCC, Palo Alto