On Fridays, “Step into the Spotlight,” sponsored by Viking Cruises, brings to center stage some of those amazing voices that are usually seen (and heard) in the background. Check out the extraordinary lineup of back-up singers or backgrounds vocalists who “step into the spotlight” at the Festival of Arts.

Accomplished studio musician and renowned singer/songwriter/guitarist/vocalist, Kleber Jorge, has been captivating audiences for over two decades. Kleber Jorge, who tours with Sergio Mendes and others, hails from a family rich in musical tradition. His father, a bass player and music instructor was a major influence in Kleber’s musical education in their native Brazil. Kleber studied classical guitar, cello and voice as well as music theory and harmony at the Escola de Musica UFRDJ (Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro). Prior to moving to Los Angeles, he performed in Rio’s hottest night clubs. His debut solo CD Voltar Pro Rio (Back to Rio) produced by Dori Caymmi for Sonic Images is a favorite of Brazilian jazz fans throughout the world. His vocals are described as masterful, soulful and capturing the essence of Brazilian emotion.

In addition to touring with Mendes, Kleber is frequently invited to collaborate with many musicians both in America and Brazil. He has recorded and toured with Boney James, Sadao Watanabe, Jane Monheit, Diogo Nogueira, Kevyn Lettau, Chris Bennett, Rita Lee, Fabiana Passoni, Lisa Ono, Leny Andrade and others.

An experienced studio musician, Kleber Jorge recorded the soundtrack for the 2011 Oscar nominated hit movie Rio, and Rio 2 which opens in April of 2014 as well as 1997’s 4 Days in September.

Influenced by other musicians looking to develop his musical skills, Kleber Jorge studied guitar with Ted Greene and arranging with Master Moacir Santos. Kleber formed his own group, Brazilliant, with whom he has performed throughout California since the late 1980s.

Kleber experienced his first break when he was invited to record and tour with the well-known bassist John Patitucci for the album Mistura Fina (A Fine Blend). Immediately after that in 1996, he was discovered by musician and music producer, Sergio Mendes, and has toured with him ever since.