Connected to the Tropicália movement during the Brazilian dictatorship in the late 1960s, Os Mutantes is among the most influential Brazilian rock bands of all times. Currently doing a 2023 U.S. Tour, they will be stopping in Pennsylvania this Saturday to perform at Ardmore Music Hall. 

A mix of influences from different artists and genres of music that include The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix, as well as Brazilian samba and bossa nova; Os Mutantes gained popularity among contemporary bands across the United States and Europe. Their songs have been covered by many distinguished artists — Beck paid tribute to the group with his single "Tropicália"and The Bees covered "A Minha Menina" on their first album.

Sérgio Dias, one of the original members of the band created in 1966, reflects on the barriers that have been broken throughout the decades. From language and race to governments, a few years ago non-English speaking concerts wouldn’t be well attended like today.  

“It's amazing to think of Os Mutantes playing in Portuguese in America now,” he said. “Around the 1980s, there was nothing like this.” 

Dia’s favorite part of the tour so far has been the solos at the end of “Panis Et Cincerses”. With high expectations for the concerts, he said the public’s response has been the best and that’s the reason why he plays. 

“We are going to leave everybody with a smile on their faces,” Dias said about the performance in Philadelphia.  

On Saturday, doors will open at 7:15pm for general admission, and the show starts at 8pm. To get tickets and learn more, click here.