B2wins take final Iowa bow before moving to Brazil
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Photo: Courtesy of B2wins
After 20 years of performances in Iowa, twin violinists Wagner and Walter Caldas — also known as the B2wins — are moving back to Brazil following a farewell concert this week at Jasper Winery.
How it started: Wagner and Walter Caldas grew up in the "slums" of Rio de Janeiro, where their father built their first violins and their mother encouraged them to pursue music over manual labor.
- They spent years practicing and became known for playing classical music. The brothers gained some notoriety and the attention of an NPR reporter who visited their home during a time of danger and violence, Wagner said.
- World Food Prize officials listened to the interview, which led to an invitation to play at the state Capitol. Afterward, former UNI president Ben Allen offered them full-ride music scholarships to the university.
- They went to school in Cedar Falls, where they learned English and started their band, the "Brazilian 2wins."
State of play: Since then, they moved to Des Moines, and their performances grew — first during the early morning at the Downtown Des Moines Farmers' Market and then to performances around the country.
Zoom in: In a goodbye video, the B2wins joked they were leaving because of the "political climate"— but clarified their parents are aging and they want to perform in Brazil.
What they're saying: Wagner says Iowa gave them a big sense of community, and he hopes others enjoyed their performances.
- "I hope that they saw us for what we are," Wagner says. "We're just two guys in this beautiful journey of life, and using music as a platform to help other people put a smile on their faces."
If you go: B2wins' free farewell performance at Jasper Winery is 5-9pm Thursday.