Under the guidance of artist/educators such as: Santi Debriano, Marcelle Gauvin, John Harrison III, Tim Harbold, royal hartigan, Semenya McCord and Andy McWain, she was active in several ensembles, including the UMASS Dartmouth Gospel Choir, the UMASS Dartmouth Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Creative Arts Jazz Ensemble, and the Kekeli African Drum and Dance Ensemble. Her final senior recital entitled “Sum of Me” represented all of her musical influences from gospel, jazz/blues, and Cape Verdean cultural roots, and included several original compositions. Candida had the honor of singing the U.S. National Anthem during UMASS Dartmouth’s 2005 graduation ceremony from which she graduated. In addition, as a representative of UMASS Dartmouth, Candida was chosen to sing with the world renowned Boston Symphony Orchestra during “UMASS Night at the Pops” 2007.  She has added to her jazz vocal education endeavors by participating in workshops such as “JAZZ IN JULY” at UMASS Amherst under the instruction of world-renowned jazz vocal artist Sheila Jordan.

Candida Rose has performed with many masterful local, national, and internationally known musicians from both the jazz and world music arenas including:  Rick Britto, Armsted Christian, royal hartigan, Tim Ingles, the late Herb King, John Kordalewski, Bill Lowe, Shawnn Monteiro, Bill Pierce, Manny Santos, Jackie Santos, Stan Strickland, Frank Wilkins, to name a few.   Not to mention a very special performance with 6-time “Grammy Award” Nominee, Kurt Elling.  She has opened and performed for renowned world music vocalist Maria DeBarros. In addition, her gospel credits include solo performances with the National Center of Afro-American Artists’ production of Langston Hughes’ “Black Nativity”.  She has also been a member of New England Conservatory’s “Millennium Choir.  Her international credits include recent performances at two major festivals in Cape Verde; one as back-up vocalist at the Festival di Santa Maria on the Island of Sal with Perry Lee “Tiny” Tavares of the famed “Grammy Award” winning group “Tavares”, and a guest solo performance at the Festival di Gamboa in Praia on the Island of Santiago with Cape Verdean sensations ZeRui DePina and To’ Alves.  As a solo performer, she was recently an opening act for the “Tavares” at the Zeiterion Theatre in New Bedford, and along with her “KabuJazz” ensemble, she was the headline act for the 2007 Onset Cape Verdean Festival.  She is also a judge and guest performer for the “New Bedford Idol” vocal competitions, since 2009.

Candida’s current side endeavors include appearances with the vocal group Vintage Soul, which travels the New England area performing jazz, Motown/Soul, and R&B hits from the 30’s and 40’s to present, including performances at the Newport Grand Slots, in Newport, RI,  Camille’s Restaurant in Providence, RI and Candleworks Restaurant in New Bedford, MA.   She is also a featured vocalist with MSQ (Manny Santos Quartet), a jazz group made up of various musicians from the Boston area.  WWW.CANDIDAROSE.NET