Having said this, I’ll stand by my assertion: Joao Gilberto’s actions have been pretty consistent through his career – both the good and bad of it. And this is not news to concert promoters, worldwide. Perhaps that’s why other major US cities ‘passed’ on him this time.

But there no denying Joao Gilberto’s pivotal role in the shaping of Bossa Nova, and his place in history is secure regardless of his actions. Talent such as his is rare, and like it or not, making the decision you made to travel at great expense serves to remind us again that when it comes right down to it, the opportunity to see a legend like Gilberto (or Jobim, or Ellington, – Charlie Parker who was at least equally notorious) perform is ultimately more about the musician and less about us.