A Brazilian-born musician built his ideal Iowa life around creativity, cycling and camping
Whether playing piano during Sunday church service or performing with his jazz trio at a Fort Dodge winery, Gabriel Alves finds joy pursuing his purpose in Iowa.
“I wanted a job that I could do everything I love, not just one style of music,” the Brazilian-born musician said. “Here, I get to do everything. I have a lot of freedom and flexibility to use my creativity.”
He stays inspired as Director of Music Ministry at First Presbyterian Church Fort Dodge, the very same community that first welcomed him as an international student in 2007.
A teacher’s connection with Iowa Central Community College first brought Gabriel to the Midwest from Recife, one of South America’s most sprawling urban centers. Iowa was nothing like the noise-filled “concrete jungle” Gabriel grew up in, and surprisingly unlike the American cities he saw in movies.
“I enjoyed the peaceful landscape,” Gabriel said. “Life was way slower than where I lived before. I felt really welcomed. I felt really loved. Maybe one or two months in, I was already feeling like I wanted to be here for the rest of my life. I felt more at home in Iowa than I felt when I was back in Brazil.”
Making Iowa Home
Gabriel jumped at the opportunity to continue his studies in the United States, later transferring to Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Iowa, where he earned a degree in piano performance and met his wife, Mary. After finishing a Master of Music degree with an emphasis in Jazz Studies from Northern Illinois University, Gabriel traveled to over 30 countries as the piano chair for the Celebrity Cruises Orchestra.
Career moves briefly took the couple to Colorado, but when First Presbyterian Church Fort Dodge called about an open role, Gabriel couldn’t resist the chance to return. Eventually, Mary also joined the staff in a marketing and production role.
It didn’t take long for the couple to be re-immersed in the community and begin welcoming others. When Lead Pastor Paul Masters moved to town, he realized that in addition to working alongside the Alves family, they’re also neighbors on the same block.
“Gabriel lives with a general attitude of celebration,” Paul said. “He’s a wonderfully welcoming guy. He’s genuinely grateful for the life he has and displays that through a very infectious kind of enthusiasm.”
Making Music in Iowa
Pastor Paul isn’t just a colleague and neighbor. He’s a fan who appreciates the talent Gabriel shares with the community, at church and in jazz groups. Gabriel sometimes performs with Isac Jamba, a Brazilian-born drumming sensation who also recently moved to Iowa with his family.
“You listen to classical, you sing along to country, but you experience Jazz,” Paul said. “Jazz kind of grabs you by the throat and shakes you around. Says, ‘Listen to me. Let me take you for a ride.’ That’s what Gabriel does during special performances.”
The Alves family also makes a mark at Soldier Creek Winery, where Mary holds a part-time job and Gabriel plays special shows. Megan Secor, the winery’s marketing coordinator, considers the couple close friends.
“Gabriel is definitely a unique talent,” Megan said. “He’s perfect for our New Year’s event, but because he stays busy, hosting him for special occasions is not always easy. Fort Dodge does have a large music scene, with places like The Laramar Ballroom and local bars and breweries hosting live shows.”
Making Camp in Iowa
Beyond piano, plenty of hobbies and side projects enrich Gabriel’s active lifestyle. He’s passionate about the cycling scene, exploring Fort Dodge’s trail system and beyond. The couple converted a minivan into a camper for quick trips to ride the Twin Lakes Trail and other recreation areas.
“We camp all summer and make trips into a cycling adventure,” Gabriel says. “We love Lake View; it’s connected with the north-to-south Sauk Rail Trail. I always like to call my parents when we are camping somewhere like Kennedy Memorial Park to show the lake and beautiful, colorful trees.”
During the Church’s busy winter season of preparing holiday programs, the couple tries to sneak in skiing at Seven Oaks Recreation in Boone. Iowa’s slopes are proof that not everywhere in the state is flat, something Gabriel shares through his drone videography. He picked up the hobby to share his adopted hometown with friends and family back in Brazil.
“I started getting videos of parks, historic buildings and beautiful landscapes,” Gabriel said. “I really enjoy the season changes.”
Whenever they travel outside the state, Gabriel and Mary miss the friendliness found in Iowa.
“The smiles, the ‘good mornings,’ the conversations that you have with strangers; you don’t see that in a place where people are rushing around, stressed, and on their phones,” Gabriel said. “My wife and I have been to places like that. The warmth of the community is one of the things that I love about living here.”
