Past Performers | Carnaval Brasileiro

Badi Assad

Badi Assad is one of the most innovative, passionate and talented artists of her generation. She fluently blends traditional Brazilian music with a mixture of pop, jazz and other sounds from around the world. As a result, this extraordinary singer, guitarist, and percussionist is creating an exhilarating genre of music that quite literally defies categorization. What makes Badi Assad so unique is her pursuit of experimentation: She combines an extraordinary guitar talent, unique mouth percussion, beautiful singing, and rhythmic body movement to create an exciting, fresh sound. Indeed, watching Badi perform is like witnessing a spiritual phenomenon. How she does what she does all at once, while still delivering an extraordinary performance, is quite unbelievable. As a singer, Badi is vibrant and electric, responding to her inner passion with deft creativity. As a guitarist, she has inspired audiences and critics worldwide with a unique combination of technical mastery and innovation that has caused many to re-examine their notions about the instrument. Through it all, Badi’s adventurous spirit and buoyant personality have become an integral part of her music. http://badiassad.com/en/

This will be Badi’s first appearance in Carnaval Brasileiro of the Twin Cities, and we are very fortunate and honored to have her in our event! For the afternoon matinee she will be doing a special children’s show based on her CD Cantos de Casa, with which she has already toured extensively throughout Brazil, but Minneapolis will be the first city to see this show in the United States!

Capoeira Floração

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian art that combines martial arts, dance, and culture, and provides an environment for people to develop themselves physically as well as mentally and emotionally. Capoeira Floração’s mission is to promote a unique and dynamic wellness experience found exclusively in the art of capoeira, through the development of a high-quality training academy, a professional performance group, and by bringing together students from all different ages and backgrounds. They seek to share their passion for wellness and embrace diversity. http://www.mncapoeira.org/

Drumheart

DrumHeart is an amateur performing group focused on developing musically in a caring, fun, supportive, respectful, and cooperative environment. They place a high value on each woman’s unique contribution to the ensemble. They play festival music with Brazilian, Caribbean, Jamaican, and African roots. http://www.womensdrumcenter.org/

Robert Everest & Beira Mar Brasil

Beira Mar Brasil is the most established Brazilian carnival band in Minnesota, with over 15 years of entertaining in the Twin Cities and beyond. Under the direction of bandleader Robert Everest, we have performed at venues like the Ordway Theatre, the Walker Art Center, and the Minnesota Zoo, and have been spearheading Carnaval Brasileiro of the Twin Cities for over 10 years.

Minneapolis-based singer/songwriter/guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Robert Everest has been joyfully exploring the music of the world for over 25 years. Performing an average of 150 shows a year–locally, nationally, and internationally–he has delighted audiences around the globe with his original compositions and his vast repertoire of acoustic world music. His fascination with foreign languages led him through a linguistics degree from the University of MN, which facilitated the development of the multiple languages he brings to his performances. He is particularly fascinated by the incredible variety of musical styles found within Brazil, and organizes and directs the most attended annual Brazilian event in the 5-state area, Carnaval Brasileiro of the Twin Cities. www.roberteverest.com https://www.facebook.com/beiramarbrasilband

Dandara Odara

Dandara’s singing career began in her home town, Salvador, Bahia, considered the soul and heartbeat of Brazil, where she was inspired by the richness and sensuous swing of Bahia’s rhythms. Her deep, spicy singing voice and her vibrant dance and performance style have led her to be called the Brazilian Tina Turner. No one can stand still during her performances! Dandara has traveled all over Brazil singing on top of “Trios Eletricos” during Carnaval and in concert halls from São Paulo to Rio. She was the featured vocalist for “Banda Relogio” with whom she recorded two cds. Dandara has shared the stage with the great names of Bahian Carnaval: Carlinhos Brown, Chiclete com Banana, Ivete Sangalo, Banda Eva, Ilê Aiyê and Olodum. She was invited by Claude Nabis, producer of the Montreaux Festival in Switzerland, to be part of the Brazilian Night in the festival. Along with Gilberto Gil and Jorge Ben Jor, Dandara had the crowd singing and dancing in the aisles throughout the evening. From Montreaux, they went to Paris, London, Lyon and Geneva. Dandaraodara.com

Batucada do Norte

Batucada do Norte is the Twin Cities’ own homegrown Brazilian percussion band, following the tradition of the great drum ensembles famously competing every year at Carnival throughout Brazil. Their name means “Drum Group of the North,” and they are a large community-based group directed by local musicians, brothers Tim and Pat O’Keefe. Founded in 2006, their exciting performances continue to thrill audiences in bars, clubs and festivals across Minnesota, and in annual events such as local Carnival celebrations, the May Day Parade, and the Minneapolis Mosaic Festival. http://batucadadonorte.org/