Off the heels of Carnival in Brazil, D.C. kicks off  the first Afro-Brazilian Arts & Cultural Heritage Festival .  This is a week-long event from June 6 to 12 celebrating the vibrant Afro-Brazilian cultural heritage. The event features Capoeira, Samba, Samba Reggae, Maculele, Maracatu, Brazilian Fire Dance, African-American, and West African dance and music performances and workshops.

June 6-12

Through DC

Click here for the schedule

In honor of AfroBrazilFest, check out Brazilian artist Seu Jorge, a favorite artist of mine.  He played Knock Out Ned in one of my top ten fav films, Cidade de Deus(City of God).   Here is his song Tive Razao (I Was Right) from his album Cru.  Bill Murray has a cameo in the video.  Jorge also acted with Murray in the film, The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou.  Not in my top ten, but another fav of mine. 🙂

Also, check  out this wonderful video of Carnival in Brazil. The year-long preparations for carnival culminate into a wild four-day celebration leading up to Ash Wednesday. Samba is the soundtrack, but axé, funk carioca and pagode can also play a big part.  There are carnival celebrations in every corner of the country, but this video highlights from Rio de Janeiro.

Have a great week! 🙂