Imperatriz Leopoldinense, Rio de Janeiro samba school, champion for three consecutive years.

Kátia Moraes & Sambaguru performs a wide range of styles with exuberance and whimsy". - Don Heckman (Los Angeles Times/ December 2001).

Moraes Moreira, a 30-year veteran of music making, performs as a special guest. Moraes not only introduced lyrics to trio elétrico music, but is also a major influence on all Bahian musicians. Brazil’s Carnaval of 2000 commemorated 50 years of the existence of the trio elétrico and Moraes was honored for his contribution to the movement. His most recent release, 500 Sambas, under Abril Music celebrates 500 years of Brazil’s discovery as well as the golden anniversary of trio elétrico.

Olodum, Afro-Brazilian creators of samba-reggae. This troup of 19 performers has been stimulating audiences with their vibrant, happy and sensual shows since their founding in 1979 in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. In 1991 they performed in Central Park in New York with Paul Simon before tens of thousands of people. With their resounding percussion, intoxicating rhythms, and mesmerizing vocals, Olodum has recorded 9 albums and spread their joy throughout the world.

Armandinho & His Trio Elétrico bring Bahian carnaval rhythms to the celebration. Armandinho is a master of the mandolin and the Bahian Guitar, a cross between the cavaquinho and the electric guitar, an invention of his father, Dodô. It was more than fifty years ago when Dodô and his brother Osmar introduced the Bahian guitar to carnaval, and thus began the trio elétrico groups. Since then, these groups have been a prevalent presence during carnaval, performing atop trucks as they parade through the streets of Bahia.

Brasil Brazil Show, featuring internationally renowned singers Ana Gazzola and Sonia Santos, delivers the style, rhythm, dance and flavor of the authentic Rio de Janeiro Carnaval. Evocative of Rio’s samba, this 12-member ensemble’s repertoire includes intense batucada (percussion jamming) beats and trumpet sounds.

Banda Badaue, superb group of musicians representing the best of Bahia's greatest rythms.

SoulBrasil.com, “Soul Brasil is a magazine about Brazil in USA, Brazilians in California, general holistic; as well an alternative media for world conscious living. ”

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