FESTIVALS

The 2012 Houston Brazilian Festival is Houston’s first and only festival dedicated to exploring and celebrating the art, history, life and culture of Brazil. Come enjoy and celebrate Brazilian Independence Day with Live Brazilian music and dance, authentic Brazilian cuisine, art exhibits, kids activities and more!

The Houston Brazilian Festival, which is organized by the Brazilian Arts Foundation, will take place in downtown Houston from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on September 2 at Jones Plaza (601 Louisiana Street). This annual event occurs around Brazil's Independence Day (September 7) and draws more than 3,000 attendees each year, bringing visitors from around the world together for performances, live music and food.

The festival is family-friendly and features educational booths, games and interactive demonstrations for people of all ages.

Music is central to the event, and the Houston Brazilian Festival will feature musical performances by bands from Brazil, Austin and Houston. Brazil's Ministry of Culture will sponsor two Brazilian artists, Eta Carinae and Fim de Feira, who combine popular, traditional and folk music with jazz, rock and electronica.

Artists Paula Maya and The Batikum, based out of Austin, will also perform at the festival. Paula Maya is known for her fresh musical style, blending Brazilian roots with her impressive voice and keyboard skills. The Batikum is led by Luiz Coutinho, a musician, drummer and percussionist from Brazil whose music incorporates a variety of styles from around the world, including African beats.

Two local Houston bands, Brazilian Nuts and Samba Soul, will perform as well. Brazilian Nuts mixes Samba-rock, and Samba-reggae, while Samba Soul brings together Brazilian Samba and Pagode music.

The Silva Dance Company, a New York based professional dance group that offers a beautiful and masterful look into the art of Brazilian dance, will also perform at the festival.

Last, but not least, the festival is a fantastic place to sample the best food that Houston has to offer. Pradaria and Cater Brazil will bring food that samples the varying regions of Brazil as well as highlight traditional Brazilian Barbeque (churrasco).

Sponsored by the City of Houston, the Houston Arts Alliance, the Brazilian Ministry of Culture, the Consulate General of Brazil, ESP Staffing, Bud Light, and HRT America, the festival is an opportunity for local residents and visitors to experience the richness of Brazil in a setting that highlights the cultural diversity of Houston.

Please join us at Jones Plaza on September 2, 2012. You will not want to miss this exciting event!