Batalá New York
This all-female percussion ensemble plays Afro-Brazilian music, primarily samba reggae. During Carnival every year, this distinct style is performed in the streets of Salvador, the capital of Bahia, by musical blocos with hundreds of percussionists moving together. In homage to that tradition, Batalá New York’s performances are energetic and highly dynamic with colorful costumes and lively choreography.
Quenia Ribeiro and Grupo Ribeiro
The talented dancers and musicians of Grupo Ribeiro entertain audiences of all ages and backgrounds with interactive performances. Director/dancer/choreographer Quenia Ribeiro, a Rio native who has performed at festivals throughout Brazil and the U.S., teaches samba and Afro-Brazilian dance at New York City’s Ailey Extension.
Carnegie Hall’s Link Up
Dozens of elementary school music students from Success Academy Union Square will join the opening day parade under the direction of their dedicated music teacher, Joel Klein. The students have been learning the Brazilian song, “Cidade Maravilhosa” as part of Carnegie Hall’s year-long music program, Link Up. Carnegie Hall’s Link Up, a music education program for students in grades 3–5, reaches 450,000 students and teachers worldwide through partnerships with over 110 orchestras in the US, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Kenya, Puerto Rico, and Spain.
Nation Beat
An original American/Brazilian collective, Nation Beat fuses thunderous Brazilian maracatu drumming and New Orleans second line roots rhythms with audacious crowd-pleasing energy that gets people moving.
Silva Dance Company
Director/choreographer Leandro Da Silva and wife Janete come from Bahia and have performed and taught in the US and Brazil. Their company weaves capoeira and Afro-Brazilian traditions with contemporary and modern techniques into a soulful style all its own.
