(le) poisson rouge

Beleza is a monthly event introducing the sexy, funky and vibrant rhythms of world music centering on the Brazilian musical roots of Samba and Forro housed in chic and intimate lounges.

Beleza has been a destination for pulsing live music and contagious dance vibes.

Created in 2009 by Johnson Bispo, former member of Patrulha do Samba, one of the most important bands in the Pagode scene in his hometown of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil in the 90`s.

Pagode from Bahia is a style of music that mixes the traditional Samba-de-roda with the elements of the modern and electric music of the Carnaval and became very popular in the rest of Brazil. Originated by the african slaves brought to Brazil during the colonial period, traditions like Samba-de-roda , Capoeira and Candomble (tradional african religion) are still alive and part of the culture in Salvador.

Based in New York, Tchuguedinho current line-up consists of Johnson Bispo (vocal & cavaquinho) , Marcos Mourao (keyboard) , Gil Oliveira (drums) and guest percussionist Dende.

The band brings to the brazilian music scene of New York the groovy mix of Pagode from Bahia , Sambas and rhythms from Candomble and has performed in events such as the Brazilian day Celebration in Newark -NJ and the Beleza party at Le Poisson Rouge

Eliano Braz in March 2004, Bráz came to New York as a freelance musician in hopes of further exposing himself to new music and experiences. In the past six years Bráz has created his own group, Rabeca-do-Forró playing popular Brazilian music from the Northeastern region of the country. Bráz’s group fuses different kinds of music from all over Brazil and the world, and incorporates improvisations into their work. Bráz has played Brazilian music on the violin throughout all

From 1995 to present, DJ David Medina has spun at private parties, lounges and clubs as far as Australia and Brazil. These include SOB’s, Cielo, Crash Mansion, Satalla, Village Underground, IL Pirata and El Rincon in San Francisco, Bembe in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Baraza in the Lower East Side, NYC, Bar da Praia in Bahia, Brazil and Café de La Salsa in Sydney. From 1998 to 2004, he was the DJ at the legendary “Cubansoul” Wednesdays at Nell’s. Medina has been working with Havanarumba since 1999 and continues to DJ the parties first started at La Belle Epoque and No’ Moore and now at a number of clubs in NYC. DJ David Medina has also been the guest DJ for renowned bands such as Los Van Van (Hammerstein Ballroom 2001), Los Fakires (SOB’s 2002), Ricardo Lemvo (Satalla 2005), and many more. In addition he has opened for or alternated with a multitude of Latin American and New York based groups which include: Salsa Celtica from Scotland, Raices Habaneras, Tiempo Libre (Miami), La Timba Loca, Joseito Mateo from the Dominican Republic and salsa greats: Andy Montañez, Hector Casanova, Nelson Gonzalez, Jimmy Bosch, Alfredo de la Fe, Nicky Marrero and Pupi Lagarretta to name a few . He continues to be a guest DJ every summer at Lincoln Center’s Midsummer Night Swing concert series.

Ale-Ale is a drumming/dance group that I created in 1999. Born out of New York Central Park's Drum Circle, I met two amazing women drummers. Promoters started to ask us to play in night venues. A few months later we were on a big stage performing for a large audience.

The Ale-Ale Foundation is not just drummers but also Brazilian Samba Dancers & Capoeiristas. This is a conscious movement of artistic loving folks who support expression of all mediums.

Where Brazilian rhythm, American soul, and Latin flavor meet.

Leticia's style has become an experience, a journey through the body into the soul of Brazilian rhythms. It's a mix of Brazilian styles including bits of afoxé, Bahia and Rio style samba, with an emphasis on the basic samba no pé. You can even expect a bit of classic hip hop or house styles to creep in now and then. It's a joyous experience that will move you to let go of whatever's troubling you or holding you back and encourage you to celebrate every moment. It's true what they say, that samba comes from the heart...

Leticia performs at Latin Fusion 2011

Mariana Martins is a brazilian artist from São Paulo, Brazil. In 2008 she started her own designer toy line with an artist collective called TOYTOY!

Mariana’s artwork consist of colorful digital graphic illustrations, acrylic oil painting on canvas and plush toys.

The artworks feature connections between the lines of illustration and elements of the children's universe, adulthood and the culture of toy art that shows part of her brazilian culture in vivid colors.

Mariana has participated in severals exhibits throughout the world. Her work can been seen in collective art exhibits in New York, São Paulo (Brazil), Campinas (Brazil), Piracicaba (Brazil), Rio Claro (Brazil) and Lima (Peru).

Mariana currently studies illustration at the School of Visual Arts in New York City.

Mariana Martins website
TOYTOY! website