Expressions of Brazil 2010

The first-ever Expressions of Brazil Festival brings sizzling Brazilian flavours to Harbourfront Centre from July 16-18 2010. This FREE three-day festival celebrates Brazil’s rich cultural traditions and multiculturalism through contemporary Brazilian music, food, film and art.

International concert highlights include performances from Brazil’s 25-year music veteran Laura Finnociario who gracefully combines bossa-nova, samba, jazz and funk, followed by 17-year-old pop sensation Mallu Magalhães and a late-night party with Brazil’s DJ Raul Vax (with local DJ Branko) spinning the hottest progressive and electro house music. Local musical contributions are provided by Toronto’s own Sinal Alberto, an exciting new jazz quartet featuring Luanda Jones and Gordon Sheard, newcomer Bruno Capinan who croons his sensual and provocative Portuguese prose and the vibrant high-energy beats of Baque de Bamba, lead by Aline Moralis, SambacanaRoda de Samba, Batacuda CariocaMulambo Groove and Escola de Samba

Expressions of Brazil also showcases international and Canadian visual artists at the BrazilMany Eyes, Different Visions exhibition. Renowned Brazilian artists Emilio BoschiliaIvana PanizziRenato SoaresSoraya Montaheiro and Gabriela Greeb join with local artists Avi Neto and Chris Harrison to present a survey of contemporary Brazilian art.

Of course no Brazilian festival is complete without traditional Capoeira, presented by Capoeira Camará and food programming. Chef Mario Cassini of Cajú Restaurant prepares delicious culinary offerings that represent the diverse tastes of Brazil. Families can also enjoy kid-friendly programming with special workshops including soccer by Brazilian Soccer Academy, pinhole photography by ImageMagica and drumming along with three days of film screenings in partnership with the Brazilian Film Festival of Toronto (BRAFFT).

The big idea behind all programming in this year’s World Routes summer festivals is “globalocal”, or global to local, a theme programmed into each festival to bring together rich artistic traditions from around the corner to around the globe!

For additional information and complete event listings, the public may visit harbourfrontcentre.com/worldroutes or call the Information Hotline at 416-973-4000. Harbourfront Centre is located at 235 Queens Quay W. Toronto, ON.

Full event listings:

MUSIC:

Aline Morales & Baque De Bamba

Friday, July 16, 8-9 p.m. (Redpath Stage)

Bandleader, vocalist and percussionist Aline Morales heads up Baque De Bamba, a Toronto-based, ultra-urban, Afro-Brazilian drumming troupe performing a blend of different African rhythms from the northeast of Brazil.

Batucada Carioca Samba Group

Friday, July 16, 9:30-11 p.m. (Sirius Stage)

Batucada Carioca is a group of singers and musicians from Toronto’s Brazilian community. Together they present a heavy Brazilian swing that is melodically accompanied by the cavaquinho (small string instrument), guitar and trombone. Led by Maninho Costa, the repertoire includes the songs of Beth Carvalho, João Norgueira and classics such as “Aquarela do Brasil.”

Bruno Capinan

Saturday, July 17, 2-3 p.m. (Redpath Stage)

With a sensual voice and provocative Portuguese prose, Toronto-based Bruno Capinan just released his debut album Gozo, which combines electronic and instrumental sounds with the rawness of Afro-Brazilian percussion.

Mulambo Groove

Saturday, July 17, 4-5 p.m. (Redpath Stage)

Mulambo Groove brings the magic of Brazilian folklore onto the stage with old and modern tunes that merge into an authentic and lively new sound.

Roda de Samba

Saturday, July 17, 6-7 p.m. (Redpath Stage)

Roda de Samba performs typical Brazilian “hang out” music, including popular roots samba songs, accompanied by Brazilian drumming. The group was originally formed by four musicians: Carlos Augusto CardozoBetty SantosAndrew Cabral and Giovanni Lopes.

Laura Finocchiaro

Saturday, July 17, 7-8 p.m. (Brigantine Room)

Singer, producer, guitarist and composer Laura Finocchiaro has just finished her new CD, the sixth within a 25-year career. Her new CD, Lauras, is a mosaic of songs and styles that ranges from bossa-nova to samba-jazz-funk, to rock and pop.

Sambacana

Saturday, July 17, 8-9 p.m. (Redpath Stage)

Sambacana is an exciting local music ensemble reflecting the richness and diversity of a new generation of Canadian artists. At Expressions of Brazil, Aline MoralesJohn YellandWagner PetrilliLuis Guerra and Alan Hetherington present their blend of folk, pop and jazz sounds from their first CD, Nõs.

Mallu Magalhães

Saturday, July 17, 9:30-11 p.m. (Sirius Stage)

Seventeen-year-old Brazilian pop sensation Mallu Magalhães has become the subject of countless blogs, and has reached the staggering figure of over 4.3 million hits at her MySpace page. Her sold out concerts have also caught the attention of critics. A talented multi-instrumentalist (guitar, harmonica, piano and blow keyboard), Magalhães writes and sings in Portuguese, English and French.

DJ Raul Vax (with DJ Branko)

Saturday, July 17, 11:30 p.m. -2 a.m. (Brigantine Room)

DJ Raul Vax, a São Paulo native, is the official DJ of the band Everlast Global Sounds in Brazil. Deeply influenced by the “Brazilian grooves,” Vax plays progressive house and electro house.   

DJ Branko, originally from Belo Horizonte, Brazil and living in Toronto since 2001, has built a name for himself in Toronto, where he started exploring music.  His stage presence, creative sound and unique way of mixing make him a hit at any kind of party.             

Escola de Samba

Sunday, July 18, 3:30-4:30 p.m. (Redpath Stage)

Toronto’s Escola de Samba is a steadily growing group of drummers, instrumentalists, singers and dancers who share a passion for Brazilian music and samba.

Sinal Aberto

Sunday, July 18, 4:30-6 p.m. (Sirius Stage)

Sinal Aberto is an exciting new Brazilian jazz quintet featuring outstanding musicians from Brazil and Canada. The group brings a jazz approach to a repertoire consisting of classic Brazilian songs, as well as vibrant original compositions by band members Gordon Sheard and Luanda Jones

FOOD:

Mario Cassini, Cajú Restaurant

Saturday, July 17 & Sunday, 18, 2:30-3:30 p.m. (Lakeside Terrace)
Chef Mario Cassini, the owner and executive chef of the award-winning restaurant, Cajù, demonstrates his kitchen prowess. Famous for its innovative Brazilian food served in a contemporary atmosphere, Cajù brings the true essence of Brazil to Toronto.

DANCE:

Capoeira Camará

Sunday, July 18, 2-2:45 p.m. (Redpath Stage)

Founder Contra Mestre Bola presents Capoeira (ca-po-era), a form of martial art that combines self-defense with music and acrobatics. In 2005, Bola founded Capoeira Camará which now boasts academies in Toronto, Peterborough, Montreal and Calgary, Canada; Bermuda; Russia and Brazil.

FAMILY:

Brazilian Drumming Workshop For All Ages, with Bavia Arts Studio

Saturday, July 17, 1:30-4 p.m.., Sunday, July 18, 2:30-5 p.m. (Lakeside Terrace)

This fun and exciting drumming workshop encourages kids to be loud! They can direct their energy into learning rhythmic skills and songs from various traditional styles. Participants learn the parts for several different instruments including hand drums, bass drums, snare drums, shakers and bells. The arrangements have parts appropriate for every skill level and no one is left out.

Pinhole Photography Workshops by ImageMagica

Saturday, July 17, 4-5 p.m. & 6-7 p.m.., Sunday, July 18, 2-3 p.m. (Lakeside Terrace)

Kids will learn about photography with the use of a can! They will learn how the image is created, the difference between film, digital and cellular pictures and how to develop pictures.

SPORT:

Brazilian Soccer Academy Workshop

Sunday, July 18, 1-2 p.m. (Ann Tindal Lawn)

Local coaches demonstrate the “Brazilian style” of soccer through kicks, passes and juggling. This will help kids develop soccer skills through fun activities and mini soccer games.

FILM:

Full Length Series

If I Were You (Se Eu Fosse Você) – Directed by Daniel Filho

Friday, July 16, 8:30 -10 p.m. (Studio Theatre)

If I Were You, is a refreshing Brazilian comedy in which a husbandand wife inexplicably wake up one morning in each other’s bodies. Cláudio (Tony Ramos) and Helena (Glória Pires) struggle to keep their relationship afloat when this strange phenomenon forces them to change roles and results in a phase of mutual rediscovery and understanding.

Romeu and Julieta Get Married (O Casamento de Romeu e Julieta) – Directed by Bruno Barreto

Saturday, July 17, 4:30-6 p.m. (Studio Theatre)

A Romeo-and-Juliet kind of love affair. The difference here is what sets the two lovers apart: their soccer teams. Being a fan of Corinthians, Romeu has to fake that he really likes Palmeiras in order to gain Julieta’s heart.

Wandering Heart (Coração Vagabundo) – Directed by Fernando Grostein Andrade

Saturday, July 17, 7:30-9 p.m. (Studio Theatre)

This documentary about the greatest figure of the Tropicália musical revolution shows the many sides of Caetano Veloso. The director offers a different perspective on Veloso, capturing the musician-vocalist’s laid-back sense of humor. It is an entertaining profile of Veloso that will please longtime fans and intrigue new listeners.

Bossa Nova in Japan (Bossa Nova Sol Nascente) – Directed by Alê Braga
Sunday, July 18, 4- 5 p.m. (Studio Theatre)

Bossa Nova in Japan looks at Japan’s voracious appetite for Brazilian music. This documentary film shows how Rio and Tokyo are connected by a shared passion – bossa nova. It also shows why Japan became the biggest market for Brazilian music.

Animated Short Series:

Osmar, the Heel of the Loaf – Directed by Ale McHaddo

Sunday, July 18, 2-3 p.m. (Studio Theatre)

Osmar, the heel of the loaf, feels rejected and suffers from low self esteem. He wins a coupon and goes to see Dr. Croix Saint, a psychologist. During the consultation he remembers his past of disappointments and funny events.

The Princess and the Fiddler – Directed by Guto Bozzetti

Sunday, July 18, 2-3 p.m. (Studio Theatre)

A tale about the rise of sadness, told through the eyes of a girl, following the story of a king in search of a beautiful princess kidnapped by a fiddler.

Belly Button Story – Directed by Michelle Gabriel

Sunday, July 18, 2-3 p.m. (Studio Theatre)

When little Milu realizes that she’ll have to share her own private kingdom with a younger brother, something strange happens to her belly. Belly Button Story, a tale about jealousy and affection.

The Scarecrow – Directed by Ale Abreu

Sunday July 18, 2-3 p.m. (Studio Theatre)

An elderly woman’s memories mix with the discoveries of a little girl in love with a scarecrow.

Freed – Directed by Jackson Abacatu

Sunday, July 18, 2-3 p.m. (Studio Theatre)

A sparrow in free flight finds a parakeet behind bars in a place that he’s never seen before. Is this life really what he wanted or is it worth an attempt to escape the shackles?

Wasting Earth – Directed by Cassie Mary Itamoto and Celina Kurihara

Sunday, July 18, 2-3 p.m. (Studio Theatre)

When a man realizes and faces the consequences of his excessive use and consumption of the Earth’s resources, he feels obligated to adopt methods that will change his lifestyle and preserve the planet.

Tickets for Success – Directed by Daniel Bydlowski and Marcos Casilli

Sunday, July 18, 2-3 p.m. (Studio Theatre)

A young director wants to expose all his pain in a dramatic film that becomes a huge success when it is misinterpreted as a comedy.

VISUAL ART:

Brazil:  Many Eyes, Different Visions

Friday, July 16, 6 p.m. – Sunday, July 18, 6 p.m. (Marilyn Brewer Community Space)

International Artists

Emilio Boschilia is a Brazilian painter, graphic artist, engraver and photographer who since childhood has been drawn to themes related to the Brazilian natural environment and indigenous peoples. Bursting with colour, Indio, Bicho, Mato is a collection of paintings by the self-taught artist.

Ivana Panizzi was born in Poços de Caldas, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. She graduated in visual arts from the “instituto Superior de Arte in Havana, Cuba, where she also studied cinema and television. Her artwork can be found in private galleries worldwide and is characterized by researching and recycling non-conventional materials, both in her paintings and installations.

Renato Soares is a photographer and documentarian of Brazilian art and culture. He travels to beautiful places in Brazil to record the biological diversity of plants and animals, ethnic groups with their costumes and rituals, people from the melting pot of races and traditions of Brazil.

Soraya Montanheiro was born in São Paulo. She worked as a chemical engineer for 15 years before pursuing her love and passion for photography. Her photos have been published in Festas e Eventos, Donna and Estado de São Paulo.

Gabriela Greeb is an author, producer and director of short films, documentaries, and video installations. She lived for years in Europe, where she became familiar with the audiovisual world. Once back in Brazil she founded Homemadefilms, an independent studio located in São Paulo.

Local Artists

Avi Neto is a graphic designer who has been painting since the age of 10 and specializes in the surreal. Neto was born in Brazil and uses elements and ideas from his native country to foster and create contemporary themes in paintings.

Chris Harrison is a Toronto-based creative commercial photographer with 30 years of experience. The subjects of his photographs stretch from food, as seen in his recent mosaics series, to the depiction of everyday life in Bahia, Brazil. His work has come to the attention of the Brazilian government, which has purchased his prints and posters to display in their consulate in Toronto. His images of São Paulo, taken over the past five years, look at the city in parts, not as a whole, showing elements of activity and architecture not often seen.