Encinitas Friends of the Arts Presents Passport to Brazil

By Patricia Frischer

Encinitas Friends of the Art presented Passport to Brazil on Sat. April 28 f at the Encinitas Community Center and it was like having a night in Rio. The room was transformed, the food was outstanding and the dancing was contagious.
Pictures by Patricia Frischer and John Campbell. 

Naimeh Tahna Woodward, the queen of Passport to Brazil. Her parties are not to be missed. .

One of the missions of EFA is to celebrate diversity through arts and culture at the same time as raising funds for much needed arts programs in the city. So a party like this is a win win for everybody. 

The MC for the evening was Brent Ringoot with a translation assist from  Ana Helena Silveira 

Mayor of Encinitas, Catherine Blakespeare made opening remarks and was a special guest.

Cajuina is a San Diego based band specializing in authentic Forró, Samba, Bossa Nova and Musica Popular Brasileira. Performers include Bahia-born Lucas Lima on guitar and vocals, Stefanie Schmitz on saxophone and clarinet, Emi Cara on percussion, and Ben Rempel on drums. They are best known for getting a high energy dance party started.

Pra Jogar Capoeire

Super Sonic Samba School plays traditional samba rhythms of Brazil, featuring live percussionists, singers and dancers. The school was founded in 1990 with the mission to spread the vibrant Brazilian culture through drum and dance. www.sambasd.org

Brazilian dancer Dina Bedenko also performed. She is the Founder and Artistic Director of Energia Entertainment, producing and curating cultural events, and merging visual and performing arts.

The back ground for the performers was created by Patricia Frischer consisteing of four 7’ banners. The banners are an homage to major Brazilian artist, Tarsila do Amaral (1886–1973), who is known as the mother of contemporary art in that country with a style called tropical abstraction.

Artist Heather Gibb will display her exotic masks, which are hand-crafted from papier-mâché, and designed for theatre costumes. They are beautiful and functional artwork.

Painting by Aline Spellmeier 

Barrels & Branches Nursery as part of the shopping at the Brazilian marketplace

Delicious Brazilian-inspired food and drink was provided by Da Fazenda.

Attendees enjoy making Samba Shakers helped by some of the youngest volunteers.

Raffle tickets for 6 gift baskets full of goodies. How about the lucky one who won The Girl From Ipanema (Tropical Purse, Music CD, Brazilian Flag Pendant Necklace, Airbrush Tanning Session, Bikini Basic Sugaring Melt & Wax).