Brazilian-inspired Carnival celebration coming to Las Vegas
Village bringing Afro-Brazilian music, dance, culture on Feb. 22–23
LAS VEGAS – Da'African Village, a nonprofit dedicated to cultural exchange between the United States and Africa, will present the SambaDá Carnival Celebration in celebration of Black History month from Friday, Feb. 22 to Saturday, Feb. 23. Events will take place at Rhythms Dance Studio & Event Center, located at 4545 W. Sahara Ave. and will feature a show, dance workshop, local vendors and cultural music.
The Carnival events, featuring SambaDá, an Afro-Samba-Funk-Brazilian music group based out of California, will celebrate the rich musical traditions of Brazil with two main events.
On Feb. 22, SambaDá will kick off the celebration with a live Brazilian show and will showcase high-energy percussion, danceable grooves and a visually dynamic performance. Doors will open at 8 p.m. with music by DJ Renchy Sounds. Event-inspired food, beverages, and merchandise will also be available for purchase.
Vendor tables are still available. Those interested in vendor opportunities may contact A. Ifayomi Stanton at 702-782-3515 for more information.
The following day, the group's Salvadorian lead vocalist, Dandha da Hora, will help attendees learn the easy, fun and energetic techniques of Afro-Brazilian dance at a workshop. Attendees are encouraged to dress in comfortable shoes and clothes to take advantage of all the event has to offer and to learn how to move to the rhythms of Africa and Brazil.
Event Schedule:
• Brazilian show: Friday, Feb. 22, from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
• Afro-Brazilian dance workshop: Saturday, Feb. 23, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
SambaDá, formed in 1998 in Santa Cruz, Calif., has been dubbed the West Coast’s hottest Brazilian band by promoters, journalists and fans, and it's known for its visually dynamic shows. Based on the rich musical traditions of Brazil, SambaDá also references salsa and cumbia and blends them playfully with funk and reggae beats. Brazilian natives Papiba Godinho and Dandha da Hora bring profound knowledge and respect for Brazilian music, and together with the entire band, they present a unique musical sound with a universal appeal.
Tickets for the event, which is produced by the nonprofit Da’African Village and is sponsored by Africa Love, can be purchased online at www.africalovestore.com, or in person at Africa Love Store in Town Square Las Vegas, 6539 Las Vegas Blvd South X-114. Admission for the Brazilian show which is strictly 21 and over is $20 per person. The Afro-Brazilian dance workshop is open to people of all ages and is $15 for adults who purchase tickets early, $20 at the door, and free for children 12 years or younger.
Africa Love opened in 2017 and is located inside Town Square Las Vegas. It features products from Senegal and across continental Africa, all the while focusing on conscientious and sustainable product development that helps support African-based artisans, their families, and their communities. Founded by world traveler, entrepreneur, and Senegalese-born native Serigne "Mara" Diakhate, the store is the first of its kind in Las Vegas and showcases all that Africa has to offer by way of music, fashion, customs, dialects and entertainment.
Established in 2014 as a "bridge of togetherness" between the United States and Africa, Da'African Village is a joint venture/collaborative network, specializing in cultural immersion, tourism, West African art and artifacts. Operating as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, the organization provides cultural tours, sponsors cultural exchange and youth development programs, and is building a cultural center in Senegal. It also supports local, grassroots efforts in Africa that develop sustainable communities by way of commerce, community involvement, musical performances, and education.
For additional information about the event, follow @africalovestore on social media or visit https://www.africalovestore.com.
To learn more about vendor opportunities, contact A. Ifayomi Stanton at 702-782-3515.
The event will also coincide with a sister event in Los Angeles from Saturday, Feb. 23 through Sunday, Feb. 24. Those interested can learn more at www.capoeirabatuque.org or in person at Brasil Brasil Cultural Center.