Wow, if you’ve been around my blog as long as I have been, you would know that I have an extreme love for Brazilian Carnaval. The music, the dancing, the dancers, the artists, performers, drummers, *gasp*, I can’t get enough of it. That is why I am so thankful to live in the same part of the state as Patricia Leão! She is the woman behind Brazilian Nites, the company that puts on this Southern California Carnaval. This year, the Brazilian Love happens on Saturday, March 5th. Mark the date! Let me know if I will see you there! * Brazilian Nites Carnaval Exotica 2011! *
Okay wait, while I am typing this, I need to have some batucada music going in the background. It’s more conducive to my Carnaval Blogging. *wink* Oh wow, that feels amazing and I haven’t even made this Carnaval playlist for my OhMiBod music-driven vibrator yet. Omg. Can we say ClubVibe? Hahah.
Okay, now that I’ve set the mood for this blog post and I am probably waking my husband up, I shall tell you more. Way back in the day, 5/6/7 years ago, I was listening to the sports radio station at the place I worked at. (The boss liked AM 570 with those sports guys.) I heard them talking about those magical attributes that draw a party-person in. “Loud music with hot beats, hot girls, beads, alcohol, culture and event-wide acceptance.” They talked about how amazing the Brazilian women were, how everyone is in a good mood, no drama, just a night of PURE fun and passion for music and culture. Damn straight, I was already typing in the web page on my laptop. I had never been to anything like this, but I knew that I wanted to be there. So I went. And I am still going, every year. I first attended the events while they were held at the Queen Mary. My favorite-favorite memories were of the drum line snaking their way around the top floor and while they were all playing the same amazing beat, they worked their way down the stairs, through the crowd and onto the stage where they continued to play. The sounds resonating in the event hall were euphoric. I guess you won’t know what I am talking about unless you love music. And FAST music. Those hot little samba dancers with huge feathers and bright colors always steal the show when the batucada drummers are shaking the stage as they shake their booties.
floor level at the queen mary
back at the queen mary!
part of the crowd at club nokia!
If you like to dance, this is the place for you. On the other hand, you would probably enjoy the event if you love watching the Samba Girls dance, too. It’s so hard to believe how much of Brazil’s Carnaval that Patricia was able to bring here for us to enjoy! True, there is no parade with huge floats going through the event, but who knows. Patricia always takes things to the next level. I wouldn’t be surprised if this decade-plus event ends up going down the streets instead of the club atmosphere. Although, I do prefer the club atmosphere because there’s no hassle to find the best place to get a good view of the entertainment. The event is now held at the Nokia Theater in LA. I was there last year, for their first year at Nokia and I must say; the stage and lighting equipment gave a huge advantage to the performances this time around. Everyone and everything sparkled so much more than they did over at the Queen Mary. You will see what I mean when you take a look at the photography! Damn! =D
Okay, the party goes on for most of the night. You can expect to see stage performers who play music, sing, and dance and give prizes. There will be a drum circle *mmm*, Capoeira, which is a traditional Brazilian Martial Art/type dancing/fighting, as well as the Samba Dancers and even a chance to win a trip to Brazil. It’s always awesome to hear how excited that winner is every year. But I don’t get hung up on the prizes because I would much rather enjoy the night like it was my last. I love the term “micro costumes” for the Samba Girls. It’s so true. It’s a place to really shake your booty and the music is totally supportive. To be honest with you, that’s pretty much the only thing I can do. I am just a booty shaker. I also practice belly dancing and I am in love with Zumba, so this event is a culmination of passions.
Back in high school I skipped all of the school dances throughout the years and only made it to prom. I live the same way here, and now. If it’s not big, I’m not there. True, there may be some fun once in a while to go to small events or standard clubs, but I never make the effort. When it’s Carnaval, I’m just Waiting!! One year I got a yellow tank top, a blue shirt and some leaves. I made a necklace out of the leaves and I cut the blue shirt up to see the yellow underneath. I had a bright blue headband and I was covered in beads at the end of the night. Last year I wore a very colorful yellow dress and I had my hair kinda crimped and I wore a mask until we left because I chickened out. This year, I’m going to find some Brazilian gear, the perfect mask and I’m not going to chicken out. I’m going to wear that mask to Brazilian Nites Carnaval at Nokia Live and it’s not coming off until I sweat it off because of all the dancing.
In closing, I must tell you that this is the most amazing club event in Los Angeles and that the whole world should go. But don’t bring the whole world because it will make it too crowded to dance in there. =D I am very excited and I cannot wait until March 5th. My husband and I are going to double-date in the best Brazilian way. I love you, Brazilian Nites! Oh, by the way, if you need any fancy masks for wholesale or if you’re in the LA area, check out Francisco’s Halloween Shop. Tons of Masquerade Masks. They would be beautiful to wear to Carnaval if you wanted, plus I made a coupon at that link for you. :)
me last year, getting ready. 
fun stuff from past events!
