Brazil comes alive at Jake’s

The lively and tropical energy of Brazil will come to Bloomington for the fourth annual Bloomington Brazilian Carnaval at 10 p.m. Friday at Jake’s Nightclub.

During the celebration, the IU Brazilian Percussion Ensemble will accompany Flores do Samba, a 25-person samba dance group wearing traditional Brazilian costumes with sequins, beads and feathers.

Also performing at the carnaval are Axé Capoeira Chicago, a Brazilian dance group; DJ Kyle Long; El Fuego Lento, a nine-piece Latin music ensemble; Damas Inspiradas, a women’s salsa dance group from Indianapolis; and Kali M Fire Troupe, a Bloomington fire dance troupe. There will also be face and body painting, a photo booth and traditional Brazilian drinks.

Anita DeCastro, graduate student, founder and organizer of the carnaval, said a lot will be going on.

“There will be a lot of visual stimulation and stimulation for all the senses,” she said.
DeCastro said there are about 40 student volunteers helping coordinate the event.

“I oversee a group of interested students, and we allocate responsibilities and teach them about Brazilian culture,” she said. “Behind the scenes brings the community of students together.”

Graduate student Jonathan Thornton said he is both attending the carnaval for the first time and taking on the role of emcee.

“I expect to see a whole lot of people there from different cultures and ethnicities that are there to appreciate and celebrate the culture and traditions of Brazilian people,” he said. “I am looking forward to having a good time with everyone and learning a little bit about Brazilian culture and traditions.”

DeCastro said every year the event gets bigger.

“The quality of the artists we’re bringing in is phenomenal,” she said. “They’re going to give an authentic and exhilarating presentation of Brazilian culture.”

Tickets can be purchased at Jake’s for $8 before the event or $10 dollars at the door Friday.

“I hope the event will teach and create a culture awareness and educate and celebrate Brazilian culture through performing arts and visual stimulation,” DeCastro said.