Carnaval Brasileiro Returns to Minneapolis February 21

Via a February 5 News Release:

The most attended and longest-running annual Brazilian event in the Twin Cities takes a giant leap to the next level with the 13^th annual Carnaval Brasileiro on Saturday, February 21 at International Market Square. For the first time, Carnaval will have three performance stages, FREE on-site parking, a beautiful new venue with capacity for thousands, and VIP tickets with full Brazilian buffet (served 7-8:30). The VIP package also includes complimentary caipirinha (Brazil's national cocktail), a private exclusive Brazilian concert during dinner, a framed commemorative photo, and more.  The newly branded BrazilFest MN brings you, "Carnaval Brasileiro 2015" (Brazilian Carnival).

Over 80 singers, drummers, samba dancers, and artisans will transform International Market Square into an authentically festive Brazilian cultural experience!

Guitarist/vocalist Robert Everest and his ten-piece group Beira Mar Brasil will host the two events comprising Carnaval Brasileiro 2015: the BrazilFest Family Matinee in the afternoon and Carnaval Brasileiro Masquerade Ball in the evening.  Everest is a world music expert and leads a band steeped in the sounds of Brazil -- Samba, Axé, Frevo, Baião, and other dance-inducing styles from throughout the country. Singer and samba dancer extraordinaire, Dandara, will join Everest on stage.  Direct from Salvador da Bahia, Brazil’s famous party-loving city, Dandara performs at over 50 carnival celebrations around the world each year in Europe, North America, and of course, Brazil.  2015 will mark her ninth straight appearance in Carnaval Brasileiro of the Twin Cities!  For your indulgence, by-the-minute chair massage will be offered all day/night.

In addition to Dandara, Everest, and Beira Mar Brasil, other performers will include the 50 drummers from Brazilian percussion ensembles Batucada Do Norte and Drumheart, professional samba dancers Edilson Lima and Vanessa Luiz from São Paulo, Brazil, and the Brazilian martial arts group Omulu Capoeira of Minnesota. 

Carnaval guests will be able to purchase true Brazilian drinks (and a full Brazilian buffet by D'Amico Catering with a VIP admission), try out carnival masks created by master Brazilian artisan Goretti Aamot, or have their face and body painted (just like they do it in Rio!).

The all-ages afternoon family matinee will include mask and instrument making, dance lessons, rescued Brazilian parrots, and free face painting for kids.  Both afternoon and evening shows will take place at one of the premier event venues in the Twin Cities, International Market Square.

The annual Carnaval, celebrated throughout Brazil, lasts nearly a week and has roots dating back to the 1700s.  Like Mardi Gras, Carnaval is an all-out party with music, masks, dancing, food and drink - a final blowout before Lenten traditions kick in for the Easter season.  This Minneapolis edition of Carnaval falls a week after it is celebrated in Brazil, allowing for so many of the special guests to come to Minneapolis.

Carnaval Brasileiro 2015 Programming:

International Market Square, 275 Market Street, Minneapolis

3:00pm - 6:00pm (doors at 2:30) Family BrazilFest - Special All-ages Matinee
7:00pm - 8:30pm VIP Brazilian Buffet served.   
9:00pm - 2:000am (doors at 8:30) Evening Masquerade Ball (18+)  

TICKETS:    
9:00pm Evening Masquerade Ball: $20 in advance (through Feb. 20), $30 at the door.  The $75 VIP tickets include a full Brazilian buffet (served 7 - 8:30 pm), complimentary "caipirinha" (Brazil's favorite cocktail), special gifts, and exclusive access to the "camarote" --  a private platform next to the dance floor offering the best Carnaval experience!

Late night Brazilian buffet tickets (served 10:00 to Midnight) for the evening Masquerade Ball are $20 (must be purchased by February 13 to plan for meals).

3:00pm Afternoon Family BrazilFest: $10 in advance; $15 at the door.
Brazilian Buffet tickets (served 3:30 to 5:30 pm) at afternoon family matinee are $15 (must be purchased by February 13 to plan for the meals).
                
Event and Brazilian Buffet tickets available now at http://www.brazilfest.org/.