ALMA : MAW : Dance Ritual : Christmas : NYE December 16, 2005

As the temperatures drop outdoors, the ALMA crew continues to heat things up for the holidays with 2 very special events, leading up to their traditional all White New Year's Eve Party.

First, on December 16th, to celebrate the birthday of cool crooning, party host, Manchildblack, ALMA welcomes the man Dr. Bob Jones (ChilliFunk) calls ?the master of all things spiritual and meaningful.? Veteran DJ, Producer and Owner of Tribal Winds Records, Antonio Ocasio will be presenting his take on ?Neo-Brasilian Fusion?.

This will kick off a holiday exploration into the Roots of Rhythm as ALMA joins ?Masters At Work? on Thursday, December 22nd, for their Annual Christmas Party at Deep. Allow this very creative collective featuring DJs True & Miller Cruz along with hosts Muzikbutrfly and Manchildblack, keep you dancing to beats from New York to Johannesburg and every hot spot in between. Pack light for this incredibly sexy journey into sound and don?t worry, they?ll get you back in time for Christmas!


This all leads up to them bringing that extra Brazilian bottom for ALMA?s Annual New Year?s Eve White Party*. Their goal is to share the heart and intense party nature of Brazilians with their audience, and so far they have been successful (just check their website for photos). With exceptionally talented live drummers and musicians always by their side, one of ALMA's biggest draws is their audience themselves, and their energy. With the positive White touch added to the festivities, you won't feel as guilty about your utterly debaucherous ways the next day (make sure to book in advance).

Friday, December 16th, 2005 (10pm ? 4am)
$5 before 11pm with a contribution to the Xmas Toy Drive
$10 w/RSVP to muzikbutrfly@earthlink.net
$15 General Admission
Sullivan Room
218 Sullivan Street (btwn 3rd & Bleecker)

www.emergingarts.com/alma.html

* In every city in Brazil, Brazilians have a big party on New Year's Eve, especially in Rio de Janeiro where people go to the beaches to watch fireworks. They usually wear white clothes on New Year's Eve to bring good luck and peace for the year that will follow. The party used to be a kind of religious party, but today it has become a big show for tourists and citizens alike. In Brazil, most New Year's Eve customs are related to good luck or fortune. After midnight people go to the beach, jump seven waves and throw flowers in the sea while making a wish. This will bring them good luck and fortune. They say that the goddess who protects the sea (YEMANJÁ:Ye + omo + eja) will make their wishes come true. Because of that, some people also light candles in the sand on the beach.