Rio Carnval Night- Santa Monica November 15, 2010

Since Café Danssa closed a few years ago, it’s been hard to find that joyous Samba-school vibe on the Westside. Now the spirit of the late-great Café Danssa is back.

Rio Carnival Night is bringing down the house for a second time Nov. 26 at the Monsoon Restaurant on the Promenade in Santa Monica, featuring vocalist Lula Almeida, Mitchell Long on cavaquinho and guitar, Sidney Lisboa and the L. A. Samba School Drummers, plus dazzling Samba choreography from the Copacabana Samba Show Dance Company, led by Claudia Castello.

“The goal of Rio Carnival Night is to recreate the magic of a Samba school rehearsal hall in Santa Monica, with tons of audience participation, including Samba dance lessons before the show,” says Claudia Castello, founder of the Copacabana Samba Show Dance Company.

Castello is producing the event along with Joe Robinson, author of the new book, Don’t Miss Your Life, which has a Samba theme. Castello, who is from Copacabana, has performed with her group at venues from Universal City Walk to the Hollywood Bowl. “I am so excited to bring these wonderful dancers and musicians together at this great space. It’s a fantastic opportunity to bring the magic of Samba to a bigger audience.”

Join us for a night filled with vibrant Brazilian beats and dazzling Samba dances. Hope to see you there.
For more information, contact: Copacabana Samba Show, 714-376-6658; Monsoon Restaurant, 310-576-9996.

Official Website: http://www.riocarnavalnight.wordpress.com