10th SB Brazilian “Carnaval Cultural” Kickoff Saturday, Feb 2 Bringing Ney Rios, former Singer of Internationally Acclaimed Brazilian Group Olodum for the First Time to Santa Barbara

“It’s a honor to participate in this 10th Year Celebration and together with all members of BatukAxe performing for the first time in the city that many people known as the California Riviera”, said Ney Rios. The kickoff of the annual three days event series that exposure the music and culture of Brazil also choose the SB Carnaval Queen that represents the SB Carnaval at the Solstice Parade this year. The 2012 SB Carnaval Queen Kafi Bella, a native from Trindade & Tobago, professional dancer, coreographer and fitness couch, this year make part of the judges that will choose the new SB Carnaval Queen, that also have local personalities.

Though Brazil is the largest country in Latin America, the culture is often misunderstood and ignored in U.S because of the country’s Portuguese heritage and language. Mainstream and Spanish-language media outlets often ignore Brazilians, despite the fact that in the U.S., Brazilians have rapidly spread to all parts of the country, particularly the Northeast Coast (NY/New Jersey & Boston), in Southeast Coast (everywhere from Miami to Fort Lauderdale and also Orlando) as well as the West Coast (San Diego, L.A, Santa Barbara and the Bay Area). With the idea to also provide more information about his country, including its best travel destinations and Brazilians behavior, the Santa Barbara Brazilian Carnaval founder, journalist Lindenberg Junior, has incorporated the “Cinema & Lecture”, a free community event years ago and that this this will be held at the Faulkerner Gallery (Central Library) on Sat Feb 9th at 7pm. “We’ve always prided ourselves in covering elements of Brazilian culture, either stereotyped or ignored by both the mainstream and Spanish language media. This year, in our 10th anniversary, we have a special mission to show a little bit more of the diversity of Brazilian culture” says Lindenberg Junior.

The third and last event of the series gives the community the opportunity to bring their kids to joy a delightful multicultural event that includes live Rio’s style “samba school” drummers and experience the most traditional of Brazilian dishes – Feijoada (black beans stew with different smoked meats and bacon), also at SoHo, in the Carnaval Matinee Sunday, Februrary 10ty, 1.30pm. Lindenberg Junior says “this is not the first time we’ve highlighted the Carnaval Matinee, but it is the first time to be held at SoHo, a great option to receive this afternoon Rio’s style experience. We know a lot of people are very interested in Brazilian culture and for good reason. Brazilians have a natural lust for life that is magnetic. We want more people to experience this warm, fun, unique and beautiful culture”.

Go to our NEWS ROOM located at menu on top at www.sbbraziliancarnaval.com to check more info and inclusive videos related to artists that will performer this year.