BrasilAZ brings you an all-star line-up of the most energetic musica Brasileira from around the state along with the most beautiful Brazilian dance troupes, DJ's, VJ's, Visual artists and so much more.  Our mission is to help our community connect with the best talent in the state of Arizona performing Brasilian influenced music & dance. 
Many of the artists here have either performed or will be performing at our upcoming state-wide events.

There are many additional artists that will be listed as the site continues to develop, so please check back soon.

Grupo Liberdade is a performance group and artist collective dedicated to freedom of expression through culture, movement and sound. Led by Brazilian musical director Poranguí (São Paulo), Grupo Liberdade promotes community, leadership and empowerment through its music drawing upon the traditional & contemporary rhythms of Brazil and the Americas. Composed of an incredible line-up of world-class musicians, Grupo Liberdade specializes in moving the people with Afro-Brazilian Batucada rhythms and songs from a wide range of styles including Samba, Samba-Reggae, Côcos, Ijexá, Maracatu, MPB and more. 
www.GrupoLiberdade.com

Inspired by the music and dance of Brazil, Batucaxé (pronounced bah-too-cah-SHEH) drum and dance ensemble and school in Tucson, Arizona features the music and movement of many traditions, from Brazil and all over the world. “Our goal is to inspire creativity, openness, community, solidarity and collective joy, through lessons and classes, outreach programs and high-energy performances.” Arizona's oldest batucada ensemble, Batucaxé has graced stages around the southwest bringing their incredible sound representing a diverse range of Brazilian musica from Samba, MPB and beyond. 
www.Batucaxe.org

Northern Arizona’s batucada ensemble led by director & NAU professor, Bryan Cooperrider.  This Brazilian-inspired community percussion and dance troupe in Flagstaff, Arizona celebrates the traditional rhythms of Brazil, Africa, and Cuba, as well as the original music of master drummer Marcus Santos. Their incredible drum ensemble is open to the public and offers regular classes in Flagstaff. 
www.FlagstaffSamba.com

Comprised of some of the best dancers in the valley, led by Angelique Starks, these girls offer a an incredible array of costumes and choreography drawing from the dance traditions across Brazil. The ensemble is comprised of eighteen beautiful and passionate dancers that engage the audience to create a breathtaking experience of Brazilian beauty, grace and culture performing to the hypnotic sounds of in-your-face Samba.
www.SambAZDancers.com

Arizona’s premier capoeira institution for over 10 years, Capoeira Brasil Arizona prides itself in performing the style and discipline found in capoeira’s historical roots. Offering an exciting physical performance of the afro-brazilian martial art & dance, Capoeira Brasil-AZ performs traditional capoeira music and dances with a large ensemble of 10-20 performers.  Their gravity-defying performance will leave you speechless as they push the boundary between fight & dance!
www.CapoeiraArizona.com

Hailing from Rio de Janeiro and known for her silky smooth vocals, Cleo has recently teamed up with three of Phoenix’s finest bossa nova players to create a sweet tropical quartet. Joined by Artie Grijalva on guitar and Glenn Stern on bass, the group brings a fresh sound to the classic flavor of Rio from swinging sambas to soothing bossa nova.  Bossa Brasil will make you sway to their delicious mango melodies!

Numerous artists from various mediums including painting, photography, film and beyond have cultivated Brasilian influenced artwork in Arizona and have collaborated with us to bring multi-sensory experiences through Live Art Installations including:
Tariq Sabur
Hendrix
Baron Gordon
Answer
Chip Thomas | Navajo Nation

Check back as additional listings will continue to be added as website continues to develop.

Brazilian master musician, educator and producer Jorge Martins, a member (since 1993) and former rhythm director of the renowned Maracatu nation, Estrela Brilhante (founded 1906) and former member of the band Cascabulho (GRAMMY 2004) will grace Brasil Fest AZ with a guest appearance performing with Grupo Liberdade and then leading a collective bateria of all the ensembles.  In Recife, Jorge also serves as director for Corpos Percussivos, an ensemble that empowers the impoverished and underprivileged youth in the favelas (slums) in the city of Recife.  Be sure to check out the video in the media section on this incredible master who brought his explosive energy to Brasil Fest AZ 2011! 
We look forward to bringing Mestre Martins back in the future.