Matuto (Brazilian Dance Party)

 It’s Brazilian Carnival in the Appalachian Mountains! Drawing on Northeastern Brazil’s folkloric rhythms like forró, maracatu, or coco, and on deep Americana — from bluegrass to spirituals to swampy Louisiana jams — Matuto(a Northeastern Brazilian slang term for “bumpkin”) uses unexpected Pan-American sounds to craft appealing, fun and rootsy music. The result? Rolling drums, quicksilver accordion licks, and earthy vibes mingle to create a one-of-a kind Appalachia-gone-Afro-Brazilian sound. We dare you to resist moving to the bubbling Brazilian backbeats and bluesy riffs. Come early and enjoy a Caipirinha (Brazil’s national drink) and a free forró dance lesson. This engagement of Matuto is made possible through the ArtsCONNECT program of Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation with support from the National Endowment for Arts.