Media Contact: Robert Everest

612-747-1234 / rkeverest@gmail.com

Carnaval Brasileiro, now in its 13^th year, celebrates with two shows at International Market Square on Saturday, February 21!

MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 8, 2015 -- The most attended and longest-running annual Brazilian event in the Twin Cities takes a giant leap to the next level with the 13^th annual Carnaval Brasileiro on Saturday, February 21 at International Market Square. For the first time, Carnaval will have three performance stages, FREE on-site parking, a new venue with capacity for thousands, and VIP tickets with full Brazilian buffet (served 7-8:30) and special gifts. The newly branded BrazilFest MN brings you, "Carnaval Brasileiro 2015" (Brazilian Carnival). Over 80 singers, drummers, samba dancers, and artisans will transform International Market Square into an authentically festive Brazilian cultural experience!

Guitarist/vocalist Robert Everest and his ten-piece group Beira Mar Brasil will host the two events comprising Carnaval Brasileiro 2015: the BrazilFest Family Matinee in the afternoon and Carnaval Brasileiro Masquerade Ball in the evening. Everest is a world music expert and leads a band steeped in the sounds of Brazil -- Samba, Axé, Frevo, Baião, and other dance-inducing styles from throughout the country. Singer and samba dancer extraordinaire, Dandara, will join Everest on stage. Direct from Salvador da Bahia, Brazils famous party-loving city, Dandara performs at over 50 carnival celebrations around the world each year in Europe, North America, and of course, Brazil. 2015 will mark her ninth straight appearance in Carnaval Brasileiro of the Twin Cities!

In addition to Dandara, Everest, and Beira Mar Brasil, other performers will include the 50 drummers from Brazilian percussion ensembles Batucada Do Norte and Drumheart, professional samba dancers Edilson Lima and Vanessa Luiz from São Paulo, Brazil, and the Brazilian martial arts group Omulu Capoeira of Minnesota.

Carnaval guests will be able to purchase true Brazilian drinks (and a full Brazilian buffet by D'Amico Catering with a VIP admission), try out carnival masks created by master Brazilian artisan Goretti Aamot, or have their face and body painted (just like they do it in Rio!).

The all-ages afternoon family matinee will include mask and instrument making, dance lessons, and free face painting for kids. Both afternoon and evening shows will take place at one of the premier event venues in the Twin Cities, International Market Square.

The annual Carnaval, celebrated throughout Brazil, lasts nearly a week and has roots dating back to the 1700s. Like Mardi Gras, Carnaval is an all-out party with music, masks, dancing, food and drink - a final blowout before Lenten traditions kick in for the Easter season. This Minneapolis edition of Carnaval falls a week after it is celebrated in Brazil, allowing for so many of the special guests to come to Minneapolis.

Carnaval Brasileiro 2015

DATE: Saturday, February 21, 2015.

TIMES: 3 pm - 6pm (doors at 2:30) Family BrazilFest - Special All-ages Matinee

7 pm - 8:30 pm VIP Brazilian Buffet served.

9 pm - 2 am (doors at 8:30) Evening Masquerade Ball (18+)

VENUE: International Market Square, 275 Market Street, Minneapolis

TICKETS: 9 pm Evening Masquerade Ball: $15 early bird special through Jan. 21,
$20 in advance (Jan. 22 - Feb. 20), $30 at the door.

$75 VIP tickets including full Brazilian buffet (served 7 - 8:30 pm), complimentary "caipirinha" (Brazil's favorite cocktail), special gifts, and access to the "camarote" balcony for a bird's eye view of the action!)

3 pm Afternoon Family BrazilFest: $10 in advance, $15 at the door.

Tickets on sale now at www.BrazilFest.org

Beira Mar Brasil, a band with over 15 years of history, features Brazilian music veteran Robert Everest on guitar, cavaquinho, and vocals. He is joined by keyboards, bass, drums, a horn section, and multiple percussionists. The group has performed at prestigious events, including the 15th Anniversary of the Sculpture Garden at the Walker, the Ordway and at the 2011 Childrens Heartlink Gala. Everest has toured throughout the world, has performed with Manhattan Samba in New York, and has appeared at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's annual gala in the Twin Cities. Special guest Dandara, who has been referred to as the "Brazilian Tina Turner," has performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival and other premier events in cities including Los Angeles, Paris, London, and Lyon.

COMPLETE EVENT INFORMATION INCLUDING HIGH REZ PHOTOS www.BrazilFest.org / 612-747-1234

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.