Brazil in the Gardens & Forro Music

by Dave Golden

Two performances, just weeks apart, showcased distinct styles of Brazilian music at the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival. The first featured the rich, urban sound of Brazilian bossa nova, while the second highlighted forró, a more working-class genre often accompanied by lively dancing.

Brazil in the Gardens with Monica Salmaso, Guinga, and Teca Cardoso
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival 
August 15, 2024

After participating in the California Brazil Camp, a program dedicated to promoting Brazilian performance arts and culture in California, Monica Salmaso, Guinga, and Teca Cardoso delivered a captivating performance at the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival. They masterfully blended Brazilian musical traditions with innovative interpretations. Salmaso’s crystalline voice, full of emotive depth, paired beautifully with Guinga’s virtuosic guitar playing, creating moments of profound beauty. Guinga’s intricate guitar work, combined with Teca Cardoso’s flute, provided the perfect backdrop for Salmaso’s folk-inspired selections. The trio’s synergy was evident, with each artist elevating the others in a seamless, harmonious collaboration.

Foleada
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival 
August 29, 2024

Seattle-based Foleada brought a lively mid-day performance of forró music to the gardens. Forró, a popular genre of music and dance from the northeastern region of Brazil, is deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of the area and is celebrated throughout the country. It is characterized by rhythmic, lively beats and typically features instruments such as the accordion (sanfona), triangle, and zabumba (a type of bass drum). Forró is not just a genre of music but also a dance style usually performed in pairs, with a close embrace and rhythmic steps that match the music’s syncopated beats. Together, the dance and music create a vibrant, energetic atmosphere that is central to many Brazilian social events.