Forróçacana (pronounced Foh-ho-sacana) is one of the most important bands of Forró. Two of their albums were nominated for Latin Grammy Awards in 2001 and 2005, Vamo que Vamo and Os Mariores Sucessos de Sao Joao (Saint John’s greatest songs) for the Best Album of Regional Music and Brazilian Roots category. Forró (Foh-ho), one of the most traditional and sensual Brazilian rhythms, has been shaking the night clubs all over Brazil.
Upbeat, super-catchy dance music from the Northeast of Brazil. Forró usually features an accordion, with fast, syncopated rhythms similar to samba. In some ways, is analagous to mariachi in Mexico, or cumbia music in Colombia. Forró, makes use of the flute along with percussion instruments and guitars. It is a very popular dance style throughout of Brazil.
It is said that the name forró originated during World War II when America had a local military base which served as the jumping-off spot for North Africa. It was the sight of some really wild parties. One kind was for themselves and the high society types, and the other was open for all to come. The locals loved those parties, but could not pronounce the words for all, so they started calling them forrós. As luck would have it, it was at this time that the forró style of music developed, and was given that name. Forró means for all and came from those American parties thrown by our boys in World War II. It is one of the most popular forms of music in and around Fortaleza, and to the American ear has many similarities with Cajun music from Louisiana, particularly when the accordion really gets cranked up. It is very lively, and makes your heart light indeed.
Brazilian singer-songwriter-dancer Kátia Moraes and Pure Samba open the night. Katia began her career in Rio de Janeiro in 1985 as part of a pop-rock band and has performed and/or recorded with Sérgio Mendes, Rita Lee, and Banda Cheiro de Amor, among others. After moving to Los Angeles in 1990, Kátia formed a band called The Rio Thing while lending her voice to films and television for dubbing and voice-overs. In 1991 she wrote the lyrics and recorded the track “Chegando” (Arriving) for the CD Dance Around the World for Rhythm Safari Records. In 1994 she formed Brasil Nuts. Katia has released 2 CDs in the U.S. and has performed all over Southern California, including opening for Gilberto Gil at the House of Blues. Don Heckman of the Los Angeles Times recently commented “…Moraes offers musical magic of Brazil…Sparks can be expected to fly…A galvanizing presence constantly in motion, joyously enmeshed in the music…”
The OYÁ Brazil Samba Show, led by director-choreographer Daniela Brasil, complete the party as they dance the traditional samba as well as forró, frevo and quadrilhas (a dance from the northeast of Brazil similar to the Square Dance). Comprised of a diverse team of talented dancers, this local ensemble radiates with energy and passion.
Samba at Saticoy, an after school volunteer children's ensemble, directed by Lee Cobin at Saticoy Elementary School in North Hollywood tackles a multitude of folk and popular Brazilian musical styles from Rio Samba to Tambor de Crioula from São Luis de Maranhão. In the spirit of the Northeastern "Festa Junina" celebration, the children will highlight the spirited rhythms of this region which will include forró and other traditional forms. Be ready to get out of your seat and feel and move to the pulse of these magical rhythms.
