Carnaval Brasileiro

Carnaval will be officially over in the steamy places where it really matters by the time this party gets cranked up, but then it takes a little longer to warm up the car here, too. Nevertheless, a reasonable facsimile of the feverish conflagration that seizes Rio de Janeiro, Recife, Salvador, and other Brazilian hot spots annually will be the goal of the local Brasileiro-centric band Beira Mar Brasil and a contingent of authentic Brazilian guests. Led by guitarist-singer-percussionist Robert Everest, the 11-piece BMB conjures myriad dance-inducing genres from throughout Brazil, including samba, frevo baião, and forró. Again this year, guests will include Bahian Dandara, a sambista often compared to Tina Turner, and percussionist Edgar Oliveira. Besides the music, there'll be a samba dance show, carnival masks from Brazilian artist Goretti, prizes for best costumes, dance lessons, an appearance by Drumheart from St. Paul's Women's Drum Center, and Brazilian appetizers and drinks. After a few caipirinhas, maybe the (fool)hearty will start baring the flesh like true Cariocas. But don't count on it.
Sat., Feb. 9, 9 p.m., 2008