SambaDá – California Center for the Arts

For the past 25 years, SambaDá has been building a musical bridge between traditional and contemporary Brazilian sounds, with roots in Africa and influences from around the U.S and the Caribbean. Brazilian natives Papiba Godinho and Dandha Da Hora bring their lifelong dedication to Afro-Brazilian song, dance, guitar and percussion to the group. Papiba is a Mestre of the Brazilian art of capoeira and Dandha has been performing with the world-renowned cultural organization Ilê Aiyê since she was 6 years old. Brazilian percussionists Abel Damasceno and Will Martíns lay down intricate and infectious grooves, together with master Brazilian bassist Elvis Aeron and drummer Will Bates. Anne Stafford adds sax and flute to the mix, and together they create a joyous blend of Afro-Samba-Reggae-Funk guaranteed to keep feet dancing and open hearts!