Celebrates the berimbau, a single-stringed bowed instrument that embodies resilience through its rich socio-cultural resonance. Originating in Angola and flourishing in Brazil, the berimbau became central to Brazilian music and capoeira, blending rhythm, ritual, storytelling, and survival.
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Across three acts, we honor artists such as Naná Vasconcelos, Baden Powell, Sérgio Mendes, Azymuth, Astrud Gilberto, Quarteto em Cy, Clementina de Jesus, and Jorge Ben—musicians who carried the berimbau’s voice across generations, linking Africa and the Americas through sound, memory, and cultural endurance. Journey with us as we feature an orchestrated timeline of the instrument featuring local and international musicians, dancers, vocalists, DJs and capoeira mestres.
Berimbau Ensemble
Musicians:
Léo Costa (drums)
Marcel Camargo (guitar)
Andre de Santanna (bass)
Gibi Dos Santos (percussion/berimbau)
Kahlil Cummings (percussion/berimbau)
Krishna Booker (percussion)
Quetzal Guerrero (berimbau/vocal)
Scott Mayo (woodwinds)
Vikram Devasthali (trombone)
Todd M. Simon (trumpet)
Ruby Simon (baritone sax)
Cut Chemist (DJ)
Choir:
Flor Jorge
Diana Purim
Krishna Booker
Diana di Battista
Kleber Jorge (vocal director)
+special surprise guests!
Brasilian Vinyl DJ Sets:
Mario Caldato Jr.
Wyldeflower
Capoeiristas:
Mestre Muito Tempo
Alfred Kendrick
Saracuru
Mestra Pavão
Mestre Chegado
Participation by:
Capoeira Brasil
Capoeira Batuque
Axé Capoeira
FitArts
Host: Kahlil Cummings
Music Directors: Léo Costa & Marcel Camargo
Producers: Rocio S. Contreras, Todd M. Simon and Dr. Dexter Story
Poster Design: Mao Orsini
This program is made possible in part by our community partners at Yelp LA, a grant from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, and Arts for LA.