Food, Music and Film
When: August 8-10, 2014
Organizers: Co-production of Southern Mirrors, Puente and Harbourfront Centre
By Leila Monteiro Lins
Brazil is a country of cultural and geographic superlatives. From the exotic Amazon to the golden coast, Brazil is a destination with mysterious allure for many people. With a geographic area totaling over 8.5 million square kilometres, Brazil is virtually as large as Europe and covers half of the South American continent with its five uniquely diverse regions. From August 8-10, Harbourfront Centre welcomes the third edition of Expressions of Brazil festival to its 2014 summer season, featuring an alluring lineup of live Brazilian music, food, films, and more. A co-production of Southern Mirrors, Puente and Harbourfront Centre.
Expressions of Brazil musical headliner Rubens Salles, one of Brazil’s top pianists, performs alongside Marivaldo Dos Santos on the WestJet Stage on August 9. Dos Santos is a well-known producer, musician, and composer. He has established various music projects – electronic recycle, Brazil Underground and Quables – crafting a vibrant mix of electronic and live new sounds into performances. This exceptional musical duo are one of 15 musical performances throughout the Expressions of Brazil festival weekend.
On the food front, festival patrons are invited to taste the sweetness of Brazil’s bite size beijinhos, or ‘little kisses’ in English. Beijinhos are a widely known sweet, common in every birthday party and are made almost entirely of sweetened condensed milk and coconut. Those interested in spicing up their next birthday celebration are invited to learn how to make their own beijinhos at the festival’s Beijinho Workshop. The workshop is designed for kids aged 5 years old and up.
Film buffs will not want to miss the Brazilian films series featured at Expressions of Brazil. From Cidade Cinza (Grey City) to O céu no andar de baixo (The Sky Downstairs),short films to feature length, each film has been thoughtfully curated by BRAFFTV (Brazilian Film and TV Festival ) to highlight the brilliant and booming film industry of Brazil.
“Brazil is incredibly unique; it is like five countries in one. Each of Brazil’s five regions have their own influence and identity, their own distinct traditions and cultural practices,” shares Barbara de la Fuente, Expressions of Brazil artistic director. “We are thrilled to bring the diversity and magnetism of Brazil to Harbourfront Centre for Expressions of Brazil. For three days, we will showcase local, national, and international artists that are all part of the Brazilian diaspora – this festival is not to be missed.”
Expressions of Brazil – Highlights at a Glance:
. Food – Deep Fried Bloco, Boteco Brazil, Beijinhos and Brigadeiro Workshops and Taste of Brazil’s traditional Brazilian foods
- Music – Kay Lyra, Marivaldo dos Santos with Ruben Salles and Luciano Porto’s Zé Fuá Forró Band and Olmir Stocker
- Film – BRAFFTV Film Series
Service:
For additional information and complete event listings, the public may visit harbourfrontcentre.com or call the Information Hotline at 416-973-4000. Harbourfront Centre is located at 235 Queens Quay West in the heart of downtown Toronto’s waterfront.
I’ve been loniokg for a post like this forever (and a day)