With Brazil's 2014 World Cup looming, Hartford's 8th Annual Samba Fest has stepped up its game: composer/guitarist Ivan Vilela appears in the U.S. for the first time; funky, virtuosic NOLA-samba hybrid Nation Beat (pictured, and also reportedly one of Willie Nelson's favorite bands) tears it up; and Bahia singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Nanny Assis (who can vocalize like a Jaco Pastorius bass solo, if he wants to) makes his Hartford debut. Other musical acts include festival founder Eric Galm's Trinity Samba Ensemble, the Hartford Steel Symphony, the Trinity Steel Band and the Interdistrict Steel Pan Ensemble. New Haven capoeira troupe Ginga Brasileira return to demonstrate the most martial of Brazillian arts, while JuggleJoy helps keep the kids (and many adults) occupied. Samba Fest, a free, rain-or-shine event, happens at Hartford's Mortensen Riverfront Plaza on Saturday, May 3. Head to sambafest.com for more information.
SAMBA FEST takes place on Saturday, May 3, at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza in Hartford. Festivities take place from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free admission. Information: sambafest.com.
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