Brazilian Heart
December 2011
Since 1998

Twenty days in Rio and I got two days of sunny sky. “São Pedro” (St. Peter) did not want me to get a tan. Let me explain what I mean with my previous remark. In Brasil, St. Peter is in charge of the weather. Do you remember a passage of the Bible that says: “And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven.” Well, Brazilians took this as a message: St. Peter is the “weather caster in chief,” so every time there is too much sun, too much rain, too much this or that, we definitely blame Mr. São Pedro for it.
I was a little disappointed, but did not have much free time to blame São Pedro. My new bikini will wait until California get a heat wave!

Join me for a NEW YEAR’S EVE with a Brazilian Touch
@ Gaucho’s (Glendale, CA)
Featuring Mitchell Long and Leo Costa
Reservations and Info:
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2491939458?ref=elink 

Elis Regina, a Celebration is coming up on January 21 at Brasil Brasil Cultural Center! Stay tuned.

Feliz Natal (Merry Christmas)
Happy New Year (Feliz Ano Novo)
A gift for you! Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGDO99gmb1Q 
Love, Peace, Joy and Wisdom!
Katia : )

Sharing some thoughts while visiting Glendale, Arizona

OCCUPY GLENDALE 

Here we are, my hubby and I, in Glendale Arizona. Gorgeous sunset skies and so close to one of the wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon. How come we are surrounded by a Westgate Mall where people are looking for holiday sales, and a Cabela’s Outfitter store that will give away Browning rifles to the first 800 shoppers that line at the door at 5am on Thanksgiving? Tell me. Please, answer my naive question. This is surreal. If I was still asleep at 2pm I definitely woke up after entering Cabela’s. The Fodor Travel book suggested visiting the Old Town and Caitland Corner. We tried. The only think we found was thrifty stores trying to pass themselves off as antique shops. I guess the economic crisis hit town before they could finish the job. On the other hand, the tattoo stores are booming and we saw few Mexican girls with pierced noses holding a sign on the corner of Glendale Ave with 67th Ave offering free tattoos. 

Outside our hotel veranda there is a big silver spaceship that looks even more striking agains the dark gun powder gray sky. It’s the University of Phoenix Stadium, the Arizona Cardinals professional football team’s home. Here, the US female soccer team will play against Sweden. We watched the US training this late morning and drove around guided by the Fodor’s travel book afterwards. Back to the hotel, I can’t quite get away from the impression Cabela’s Outfitter store left on me. 

“Hot Lead vs Hot Espresso, Shoppers vs Shooters.” My husband can’t stop laughing.

“Draft Beer Drinkers vs Head Shot Thinkers.” He laughs a little more. I watch him call his buddy in Florida to share his impressions of this side of the world. 

I kept taking pictures of everything that was new to me: lines of rifles ranging from $75 to a thousand dollars, an aquarium with two albino catfishes, videos for children using fake guns, camouflage clothing, a T-shirt with a front design showing a smoking gun written “Happiness is...” I feel I’m on another planet. Glued to a restaurant’s door I see a “No firearms allowed” poster that reminded me of a similar one I saw at a Kansas hotel in the beginning of this year. I realize I’ve been blind all these years living in California. I assumed whatever I wanted to assume. I’m made of a mishmash of conceptual ideas about freedom, civil rights, amnesty, animal rights, Gandhi, save Tibet, save the polar bears and the dolphins, end the famine in Africa and stop the melting of the planet. My mind is an antenna capturing trillions of events and the emotions that come attached to them. I look at the world around me coming from a great desire to make the world a better place. “My” better place. So self centered, I know, but that’s what everybody does. Oh well, I do the best I can.

Tonight, CNN announced that Republican and Democratic Congress men didn’t agree on a way to diminish the national debt. As a woman who was born during the Brazilian dictatorship time, I always thought of the power the presidents had. I wished Obama was a dictator for a split second. I feel discouraged thinking about him and the Republican candidates for the 2012 presidency. “Se correr o bicho pega, se ficar o bicho come.” This Brazilian saying literally means “ If you run the animal catches you, if you stay it eats you.” Years ago I wanted to be an American citizen to be able to vote, and now I’m cringing at the thought of the election day that is around the corner.

Iowa State beat Oklahoma State and the field got packed with happy American football fans. The “Occupy” movement would be very happy to see that amount of people walking in the streets asking for equality. I wonder what would make Arizonians to camp on the fields around the Westgate Mall and Cabela’s Outfitter. I look at the million stars on this amazing sky and want to visit its big observatory. The documentary about the band “The Doors” is on TV and I imagine that everyone on this country is on drugs. Each one is humming an old song that perpetuates a foggy impression of what’s going on. “But don’t we all do that,” I asked myself. Jim Morrison thought he was part of a revolution until he watched a play, acted as an invincible fool and ended up in jail. For a long time I thought that art was a revolutionary tool, and I have to confess that visiting the Cabela’s store felt like something was killing the poetry I carry in my heart. I don’t want to die in the bath tub like Jim. The fresh cold water of reality stings my skin, but I prefer to take a skinny dip in this middle of nowhere Arizona state.

SINGING WITH VIVER BRASIL DANCE COMPANY - CANADA

Photo by Beto Gonzalez

At about 8am the bus stopped in the middle of the 170th Street in Edmonton. It looks like we are stuck on a freeway. We joked that it looks like the 10 freeway in Los Angeles. The Canadian driver understands our feelings. He used to lead tours to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena and experienced the crazy traffic of the city of Angels. This morning I had an extended chat with him and he says he does not like Halloween. He found out that people spend more money in costumes at this time of the year than on Christmas. He laments that. My friend Cynthia also disapproves the idea, but I know disapprovals don’t promote change, unless...well, that’s another story.

The Red Arrow bus is carrying eighteen of us, luggages with costumes, instruments plus our mascot, baby Keyan who turned six months in April. Taurus is his astrological sign, and that triggers a conversation about how stubborn the “Taurus personality” can be. We laughed while the bus now moves freely surrounded by early morning workers driving their Kias, Fords, Jeeps, and other types of cars. 

I heard Alberta has a 65% immigrant population. There are Sri Lankan, Vietnamese, Chinese, Polish, Japanese, East African, Italian (of course) restaurants around here. Oh, did I mention the Ukrainian farm? A Lebanese man speaking Portuguese approached me at the hotel in McMurray one morning. He lived in Rio and I could see by his smile how happy he was to exchange few words. A group of Brazilians came to the show that night. They are working at the oil rig about two hours from Keyano Theatre and were thrilled to see us. The standing ovation was probably ignited by them. 

On our way to the next stop we met a smiling Nova Scotia woman called Linda. Her brightest face made an impression on me. She has been working for a year as a General Supervisor of two lodges located an hour and a half from Fort McMurray (est.1795 and the fastest growing city in Canada). The lodges house people working for the oil refineries. Linda told my friend Cynthia that one day she went to a used bookstore in the middle of “nowhere prairie land” trying to find something to comfort her soul. She found a book about Buddhism that led her to more trips to the same bookstore. Every time she bought a book donated by the same person. This reminds me of the used book about philosopher Boethius I just bought at Amazon.com. I kept imagining what made the previous owner to underline certain passages. 

We finally get to the Whitemud freeway going towards the airport. The driver asked us if we went to the West Edmonton Mall, but we didn’t have time for any sightseeing. To be honest, the only place I’d love to visit is the Jasper National Park that is about 4 hours northwest from here. The young girl who assisted me in the hotel gave me a brochure with gorgeous pictures of it and I gasped. Besides fishing, hiking, “Looking-for-moose-seeing,” and the usual attractions, there is a lake cruise to an island called Spirit. A perfect place to feed my soul. “Next time,” I say to myself. 

Through the speakers we hear the driver tells us that the freeway 2 is now called Queen Elizabeth. I hear someone says: “So colonial.” We giggled. I wonder which politician had the idea to change the name. Talking about names, try to pronounce this word: Saskatchewan. I wonder if it is a Cree Indian nation name. 

Overall, I feel like I’m still in the US. KFC, Pizzahut, Firestone, Starbucks, Sears. They are all here.  Wendy’s was next door to another restaurant called Swiss Chalet that serves barbecued chicken. Their female waiters are all Chinese/Vietnamese. Go figure.

The crew at the Arden Theatre was sweet and they made us sound great. The piano at the rehearsal room was a little out of tune but helped me to warm up. I’m glad I brought the Throat Coat tea with me. In the middle of the previous show at Keyano Theatre, Vania, myself and the dancers found out we couldn’t produce saliva anymore. Water! 

Eileen, our lighting designer, fell sick but did a great job regardless of feeling crappy most of the time during the trip. 

I heard this was the first time the producer was bringing world dance to this theatre. He said we exceeded his expectations and by the way the audience responded, he will continue to introduce different cultures to his community in the future. Voila! I think this is called Success. 

I know it’s hard to please everyone and the subject “food” is always challenging. My friend Laila didn’t like the food provided by the healthy Prairie Bistro, but I was very grateful for it. Talking about prairie, that’s pretty much what you see in Alberta’s province. I look at the dictionary. “Planície, pradaria, campina.” In the south of Brasil you call them “pampas.”

Finally I’m at the airport sitting beside a Buddhist nun. While I write my account of the trip she plays solitaire on her Notebook. I smile. We are all One. I truly believe it now.

Photo by Beto Gonzalez

Brazilian Heart

November 2011

Since 1998

Brasil, here I go! 

Reasons? Millions of them!

My grandma is 99 years old

A possible reunion of my band from the 1980‘s: O Espírito da Coisa

To film a new video in São Paulo

To hug my family and friends

To check the amazing exhibition “INDIA” happening in downtown Rio

http://riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/rio-entertainment/india-a-major-exhibition-in-rio-at-ccbb/ http://riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/rio-entertainment/india-a-major-exhibition-in-rio-at-ccbb/

To bathe my body in the Atlantic Ocean and say “ahhhhhhhhh”

SHOW

ELIS, a Celebration! 

Saturday, January 21 at 7pm 

A Live Show with Katia Moraes & Pure Samba + Photo Exhibition + Slide Show by Jorge Vismara + Set Design by Brad Austin to celebrate Brazilian singer Elis Regina!

@ Brasil Brasil Cultural Center

11928 Washington Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90066 (c/s Inglewood)

Featuring Antonio de Sant’Anna, Mitchell LOng, Leo Costa and Bill Brendle.

310 397-3667

$15

Thursday, January 26 at 7pm

Katia Moraes & Pure Samba

@ Green Valley Recreation (Green Valley, AZ)

OBA! SOUNDS OF BRAZIL: WORK IN PROGRESS DOCUMENTARY

Directed by Michael Deane. He asked me about Saudade (longing) and that’s what happened to me...

http://vimeo.com/30935288

FOR YOU

“I sing the notes to arrive at that rare beach

Where the white fine sand does not blind anybody when the wind blows.”

Peace, and Happy Thanksgiving in advance!

Katia : )

Brazilian Heart

October 2012

Since 1998

I used to dream I was a close friend with artists that I love. Sting was one of them. The dream was so vivid I could swear it was true. I think I dreamt with Stevie Wonder once as well. On September 29 he was performing at Rock in Rio and many of my friends were SO happy to be there watching one of their most beloved artists. What a great feeling to watch a show with someone you admire. It makes you cry, smile and pinch yourself asking: “Am I really here or is this just a dream?” I felt that way when I opened for Gilberto Gil at House of Blues years back. I have to admit that yes, it was a dream. Moments like these pass very fast. Everything that’s left is the emotional print in your heart. I’m grateful for those moments and for many to come! 

Stevie in my hometown: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qSY6RZhLg8&feature=share 


SHARING A QUOTE
From Viver Brasil Dance Company latest review:
"Remarkable throughout was the robust singing of Katia Moraes, providing a narrative that rose above even the thundering drums of five tireless drummers. Ms. Moraes is a vocal powerhouse who seems ready to sing at full throttle all night long."

SHOWS:

Thursday, October 6th at 8pm

Singing with Samba Society @ Madrid Theatre

Special guest from Brasil: Composer/singer Moacyr Luz

Part of the Festival of World Festival of Sacred Music

http://www.festivalofsacredmusic.org/calendar 

Thursday, October 13th at 9pm

Singing with Samba Society @ Zanzibar

With special guest Moacyr Luz

http://www.zanzibarlive.com/#/schedule/4540465856 

Friday and Saturday, October 21 & 22 at 7:30pm

Katia Moraes & Brazilian Hearts

@ Nakano Theatre (Torrance)

George Nakano Theatre

Torrance Cultural Arts Center 3330 Civic Center Drive

310.781.7171

http://www.performingartslive.com/Events%5CKTIA-MORAES--BRAZILIAN-HEARTS-7122011171654 

October 28-31 in Alberta, Canada

With Viver Brasil Dance Company

http://www.ardentheatre.com/events.php?event_id=570&cat=1 

Photo by Jorge Vismara. Performing with Viver Brasil Dance Company at the Ford Theater in 2009.

2011 NATIONAL HERITAGE FELLOWSHIPS 

NEA paid homage to Brazilian instrumentalist Carlinhos Pandeiro de Ouro, an authority in Pandeiro playing. The award celebration took place in Washington D.C. this last September.

I’m very proud of you, Carlinhos : )

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/17462684 

(Starts at 50)

INTERESTING WOMEN: AYN RAND

http://www.aynrand.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_ayn_rand_aynrand_biography

AROUND LA

WORLD FESTIVAL OF SACRED MUSIC

Opening: “Honoring the Sea” - over three hundred artists present sacred traditions from seven lineages of world cultures on Santa Monica Beach (at Dorothy Green Park), Saturday, October 1st  at 3:00 pm

http://www.artsbeatla.com/2011/09/world-festival-sacred-music/ 

Daniela Mercury @ Greek Theatre

October 13

The Brazilian bombshell from Bahia

www.braziliannites.com 

My Peruvian sister Cecilia Noel & Wild Clams will be @ The Mint

October 15 at 8pm / with Los Pinguos at 11pm.

Cecilia and I performed together when I arrived in Los Angeles many years ago. We had a blast sharing the stage during the Lambada Era. I feel grateful for each moment I experienced with her.   

www.themintla.com 

Fundraising presented by Samba n’Motion: Night in Rio @ Brasil Brasil Cultural Center on October 22 at 7pm

My friend Ana Laidley who is a Samba authority here in LA, will use the money of this event towards a new show telling the origins of samba.

http://capoeirabatuque.org/ 

A CAT AND A GIRL (To Melt Your Heart)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbDN9AS1jyE&feature=share 

FOR YOU

“Ask yourself whether the dream of heaven and greatness should be waiting for us in our graves – or whether it should be ours here and now and on this earth.” 

Ayn Rand, Russian philosopher (1905-1982)

“Any situation in which some men prevent others from engaging in the process of inquiry is one of violence;”

Paulo Freire, Brazilian educator (1921-1997)

Peace and Joy,

Katia : )

After the shooting of my new video @ Caesar Lima's studio in Calabasas on September 29th. Great people, great vibe!

Brazilian Heart 

September 2011

Since 1998

This is what happens when my heart is open and not expecting anything...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Na36NRk5nQ 

SHOWS

Monday, September 5th at 4pm @ Tropico de Nopal

Singing with Samba Society

http://www.reverbnation.com/sambasociety 

Saturday, September 10th from 12noon to 6pm @ La Brea Tar Pits

7th Brazilian Day In Los Angeles (Celebrating Brasil’s Independence Day)

Food, crafts, music, carnaval parade, and more.

I’ll be the MC (and will be sitting in for a song with Renni Flores)

http://braziliandayla.org/main/ 

Saturday, September 24 at 8pm @ Cerritos Performing Arts Center

Singing with Viver Brasil Dance Company

http://www.cerritoscenter.com/tickets/production.aspx?productionSeasonId=3637

BRAZIL’S ECONOMY

Brazil's economic boom drawing immigrant workers home

http://mobile.latimes.com/p.p?a=rp&m=b&postId=786090&curAbsIndex=1&resultsUrl=DID%3D6%26DFCL%3D1000%26DSB%3Drank%2523desc%26DBFQ%3DuserId%253A7%26DL.w%3D%26DL.d%3D10%26DQ%3DsectionId%253A5218%26DPS%3D0%26DPL%3D3 

LISTEN 

“Brazil” by Django Reinhardt:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0MTQpDgSFc&feature=related

BRAZILIAN DANCE IN LA

Sunday at 3pm in exploring the diverse Afro-Brazilian Dance Diaspora with Rachel Hernandez. Orixas, afro-contemporary, samba reggae and much more. All levels encouraged and welcome. With live musical accompaniment. Drop in $12. Brasil Brasil Cultural Center (11928 Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066) 

NEW BRAZILIAN DOCUMENTARY 

CORTINA DE FUMAÇA by Rodrigo Mac Niven opening in Brasl this month “is a bold documentary about a polemic subject that should concern everybody and that needs to be honestly discussed. The drug policy in Brazil and worldwide.” 

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GbqujLL5Ek&feature=related 

http://www.cortinadefumaca.com/site/pt-br/doc/english.php 

THE HEALER 

I’ve been hearing stories about João de Deus for few years now. Here’s what Oprah presented about him on her show.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGNQuIcsGlM&feature=related 

BACK2BLACK FESTIVAL IN RIO (August 2011)

http://www.back2blackfestival.com.br/videos 

Featuring Chaka Kan, Macy Gray, Gilberto Gil, Ana Moura, and many more. 

FOR YOU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXwus1xd2bA&feature=player_embedded#!

“Não adianta nem me abandonar

Porque mistério sempre há de pintar por aí

Pessoas até muito mais vão lhe amar

Até muito mais difíceis que eu prá você

Que eu, que dois, que dez, que dez milhões, todos iguais

Até que nem tanto esotérico assim

Se eu sou algo incompreensível, meu Deus é mais”

It doesn’t matter if you abandon me

Because there will always be mystery in the world.

More people will love you

Way more difficult than I am to you

I, two, ten, ten million, all the same.

I’m not that esoteric

If I am incomprehensible, my God is more

Peace, Love and Joy

Katia : )

BRAZILIAN HEART
August 2011
Since 1998

With Jose Rizo (KJazz 88.1FM) and James Janisse (klasfm.com and kebnradio.com) at the backstage after the show. Two gentlemen!

It was hot and humid at Central Ave Jazz Festival in South Central Los Angeles. I was drenched at the end of the show and felt like I was in Brasil. The 10-year old Ray Goren played the blues like a soulful pro and brought the house down before we went on stage. Amazing talent. Gerald Wilson’s orchestra conducted by the 93 year-old legend himself performed after us (Sambaguru). Beautiful. The Artists’ Green Room was at the solar powered “cultural center” (CRCD) supported by councilwoman Jan Perry. Actually, Jan Perry's poise reminded me of Brazilian singer Elizeth Cardoso who I met at TV Manchete dressing room in Rio de Janeiro in the 1980’s. I told her my mother loved her, and she made a little remark about “my mom” loving her, but not me. I felt a little embarrassed, but imagined my deceased mom would feel very happy to know I had met Elizeth before she passed away.

Cyro Monteiro and Elizeth Cardoso singing “Tem que Rebolar” by José Batista and M. de Oliveira (1966). My parents used to hear this recording when I was a teenager. This one brings me much joy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V72fkyzaLQo&feature=related

SHOW
Friday, August 26 from 7pm to 9pm
@ Farmers Market Hollywood with Sambaguru
FREE
http://farmersmarketla.com/special_events/events/summermusic/images/2011%20Summer%20Music%20Flyer.pdf

Teaching the crowd how to move in a Brazilian way @ LACMA (July 16). Photo by Alena.

SÃO PAULO AND CALIFORNIA - Sustainability Partners
http://policyinmotion.com/2011/07/sao-paulo-brazil-and-california-usa-sustainability-partners/

BRASIL BRASIL CULTURAL CENTER
My friends Amen and Nayla moved BBCC to a new location in Culver City, Los Angeles. I’ll be doing an event there very soon. If you or your kids want to learn Portuguese, dance samba, play capoeira, etc, check them out:  http://capoeirabatuque.org/classes/

OLD AND BEAUTIFUL BRAZILIAN MUSIC!
Orlando Silva singing “Nada Além” by Custódio Mesquita & Mário Lago (1938)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_358PNNVDDc&feature=related

THE PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE MUSEUM (São Paulo)
http://www.gringoes.com/articles.asp?ID_Noticia=1467
http://www.estacaodaluz.org.br/

AROUND LOS ANGELES
Mario Costa (Music) @ First & Hope (downtown) on Aug. 13 at 10pm
Michel Groisman (Performance Art) @ Skirball on Aug 17 at 8pm

FOR YOU
Bichos Cantores (Animal Singers)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElelOxM3NJw&feature=related

Quote of “Nuvem Passageira” (Passing Cloud) by Brazilian composer Tunai :

“Não adianta escrever
meu nome numa pedra
pois esta pedra em pó
vai se transformar
Você não vê que a vida
corre contra o tempo
sou um castelo de areia
na beira do mar”

Don’t bother to write
my name on a stone
cause the stone will be dust
Don’t you see that Life
goes against Time?
I’m a sand castle on the seaside

Peace and Joy!
Katia : )

 Somewhere between Laguna Beach and Los Angeles

BRAZILIAN HEART
July 2011
Since 1998

This last June I decided to celebrate my birthday spending a week in Española (New Mexico) practicing Kundalini yoga and meditation. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget. One morning at around 2:45am when I was walking and singing with my teacher and other yogi friends, I couldn’t hold my tears and cried like a baby. Some white turbans reminded me of my mom’s white veil she used during mass. I looked at the starry night and found out I was fighting against the idea she was faithful to the end. They say we peel old emotional blocks like an onion, in layers. Many times I thought I had spotted an old pattern of mine and believed I wouldn’t repeat it again. But then, an early morning breeze touches your face, the reverberation of a song in your throat rushes into your heart, and you are moved to a sphere where you face your fear one more time. I found out I’m very similar to my mom. I have faith. And I carry it in my eyes, in my passion for singing, for nature, for life.
By the way, a group of 40 Brazilians from Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Brasília and Espírito Santo camped in the same valley I was.
http://www.3ho.org/
http://www.3hobrasil.com.br/

SHOWS
Saturday, July 16 at 5pm @ LACMA with Sambaguru
http://www.lacma.org/event/katia-moraes
Below a pic taken few years ago at Lacma with Pure Samba (Mitchell Long, Leo Costa and Antonio Sant'Anna)

Tuesday, July 19 at 6:30pm @ The Beach House with Pure Samba
http://www.eventbrite.com/org/199463539

Sunday, July 31 at 2pm @ Central Avenue Jazz Festival with Sambaguru
http://www.centralavejazz.org/

BRAZILIAN FLORA
I played with many Mimosa Pudica (Dormideira) when I was a kid. Sweet memories.
“There are over 300 species of Mimosa that belong to the bean (pea) family Leguminosae. This species, Mimosa Pudica, is native to Brazil but is naturalized throughout the tropics of the Americas, Africa, and Asia. It runs wild as a weed in the Gulf States.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLTcVNyOhUc

IGUAZU FALLS (DEVIL’S THROAT)
I visited this place when I was about 9 years old and never forgot. It’s mesmerizing!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYydapcTPJ4&feature=related

AROUND TOWN AND BEYOND
July 8th @ Roxy Theater Brazilian Summer Festival with Diogo Nogueira
www.braziliannites.com
July 11th @ Kuumbwa Jazz (Santa Cruz, CA) Percussionist Airto Moreira’s 70 years Birthday Celebration with Eyedentity!
http://www.kuumbwajazz.org/index.php#kuumwbwa_popup
Below photo taken at La Ve Lee with Airto Moreira and Sambaguru

FILM
“Broder” on July 6th at 7:30pm@ James Bridges Theatre at UCLA
http://www.international.ucla.edu/lai/events/showevent.asp?eventid=8936

BRASIL BRASIL CULTURAL CENTER
If you are in Los Angeles, visit BBCC's new location! My friends Amem and Nayla did a great job! There you can learn capoeira, samba, portuguese, drumming, yoga, etc.
www.brasilbrasil.org


FOR YOU
“Aqui é o meu país
Nos sonhos sem cabimento
Aqui sou um passarim
Que as penas estão por dentro
Por isso aprendi a cantar,
Voar, voar, voar”

Here is my country
In senseless dreams,
Here I am a bird
with feathers inside,
that’s why I learned to sing
to fly, to fly, to fly

Quote of Ivan Lins song “Meu País” (My Country)

Peace, Love and joy,
Katia : )

BRAZILIAN HEART
JUNE 2011 (My birthday Month! OBA!)
SINCE 1998

You know when you sit or stand on a spot in your house where you were never aware of? And you look at everything around you and find out things are different? One afternoon I sat on a blue chair against my backyard fence and SAW my hidden garden. In front of me there was a narrow way with rose bushes, lavenders, lemon trees and jasmines all along it. The pathway was shaped with pines and little rocks I handpicked, and mandalas with sea shells I created. Far ahead the greenery was greener than ever against the bluest of skies.

Went to see Prince’s show and I found out I had brought that greenery spot with me. I looked at the excited, noisy and packed Forum in Inglewood with a calmness in my heart that I had never felt. I even philosophized about Prince’s spiritual being when he came on stage wearing a shining gold outfit from top to bottom. I smiled broadly and enjoyed the moment... Some say he’s a type of god, and I believe we all are.
(Photo below with my friend and pianist Sandro Rebel after the show at the Forum)

SHOWS
Friday, June 10 at 8pm @ Vitello’s Supper Club (Studio City, CA)
With Sambaguru
http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=3704695
(Photo below with percussionist Kevin Ricard after our show at WorldFest last month. He and saxophonist Miguel Gandelman from the Tonight Show band will be playing at Vitello's)

Sunday, June 12th at 2pm @ Jazz on the Bay (Newport Beach, CA)
Info: (949) 677-0490
With Pure Samba

Friday, June 17 at 7pm  @ Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center (Redondo Beach, CA) Info: (562) 556-4824
With Samba Society

BIRDS + CLASSICAL BRAZILIAN MUSIC
Composer Heitor Villa Lobos and Uirapuru. "Uirapuru is an orchestral piece with an elaborate program about the mythical Uirapuru bird in the Amazon jungle."
http://www.villalobos.ca/uirapuru

BRAZILIAN CHOREOGRAPHER + CIRQUE DU SOLEIL
In the 1980’s I did a class with Uruguayan choreographer Graciela Figueroa that I never forgot. I literally sat down and cried before the class ended. Coincidently, Brazilian choreographer Deborah Colker studied with Graciela and became an incredible artist herself! Have you seen Cirque du Soleil’s OVO? She choreographed it.
http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/ovo/show/creators/deborah-colker.aspx

MOVIE
BRASIL ANIMADO (Brasil’s first 3D movie)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YsfuAdgF6A
I AM by Tom Shadyac
http://www.iamthedoc.com/
MIDNIGHT IN PARIS by Woody Allen. I highly recommend!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYRWfS2s2v4

A WONDERFUL BRAZILIAN WRITER: MACHADO DE ASSIS (1839-1908)
Born in June just like me!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joaquim_Maria_Machado_de_Assis

FOR YOU
“Entendia que há larga ponderação de males e bens, e que a arte de viver consiste em tirar o maior bem do maior mal.” (Machado de Assis)

(He felt that there is a loose balance of good and evil, and that the art of living consists in getting the greatest good out of the greatest evil)

Love & Awareness!
Katia : )
(And my South American Indian Soul!)

Brazilian Heart
May 2011
Since 1998

The fragrance and the feel of the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean reinvigorates me. The sensation that I experience is imprinted on the memory of my cells and it definitely gives me a sense of new life and energy! Here's one the mandalas I created to celebrate Life! : )

SHOWS
Sunday, May 22nd at 1pm
Sambaguru featuring Katia Moraes
@ WorldFest (Woodley Park, Lake Balboa, CA)
http://worldfestevents.com/venues.php
Environment education, Vegan food court, Animal adoptions, Lagunitas Beer Gardens, Kids stage, great speakers and amazing music!!! Show your support for the planet called Earth. : )
Sambaguru’s New Review by Don Heckman
http://irom.wordpress.com/2011/04/23/live-music-katia-moraes-and-sambaguru-at-vitello/ 

Saturday, May 28th, 2011 at 7pm
Katia Moraes & Pure Samba
@ Casa Arjona   (Long Beach, CA)
Info: (562) 421-8605
Featuring Leo Costa and Mitchell Long

MOVIE
“Wasteland”. I highly recommend (thanks, John)
http://www.wastelandmovie.com/

“Rio”
Wanna be in a good mood? Watch this one. : )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bf6zeRwk5LE

BOOK
“The Posthumous Memoirs of Bras Cubas”
Woody Allen said: “The book was charming and interesting. I was shocked. I couldn’t believe  that he (Brazilian author Machado de Assis) had lived such a long time ago. One would think that he had written it yesterday. It’s so modern and interesting.” http://www.amazon.com/Posthumous-Memoirs-Cubas-Library-America/dp/0195101707

Can you read in Portuguese? This is a must if you like History and Brasil. “1808” by Laurentino Gomes.
http://www.amazon.com/1808-LAURENTINO-GOMES/dp/8576653206

FOR YOU
“Há duas formas para viver a sua vida:
Uma é acreditar que não existe milagre.
A outra é acreditar que todas as coisas são um milagre.”

There are two ways to live your life:
One is to believe that there is no miracle.
The other is to believe that everything is a miracle.”
Fernando Pessoa

Peace,
Katia : )

BRAZILIAN HEART
April 2011
Since 1998

At 10:27am the bus crossed the Delaware River. It was a sunny day, but crisp cold. Everything was so clear; a clarity you wish you had when you’re stressed out. The countryside was beautiful even though the trees were still naked; the smile of the light green of the grass growing in the middle of patches of snow saying “Hey! It’s me again!” My mind gave special attention to the Indian names of the avenues and towns. Any bit of history ignited my attention even if I was half asleep or my back hurt. Another Toll? Wow! There are many around there. We moved from Middletown, Connecticut to Rehoboth, Delaware passing through the outskirts of New Jersey one more time. During the way I read few pages of the book my friend Dev gave me in New Mexico. It’s called Songs of Bliss.
“But talking and wandering
Won’t bring the experience
You’re searching for.”
I paused to think about the gypsy in me; that kind that feels a sense of urgency, like life is going to end at any time; that one that wants to swallow all the knowledge in this world in one gulp. Because of that being, I have the tendency to stumble over my words, talk on top of my friends’ talk, eat and read at the same time, and sometimes wish I‘d be in another place. In a way it’s funny and I seem to be entertained by my monkey mind. But once in a while, the overwhelming mental wanderer plays tricks on me when I’m on the stage waiting for the cue to start singing. “I forgot that part of the lyrics again; wow I never heard that bass embezzlement before; this cowbell is so loud; love the way we play with each other; remember to tell him to slow down the tempo, what a great piano solo, man; that guy on the first row looks so sad; what can I do to make people happy; this monitor sucks; my knee hurts; These days I’m aware of the endless dance of my thoughts and this bothers me. Then I remember a friend telling me to embrace it all, so I repeat to myself: “Embrace it all, Katia.” I notice I physically embrace myself, and then I feel comforted.

SHOW
Friday, April 22 at 8pm @ Vitello’s with Sambaguru. Special guest: Miguel Gandelman on sax.
4349 Tujunga Avenue, CA 91604-2752 (818) 769-0905
http://www.vitellosrestaurant.com/

BOOK
O Encontro Marcado (Fernando Sabino, 1923-2004)
A 1956 novel about a young man looking for the “real reason of his life.”
Once Sabino said that he’d like to be a jazz musician…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=on66qzbsnBM

BRAZILIAN RISING STAR
www.greccoburatto.com

BRAZILIAN DANCE – SILVESTRE TECHNIQUE
Rosangela Silvestre, the inspiring choreographer from Salvador, Bahia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6acWOMTrts
http://www.silvestrelink.com/

BRAZILIAN VEGETARIAN BEINGS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIka8500CM8

LANGUAGE
“The Nheengatu language is an Ameridian language of the Tupi-Guarani sub-family. It is also known by the Portuguese name ‘Amazonian General Language’. In 2003, Nheengatu became an official language along with Portuguese, in São Gabriel da Cachoerira (Sty. Gabriel of Waterfall), a city and a municipality located on the northern shores of the Rio Negro River in the Amazonas state in Brasil.”

FOR YOU
“Sobre a nudez forte da verdade, o mundo diáfano da fantasia.”
Under the strong naked truth, the diaphanous world of fantasy (illusion).
(Eça de Queiroz, born in Povoa de Varzim, Portugal)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9_Maria_de_E%C3%A7a_de_Queiroz

“Em mim a anatomia enlouqueceu. Sou todo coração.”
The anatomy got crazy in me. I’m all heart.
(Vladimir Maiakovski, born in Russia)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vladimir_Mayakovsky

A Brazilian hug from somewhere between North Carolina and Virginia, US,
Katia : )

Brazilian Heart
Since 1998
March 2011

There’s nothing like swimming in the Atlantic Ocean waters! Ah…so warm…It feels like being in a womb. Yes, I miss my mom. ; ) She used to make my clothe, and definitely made my first Carnaval outfit. I learned some sewing tricks and decided to make my own costume when I was 18. It was a toga dress for a College party. My friends and I decided that Ancient Rome would be the theme of that night. The mini dress was made of a pale green cotton fabric with gold trims. So much fun! This Carnaval I'll be a bird!
From today on, Brasil will be on vacations for at least a week. It’s Carnaval again, folks! Join me! I’ll be singing at the biggest Brazilian Carnaval in So Cal @ Club Nokia starting at 9pm. For more info: www.braziliannites.com

SOME SHOWS www.katiamoraes.com
Fri, March 4 @ Tropico de Nopal singing with Samba Society.
Sat, March 5 at 9pm @ Club Nokia
Sunday, March 6 from 4pm to 6pm @ Farmers Market Music Series with Sambaguru.
Tue, March 8 at 9pm @ Zanzibar (Fat Tuesday Party) with Viver Brasil Dance Company.
Sat, March 12 @ National Hispanic CC Theatre/Albuquerque, New Mexico
Sun, March 13 @ Lensic Performing Arts Center/Santa Fe, New Mexico
East Coast Tour with Viver Brasil Dance Company from March 19 thru April 16.

NEW YEAR, NEW IDEAS!
My New Project: Kátia Moraes & Brazilian Hearts 2011:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2IKewpsXE4

MUSIC MEMORY
“Não chore ainda não, que eu tenho um violão e nós vamos cantar.
Felicidade aqui pode passar e ouvir e se ela for de samba há de querer ficar”
Don’t cry just yet because I have an acoustic guitar and we’ll sing together. Happiness may pass and hear us, and if she is fond of samba she may stay.
(Quote from Olê Olá, a song by Brazilian composer Chico Buarque)
Here’s Chico singing with MPB4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGPA074Elws&feature=related

BRAZILIAN DOCUMENTARY
“Waste Land” directed by Lucy Walker, tells the story of acclaimed Brooklyn, NY-based artist Vik Muniz returning to his native Brazil, where he embarks upon a transformative creative journey with a group of men and women catadores (garbage pickers), using recyclables to make their portraits.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWPU5WNgQ2w

FAVELA FESTIVAL IN RIO
Do you want to know what’s “musically” happening in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro? Check this out. These are 48 chosen songs for the festival! Listen & vote on our favorite. http://www.favelafestival.com/2010/?pagina=lista-musicas

FOR YOU
"There is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in."
Leonard Cohen

“It’s not the load that breaks you down, it is the way you carry it.”
Lena Horne

Love and Smiles,
Katia : )

Brazilian Heart / February 2011

BRAZILIAN HEART
February 2011
Since 1998

INSPIRAÇÃO (Inspira Ação)  - INSPIRATION (Inspire Action)
One of my artistic inspirations in life is Regina Casé (actress, cultural agitator, and host of a Brazilian TV program called “Um Pé de Quê?” about Environment and Sustainability). After watching one of her plays in the 1980’s, I fell in love with theatre and dance and abandoned my History College. That change gave me the opportunity to solidify my love for music and flourish as a human being.  In 2009, a Brazilian documentary called “Dzi Croquettes” (with choreographies by Brooklyn native Lennie Dale) revealed the birth of the irreverent approach I so much loved in Regina. Lennie Dale fell in love with Bossa Nova in 1960 and inspired lots of local artists in Rio de Janeiro in a time when Brasil was under a dictatorship.
Share one of your inspirations with me!  : )

SHOW
Sambaguru Unplugged!
Saturday, February 5th at 8:30pm
@ First & Hope Supper Club (Downtown Los Angeles)
http://www.firstandhope.com/

DANCE – BOSSA NOVA & DICTATORSHIP – Lennie Dale
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbOWiPeLAvw&feature=related

UNIVERSAL BREATHING ROOM
What’s this? It’s pretty cool.
http://doasone.com/BreathingRooms.aspx?RoomID=1

GOT BRAIN?
Zeitgeist: Moving Forward Official Release 2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z9WVZddH9w

COOL STUDIO
www.earlyprorecording.com
Engineer+producer Lynne Earls’ credits: K.D. Lang, Airto Moreira, and
Flora Purim.

PARABÉNS PELOURINHO.COM
My friend Jorge Vismara is celebrating 15 years of his website!
www.pelourinho.com

TRIBO OF BRAZILIAN INDIANS FOUND! (It’s possible to live in a different way in this world, folks)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-12360013

FOR YOU

“Conheço a aurora com seu desatino
Conheço o amanhecer com o seu tesouro
Conheço as andorinhas sem destino
Conheço rios sem desaguadouros
Conheço o medo do princípio ao fim
Conheço tudo, conheço tudo
Menos a mim”

I know the dawn with its madness
I know the day break with its treasure
I know swallows with no destiny
I know rivers with no spillways
I know fear from beginning to end
I know everything.
Everything, but myself.
(Quote from a song lyric by Brazilian poet Ferreira Gullar)

“A relationship is a living thing. It needs and benefits from the same
attention to detail that an artist lavishes on his art.” (David Viscott)

Blessings,
Katia : )

Brazilian Heart 2011
January 2011
Since 1998
www.katiabrazil.blogspot.com

To my nephelibate friends! Happy New Year!
The word nefelibata has its origin in Greece:  nephele (cloud) and
batha (a place you can walk on)

COOL NEWS:
Surprise, surprise! I got nominated for best Brazilian singer (Cantora
Brasileira Local) by the Brazilian Press Awards. Would you have a
minute to vote for me? It’s category #3.
http://www.pressaward.com/votacao.php

“Tranquilidade,” one of my new songs with engineer/composer/producer
Lynne Earls (K.D.Lang) will be featured on the compilation Brasil
Sambossica Vol 3 to be released this year.

One of my songs with Bill Brendle (Sambaguru) is in the movie "Every Day." It will be opening in Los Angeles and NYC on Friday.  It will appear at the Laemmle Sunset 5 in West Hollywood.

http://www.laemmle.com/comingsoon.php 

 
SHOW:
Brazilian Heart Experience Project  (New year, New band)
Wed, Jan 19th at 9pm @ ZANZIBAR
1301 5th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (corner with Arizona)
Also featuring Mario Costa’s CD release + DJ Chris Brazil spinning.
http://www.reverbnation.com/mariocosta
Reply ASAP if you want to be on a $5 guest list!

BIDU SAYÃO – BRAZILIAN OPERA SINGER (1902-1999)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZCTYN772w0&feature=related
So beautiful and talented! She reminds me of Carmem Miranda when she
rolls her eyes…

BRAZILIAN CHILDHOOD MEMORIES
I was watching “The King’s Speech at a small movie theatre in Westlake
Village when the projector broke. I was transported right then to my
childhood summer vacations in Vitoria, Brasil. One of my relatives
brought me to watch a movie called “Dio Como Ti Amo” at a very
improvised screening room with folded chairs on a dirt floor. During
the movie I heard babies crying and a dog strolling around. I had to
smile.
Here’s Gigliola Cinqueti singing the main song of the movie that was a
hit all over the world. “Dio Como Ti Amo” is a composition by Domenico
Modugno, who wrote “Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu (Volare) in 1958.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjxdWqYuFQ8&feature=related

FOR YOU
“If I were called on to define briefly the word 'art', I should call
it the reproduction of what the senses perceive in nature, seen
through the veil of the soul."
Quote by French painter Paul Cézanne who was born on January 19, 1838.

“Your physical body is an idea your mind is stubbornly holding on to.”
Deepak Chopra

Be a Sage, be a warrior!
Katia : )