Seattle Center Hosts BrasilFest 8/14

Seattle Center Festál: BrasilFest offers exploration and insights into the expressive culture of Brazil, Sunday, Aug. 14, 12 noon - 5 p.m., in Center House and Mural Amphitheatre. The 2011 BrasilFest theme is Carnaval, delving into the diverse regions of Brazil.

Each year, BrasilFest fills Seattle Center with a sultry display of South American soul - Brazilian-style - and celebrates the cultural diversity of this dynamic country through live music, contemporary film and hands-on activities. This year, festival goers may learn how Brazilians celebrate Carnaval, march in a colorful parade, dance, sing and eat.

BrasilFest 2011 features a line-up of high-spirited Seattle artists, along with the Portland-based Brazillionaires, featuring "Chorinho," a kind of Brazilian jazz/samba music style. In addition, special guest Mestre Almiro, originally from Salvador, Bahia, will teach a workshop on Capoeira, Brazilian martial arts disguised in music and dance. It will be the very first public appearance in Seattle of one of brazil"s most famous masters.

The 21 Seattle Center Festál cultural celebrations highlight The Common forms of tradition and expression among ethnic communities in the Pacific Northwest, while underscoring their unique creative contributions, customs, foods and ideals. Each event offers moving entertainment and fascinating insight into a different culture of the world.

Seattle Center Festál: BrasilFest is presented by Seattle Center in partnership with the Brazil Center, Show Brazil Productions and the Ethnic Heritage Council. For a full event schedule, visit www.brasilfest.com, and for more information on this cultural series and other Seattle Center programming, click on www.seattlecenter.com/festal or call 206 684-7200.

About Seattle Center Festál

Seattle Center Festál, a series of 21 world festivals presented at Seattle Center throughout 2011, highlights the distinct cultures and common threads of ethnic communities in our region through traditional and contemporary art, music, foods, youth activities, workshops and more. This collection of cultural events is produced with the generous support of Wells Fargo, Verizon Wireless and KUOW 94.9 Public Radio. Additional support is provided by Seattle Center Foundation and the City of Seattle.