Achˆ© Brasil heats up Harbourfront Centre with Afro-Brazilian rhythms on Sunday, February 15 in a free family performance!

Achˆ© Brasil heats up Harbourfront Centre with Afro-Brazilian rhythms on Sunday, February 15 in a free family performance!




TORONTO, Thursday, January 22, 2009 ’Äî A true visual feast, Achˆ© Brasil fuses Afro-Brazilian music, dance, martial arts and acrobatics into a dynamic, high energy performance that makes it thrilling to watch, fun to dance to, and impossible to stand still. An explosion of colour, energy and music awaits families at this exciting Music with Bite family performance. Achˆ© Brasil performs on Sunday, February 15, at 1 p.m., as part of Kuumba Black History Month celebrations at Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West. Music with Bite is a co-production with Jeunesses Musicales Ontario. Admission is free. For information, the public can call 416-973-4000 or visit harbourfrontcentre.com.





Achˆ© Brasil represents the culture: traditions, beliefs, music and movement of the people of Brazil. Equal parts dance, music and spectacle, the group's performances include the samba and capoeira, the famous Brazilian dance, martial arts style combining acrobatics performed to the rhythm of the berimbau (a bow like instrument). The performers of Achˆ© Brasil exhibit a rare combination of authenticity and excellence in their work, which is presently unmatched in North America. The word "achˆ©" stems from Yoruba, meaning, "all things positive," and it is with this spirit in mind that Achˆ© Brasil is proud to bring the culture of the Brazilian people to Canadian audiences.





Mestre Eclilson de Jesus, Achˆ© Brasil's Brazilian-born founder, artistic director, choreographer and percussionist, is also a master of capoeira with over 20 years of experience. Eclilson de Jesus was influenced at an early age by the folkloric musical atmosphere of his birthplace, Recife. Known for his sinuous agility and breathtaking acrobatics, Eclilson de Jesus was invited to perform for children's festivals throughout North America in 1990, and decided to make Vancouver his new home. He runs a capoeira academy with two schools in Canada, plus six in his native Brazil, and regularly conducts workshops and master classes.





Music with Bite is a refreshing experience where children can pull up a comfy cushion and sit in front of the stage for an enjoyable, interactive music performance tailored for the youngest audience members. After the concert, children can enjoy a complimentary Natrel milk beverage and cookies. Concerts take place on select Sundays at 1 p.m. Music with Bite is a co-production with Jeunesses Musicales Ontario, which is affiliated with Jeunesses Musicales of Canada, who since 1949 has dedicated its work to musical excellence and the promotion of young artists and music for young people. Jeunesses Musicales of Canada is a member of Jeunesses Musicales International.





Music with Bite is produced with the support of the Government of Canada, the City of Toronto through the Toronto Arts Council and Desjardins.




FOCUS: Pause



Harbourfront Centre wants you. to. slow. down. In a world where we are constantly bombarded with information and images, what happens when someone really takes the time to reflect? Through May, Harbourfront Centre wants you to pause and make a connection to art, recreation, the world. Find time for yourself by taking one of our Courses and Workshops; reflect while you wait for the World Stage curtain to rise; enjoy while you skate on the Natrel Rink. Harbourfront Centre’Äîtime well spent.