By Teresa Geer, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The British and Commonwealth Society of Rio de Janeiro (BCS) will hold their yearly Beatles Night on Saturday, September 6th at Jubilee Hall in Botafogo. The evening, which will celebrate the nostalgic notes of the fab four, was first staged 22 years ago and has had a successful annual run since – a true testimony to the timelessness of the bands music.
Organized by the city’s BCS community; guests can expect a triple treat featuring two live bands and a choir. The night is kicked off by the British School Beatles Band who offer a fresh-faced perspective to the legendary vibrations, followed by the sweet sounds of The Beatles Choir and finally, the Midnight Hour Band who BCS guarantee will transport attendees right back to Abbey Road.
The BCS, which was originally established to assist Britain with efforts during World War II, has since committed to bring a sense of community to British expatriates living in Rio de Janeiro with regular family events such as the Beatles Night, but also by supporting its members and institutions to reach out to the wider community with a philanthropic focus.
This fun event is another demonstration that whether it is an expatriate or a local Carioca, in between the sound waves of samba and funk the Beatles have a place in the musical heart of Brazil too. Martin Hester, the event organizer, explains,
“While many of us remember the huge concert in Maracanã in the 80’s, and how it was magic to hear those familiar voices singing live, the Beatles are loved in Brazil with less restriction, without being thought of as old-fashioned. Now there is even a bloco at Carnival, with the very popular Sargento Pimenta group!”
Sargento Pimenta (Seargant Pepper) certainly proved their popularity at this past year’s Carnival where the band held their own bloco at Flamengo beach. The 50,000 strong crowd sang along to numbers by the band like “Hey Jude” and “Hard Day’s Night” with a Brazilian samba twist.
The popularity of the Beatles in Brazil is not a new trend. The unique sound that made The Beatles so popular around the world has been a huge part of popular music in Brazil from the time of Roberto Carlos who in the 1960’s was inspired by the electric guitars and infectious rhythms to create the Rock’n’Roll Brazillian musical movement Ie-ie-ie (Yeah-Yeah-Yeah).
“Roberto Carlos left a special place in the heart of Brazilians for the Beatles and us Cariocas still love them since whether it’s at Carnival or from the DJ decks in a nightclub.” Comments local Rio music enthusiast Filipe Alves.
The BCS continue this celebration of iconic music in Brazil with their tribute Beatles Night. Doors open at 7PM and the music starts at 7:30 PM. A selection of pizza will be available during intermission to make up for any calories that may have been lost dancing. General entrance is R$30 (kids are R$15) and net proceeds will be donated to Art & Social Transformation – a local, not-for-profit organization dedicated to developing youths through music and the arts.
“Mini skirts and other gear from that time are definitely encouraged. Although there is a small charge for entry, this is not a fully professional event, but a fun evening within the Community.” Says Martin.
Who: The British School Beatles Band, The Beatles Choir and Midnight Hour Band
When: 6th September, doors open at 7PM
Where: Jubilee Hall, Rua Real Grandeza 99, Botafogo
Entrance: R$30, Students for R$15, bookings can be made at: www.bcs.org.br or call +55(21)2538 0564