By Beatriz Miranda, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Cidade Maravilhosa has gained a new blues venue: this month, the Mississippi Delta Blues Bar officially opened its Carioca location in Gamboa, Centro. Originally from Caxias do Sul, in Brazil’s Southern region, the venue is famous for hosting one of the biggest blues festivals in Latin America.
Having opened in August 31st for guests, the Mississippi Delta Blues Bar aims to promote the blues‘ culture in Rio de Janeiro, as well as to raise the visibility of Carioca blues’ bands.
Bringing both Brazilian and international artists to its stage, the venue wants the audience to feel they are in an authentic Southern American “juke joint”.
According to Toyo Bagoso, the bar’s founder, the three-floor Carioca branch is situated in Gamboa due to a symbolic choice: known as “Pequena África” (Little Africa), the region is considered Rio’s true samba crib, being a sanctuary for the Afro Brazilian culture and history.
Mississippi Bar’s musical line-up for September includes very promising attractions. After bringing Texan singer Annika Chambers to its opening night in August 31st, the bar will host the group Os Beatlemaníacos tonight, September 21st; Dirty Devil on Friday, September 22nd; Cristiano Chrochemore and Blues Groovers on Saturday, September 23rd; among other attractions.
What’s more, the Mississippi Delta Blues Bar offers a menu inspired in Southern American dishes and drinks, like the steak with Bourbon sauce, homemade burgers, homemade mac & cheese and the heavy-hitting Long Island Iced Tea drink.
Inaugurated in 2006, the first Mississipi Delta Blues Bar, in Caxias do Sul, is one of the greatest references for blues’ lovers in Brazil, specially for promoting the Mississippi Delta Blues Festival every year, which is inspired by the famous Chicago Blues Festival.
Known as a key event in Latin America for this music genre, the Mississippi Delta Blues Festival has already hosted legends like American singer and guitar player Magic Slim. This year’s edition happens from the 23rd to the 25th of November and includes five different stages.
Until October 2017, Rio’s Mississipi Delta Blues Bar will be working in a soft opening program, with shows from Wednesday to Saturday. Entrance is free on Tuesdays, when there is no musical attractions.
What: Mississippi Delta Blues Bar
When: Tuesday to Saturday – 5PM to 1AM (until 2AM on Saturday)
Where: Rua Pedro Ernesto, 89 – Gamboa, Centro – Tel: (21) 2510 6061
Entrance: Varies according to the day, see venue for details.