Best Clubs in Rio 2011

By Tony Maiella, Contributing Reporter

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Now that the mighty heat of summer is easing up it may actually feel right to put on your party pants. Despite being the birthplace of Samba, anyone in the know knows in Rio there is no shortage of dance club parties to attend. To stay up on it, we have investigated the best for winter 2011 with a beat that will carry you into the early morning.

First we begin with a Rio de Janeiro classic, Casa da Matriz. Nestled in the middle class neighborhood of Botafogo this refinished mansion has been a popular nocturnal destination since 1996.

According to American DJ and promoter Tee Cardaci. “I’ve seen so many great shows there. From Mad Professor laying down a live dub set to João Brasil rocking the house with his own mash-ups, the vibe here is eclectic.”

The night that deserves special attention here is Brazooka on Fridays. Founded by DJ Janot, Brazooka is dedicated to Brazilian popular music from Chico Buarque to Chico Science.

Girl Talk fans rejoice. Espaço Acústica in the center of Rio is an up-and-coming venue that attracts international DJs responsible for top-notch mash-ups. Most recently the club hosted a collective of Berlin DJs that pitted the likes of Kate Perry against Snow Patrol in their concoctions, for example. Always expect an eclectic mix of styles with the next big party planned for Saturday, May 14th courtesy of Way Out.

For those who are on a mission to find an artsy offering take a look at Fosfobox in Copacabana. Fine people come out to enjoy various styles of electronic and dance music, guest chefs serving hard to find cuisine, and art installations tickle the eyes.

Giselle Canavezzi, a Carioca model and promoter recalls; “my first experience at Fosfobox was 7 years ago and it was also the first time I ever heard electronic music. It’s still a great place to hear alternative and underground music in Rio.”

Next up on our hit list is the unique Club Silêncio at the Dama de Ferro in Ipanema. Club Silencio has picked up on the silent disco trend that has gained popularity in recent years. The party’s evolution is best described by one of the founders Conor Brady,

“Shh! Club Silencio started out with us doing some outside parties, called “macacadas” which loosely translates as “monkeying around” as our logo was a monkey with headphones. In Rio in the last year it has been interesting to see the demographic of the parties extend out of the Zona Sul, we now have kids coming from all over the city.”

Brazilians passion for reggae music is a welcome import from one beach culture to another. For island bass grooves and a lot of Lee “Scratch” Perry, find Bangarang wherever it may be in Lapa or beyond. When you’re there you’ll hear Jamaica from the sixties, spun on vinyl with ska, rocksteady, roots reggae, and soul.

So no matter which venue or party you choose, you are bound to dance until your legs grow tired. Remember no list is foolproof in such a big city though, so please feel free to keep in touch with us on your latest discoveries, and check our daily Nightlife Guide.