Jazz Returns to Rio at Rua do Lavradio in Centro

By Georgie Hay, Contributing Reporter

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – After another successful edition of the Lavradio Jazz Festival during Carnival, Rua do Lavradio in Centro will host a lively program of free evening jazz; Three Jazz Happy Hour. The events will take place at bar and restaurant Santo Scenarium, a venue traditionally known for hosting jazz performances.

Taking inspiration from the French tradition of street musicians, the program will feature jazz duos performing from Thursday to Saturday from February 18th through to February 27th.

Thursday nights will see the duo Hector Caselli (guitar) and Martin Berger (saxophone) performing new reinterpretations of Brazilian and international popular music. Bruce Lemos (keyboard) and Guta Menezes (trumpet/harmonica) will take to the stage on Friday bringing their classic repertoire of jazz and bossa nova as well as original compositions. The Saturday evening sessions will feature L. F. Trick (trumpet) and Lucius Sherman (voice / electric guitar and voice).

Opening in 2007, Santo Scenarium is housed in the restored mansion of the illustrious Brazilian actor João Caetano (1808-1863). During the nineteenth century, the building was also home to a police station.

Today, many artifacts and historic relics can be seen throughout the building as a reminder of its past. The venues eclectic decor and location amongst some of the most notable Rio music venues, leads it to be one of the best locations in Lapa to enjoy good food, cold drinks, and great live music.

During Carnival, Rua do Lavradio also hosted the Lavradio Jazz festival. A free four day event whereby singers and musicians, including American guitarist and arranger Mark Lambert and acclaimed jazz singers, Honduran Indian Nomma and American Alma Thomas, gathered together to pay homage to the New Orleans jazz scene.

What: Three Jazz Happy Hour
When: Thursday February 18th and Thursday February 25th from 7:30 PM, Friday 19th, Saturday 20th, Friday 26th and Saturday 27th from 8:30 PM.
Where: Santo Scenarium, Rua do Lavradio, 36, Centro. TEL: (21) 3147-9007
Entrance: FREE