Brazilian Carnival Takes Over the Reflecting Pools

Samba dancers perform with children at the Key Biscayne Brazilian Carnival, April 14, 2019 (Key News/Pat Woodson)

For a short while this past week, the center of town resembled Rio de Janeiro, as residents took in the sights and sounds of award-winning Brazilian performers in a Carnival extravaganza.

The internationally-known Jorge Alfano’s Sextet accompanied award-winning vocalist Beatriz Malnic. There was street dancing from Scola do Samba led by Paolo Gualano, drummer and empresário. A highlight of the community dancing was a Conga line led by this group of dancers. The group has been selected to perform at the 2020 Super Bowl.

The Brazilian Carnival, now in its sixth year, is only one of the many cultural experiences brought to the Village by a dedicated group of Key residents who serve as the Winter Music Concert Committee under the auspices of the Village Council and the Key Biscayne Community Foundation.  Led by Gloria Kahn and Pat Woodson, the committee is dedicated to bringing first-rate music to the Key.