By Nathan M. Walters, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – This Friday, June 6th, the resident group of Rio-based expatriate DJs, the Botafogo Social Club, are in the nightlife trenches staging the second edition of the ultra-successful Braza party at Catrin bar in Lapa. The equation is simple, great music, exquisite food and drink, central location, mix, repeat.
On the repeat of the first edition the party promises more of the same in heavy doses, and a few new treats for the second time around.
Braza is the brainchild of DJ/Producer Pedro Piu, one set of hands behind Brazilian Wax parties of Rio lore. For Piu, Braza is a different approach towards the same goal of Brazilian Wax: a great dance party in Rio.
To help create the perfect equation Piu enlisted the help of friend and Rio-based DJ/Producer Mike Frugaletti, the San Francisco transplant that performs with cohorts Doug Gray, Tee Cardacci, and Jan Roldanus in the Botafogo Social Club.
“When Pedro mentioned the possibility to team up and collaborate Botafogo Social Club was in,” says Frugaletti.
“The format of the party allows us to play a wide-range of music blends, from funk n soul to breaks, booty, house, disco and everything else under the sun. With all the variety, it allows us to invite guests from different areas, creating a very unique sound and identity for the party.”
Piu is happy how the party has developed, an idea he envisioned some time ago. “Braza is the gringo slang for ‘Brazil’,” mentions Piu, “I always liked this idea of ‘gringos live in Braza’ and wanted to work with Botafogo Social Club to realize this vision.”
Botafogo Social Club’s sound speaks for the group; the members are well respected in Rio’s underground scene, known for moving a parties with a great mix of Carioca and foreigners. The venue, Cartin, helps create the intimate underground atmosphere both Piu and Frugaletti hope to create at Braza.
“With each edition we also feature local and international artists and photographers. Our next edition will feature an artist from my hometown, San Francisco.”
The second edition will also introduce new styles into the mix at a dance floor on the first floor. A supplemental space to the first event where reggae, dancehall, and dub can be heard.
Lapa has historically been known as gathering point for underground arts in Rio, from samba to graffiti. Braza’s emphasis on mixing DJ sounds, drinks and dancing is the start of a new chapter in the neighborhood’s long tradition.
The development of the underground electronic music scene continues to take shape, adding new dimensions to the party profile of Rio. Frugaletti is happy with the success of inaugural Braza and sees the event growing. “The next one is going to be bigger and better, if you want to know how, you will just have to come and see for yourself.”
Braza
Catrin Bar, Rua Mem de Sá 63 (Rua do Lavradio), Lapa
R$15 (lista amiga), R$3o (without lista amiga)
Friday, July 6th, 11PM