Austin Samba to Present TEXAS! A Horse Opera, 2/6

Austin Samba, Austin's internationally-renowned traditional Rio-style samba school presents Texas! A Horse Opera one night only, Saturday, February 6, 2016 at 7:00 pm at Stateside at the Paramount, located at 716 Congress Avenue in Austin.

A unique and electrifying fusion of classic Texana and Brazilian Carnaval, a talented company of 50 performers from Austin Samba along with special musical guests will bring a whirlwind of sizzling rhythms, beautiful choreography, color and joy to the Stateside Theater stage.

The show is a wild, musical ride through Texas culture in the tradition of classic western "horse operas," which are clichéd western shows that often feature musical numbers. From classic numbers such as "Rawhide" and "Happy Trails to You" to energetic, powerful tributes to Texas artists will include Selena, Willie Nelson, Lightnin' Hopkins, Mance Libscomb, Freddie King, Stevie Ray Vaughn, ZZ Top, Asleep at the Wheel and Bob Wills. Infused into the mix are the heart-pounding beats of traditional Brazilian drums, dazzling costumes and stunning, intricate dance numbers.

The show kicks off at 7:00pm with a performance by longtime country favorites, Haybale, with Earl Poole Ball, legendary pianist for Johnny Cash, and Redd Volkaert, former guitarist for Merle Haggard. Other special guest artists include Stefanie Bergara of Bidi Bidi Banda, skillfully blending cumbia and Tejano with funk and pop and singing a tribute to Selena. Alex Marrero of the Latin psych-funk collective, Brown Sabbath will also take the stage with a rousing Bob Wills tribute along with a soulful Texas blues tribute. Gina Chavez will join Austin Samba to sing the grand finale.

The Austin Samba dancers and drummers will perform throughout, with an explosive mix of traditional samba beats, fiery dancing, and delightful twists on recognizable Texas favorites.

Texas! A Horse Opera marks the first time Austin Samba will bring its yearly musical theater production to The Stateside at the Paramount. For the past 15 years, the group has performed at public and private events throughout the state, and for the past 11 years, has performed in one of Austin's longest-running and most spectacular annual traditions -- Carnaval Brasileiro, held each February at Palmer Auditorium. They give an exciting and authentic taste of Rio, modeled on that city's legendary "escolas de samba" that often comprise 300 drummers and thousands of dancers in Rio's annual Carnaval parades.

As in Rio, Austin Samba develops a theme for their show each year.

"It is a universal tradition in Rio for samba schools to select a theme for the year," says Robert Patterson, founder and director of Austin Samba. "The communities then work for a year preparing the show for presentation at Carnaval. Austin Samba is the only organization of its kind in North America which has the same process as the schools in Rio."

For the past two years at Carnaval Brasiliero, Austin Samba chose quintessentially Brazilian themes; "Orfeu Negro" based on a 1958 award-winning Brazilian film, and "O Circo Místico" based on a Brazilian play by Chico Buarque.

"This year, we wanted to present a theme which would be more accessible," says Patterson. "Texas has such a rich and varied musical culture, and we can include everything from boot scootin' to cumbia to Texas blues to classic Western Swing, all interwoven with traditional Brazilian Carnaval drumming and dancing. Think of it as a Cowboy Mardi Gras."

Tickets start at $15 and will be available online beginning December 3

https://tickets.austintheatre.org/single/SYOS.aspx?p=929

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