Well, Its been a nice rest from reaching out and now its time to inform. After spending 2 weeks in Peru with my girlfriend and having a magical time- its now time to return North-but-South.
Sitting on the tarmac on a 737-500 jet in SFO upon arriving from Lima via Huston i checked my voice mail expecting 30 plus messages. Well, it wasn't quite that, but it was definately up there. Within the cue of messages i was pleased to hear the voice of a fellow by the name of Xamba. According to his message he runs this new spot in the city called Favela. In case any of you dont know what Favela is, i suggest you either go the easy route and google it or watch City of God. Though i reccomend you go to Brasil-particularly Rio de Janeiro- and look along the hillsides and notice the vast coat of colorful and run down houses that appear to be stacked on top of eachother. • Favela is a term commonly used in Brazil to describe areas such as shanty towns or slums. The term 'favela' was coined after the Morro de Favela hillside in Rio de Janeiro, where freed slaves first established a squatter community in the 1890s:::::: To the touristic observer it will remain soley as a view from the swimming pool at the Copacabana Palace hotel. But to the one who takes a ride into the area, one will find a puzzle of imbricated rooftops, colorful people, motorcycles 8 people stacked, and an aroma of damp Brasilian rosewood and fumes of ethanol gasoline. This alchemy brings about a certain magic to this DJ who spent his upbringing visiting my family in Rio de Janeiro year in and year out-occasionally taking secret trips into some Favelas with my blacksheep uncle Nabil.
So, sitting on the plane Xamba's message brought a smile to my face amidst my depression being apart from my girlfriend- yes, she stayed in Lima. He said he is looking for a DJ who plays Brasilian music and would like to speak to me as soon as possible. That very day i called him and so began my push to the Favela, located at 50 Brady St. in between Mission and Market. The minute i walked in a week or so later, the feeling arose. I felt like i was back in Rio, smelling the scent of damp Brasilian Rosewood and Cedar, save the ethanol fumes- nothing is perfect.
The place is just what San Francisco needs. A diplomat from Brasil who leaves the cliche girl from ipanema and over-zealous Samba School fantasia wearing vibe to the tourist agency wall calendars. This place is spontaneous and held together by a continuity which only you can feel through the music, the warm colors, and genuine duo who run the place: Xamba and Claudio. I had the pleasure to meet them both and all i can say is that these guys have a gem in their possesion. Tucked away in the heart of San Francisco in between 2 major streets-Market and Mission-Favela is sure to be the little magic spot where Brasilians and non-Brasilians who have gone to Brasil can reminiss and "matar o saudade"-meaning to "kill the longing for a moment."
DJ BORIS COLLAGE every Saturday night @ Favela 50 Brady St. San Francisco.
Come and enjoy the music of Forro (Fo-ho) played in ballroom style. Expect surprises as well.
Take Air
Sitting on the tarmac on a 737-500 jet in SFO upon arriving from Lima via Huston i checked my voice mail expecting 30 plus messages. Well, it wasn't quite that, but it was definately up there. Within the cue of messages i was pleased to hear the voice of a fellow by the name of Xamba. According to his message he runs this new spot in the city called Favela. In case any of you dont know what Favela is, i suggest you either go the easy route and google it or watch City of God. Though i reccomend you go to Brasil-particularly Rio de Janeiro- and look along the hillsides and notice the vast coat of colorful and run down houses that appear to be stacked on top of eachother. • Favela is a term commonly used in Brazil to describe areas such as shanty towns or slums. The term 'favela' was coined after the Morro de Favela hillside in Rio de Janeiro, where freed slaves first established a squatter community in the 1890s:::::: To the touristic observer it will remain soley as a view from the swimming pool at the Copacabana Palace hotel. But to the one who takes a ride into the area, one will find a puzzle of imbricated rooftops, colorful people, motorcycles 8 people stacked, and an aroma of damp Brasilian rosewood and fumes of ethanol gasoline. This alchemy brings about a certain magic to this DJ who spent his upbringing visiting my family in Rio de Janeiro year in and year out-occasionally taking secret trips into some Favelas with my blacksheep uncle Nabil.
So, sitting on the plane Xamba's message brought a smile to my face amidst my depression being apart from my girlfriend- yes, she stayed in Lima. He said he is looking for a DJ who plays Brasilian music and would like to speak to me as soon as possible. That very day i called him and so began my push to the Favela, located at 50 Brady St. in between Mission and Market. The minute i walked in a week or so later, the feeling arose. I felt like i was back in Rio, smelling the scent of damp Brasilian Rosewood and Cedar, save the ethanol fumes- nothing is perfect.
The place is just what San Francisco needs. A diplomat from Brasil who leaves the cliche girl from ipanema and over-zealous Samba School fantasia wearing vibe to the tourist agency wall calendars. This place is spontaneous and held together by a continuity which only you can feel through the music, the warm colors, and genuine duo who run the place: Xamba and Claudio. I had the pleasure to meet them both and all i can say is that these guys have a gem in their possesion. Tucked away in the heart of San Francisco in between 2 major streets-Market and Mission-Favela is sure to be the little magic spot where Brasilians and non-Brasilians who have gone to Brasil can reminiss and "matar o saudade"-meaning to "kill the longing for a moment."
DJ BORIS COLLAGE every Saturday night @ Favela 50 Brady St. San Francisco.
Come and enjoy the music of Forro (Fo-ho) played in ballroom style. Expect surprises as well.
Take Air
Comments