Harrison Held's SceneAroundTown... The Brazilian Hour Celebrates 35th Anniversary.... Grand Performances @ California Plaza

Grand Performances @ California Plaza...    Photo by Christopher Alvarez

Grand Performances @ California Plaza...  Photo by Christopher Alvarez

Arice da Costa, Leonardo Valverde head of the Cultural Sector, , Sergio Mielniczenko, Ambassador Bruno Bath Consul-General of Brazil.... Photo by Christopher Alvarez

Sergio Mielniczenko greets a guest at The Brazilian Hour's VIP reception...  Photo by Christopher Alvarez

Guitarist Rafael Moreira

Fashion designer Iliana Duboisnblanc (right) & guests enjoying the Brazilian Hour 35th anniversary VIP reception at Grand Performances

Delicious catering by the Omni Hotel

Concert goers enjoy their picnics before the show

I had a great time at the VIP reception & concert for international radio show The Brazilian Hour's 35th anniversary hosted by radio personality Sergio Mielniczenko at the beautiful outdoor California Plaza downtown.  The entertainment featured the upbeat sizzling show  "A Tale of Two Nations: Nacao Estrela Brilhante & Nation Beat".  Maracatu Nacao is based on cultural events in northeast Brazil from 400 years ago & Estrela Brilhante was founded in 1906 showcasing colorful & vibrant rituals of ancient Carnival Art from that region too.  The talented entertainers & musicians were colorful, vibrant & energetic and as you can see in the pictures above their costumes were beautiful.  Next weekend  Grand Performances concludes with Lorca, Child of the Moon, Friday August 23rd at 8pm & Fared Shafinury, Saturday August 24th at 8pm also.  Concerts are free and open to the public....  Enjoy!  Thank you to publicist Lynn Tejada for the invitation to this terrific event & to photographer Christopher Alvarez for his great photography!  HH