Brazil Fever in Manhattan

The demand for Brazilian-influenced events has since grown here. Anyone who appreciates the sounds and colors of Brazil no longer needs to go to a specific Brazilian community or to a club like Greenwich Village's SOB's to find what he or she likes.

Such parties have been popping up in various locations throughout the city. The latest addition to this trend is Samba at The Gallery, an event promoted by Trey Parker of Spicemedia Events.

The event, which begins at around 6:00 PM, attempts to catch the spirit of South America's largest nation featuring music, food, samba and lessons, dance shows and other attractions throughout the night.

The Gallery is located on the ground floor of The Gershwin Hotel in the Flatiron District of Manhattan.

The club, which consists of what was formerly part of the hotel's lobby, was recently converted into a comfortable upscale-looking bar/lounge space. (A personal note: the Gershwin was the first place I stayed in New York—still as a tourist—in the winter of 1999)

The night begins unpretentiously enough: a buffet featuring regional Brazilian delicacies is served on a hot plate for all present. The main dish varies: one night there was a feijoada, while the last time I was there, baião-de-dois—a tasty northeastern recipe consisting of rice, beans and other ingredients was on the menu—and a list of drink specials is listed at the bar.

Meanwhile, DJ Stylus, who specializes in Brazilian music, spins a variety of songs which range from selections from Getz/Gilberto collaborations to samba/funk mixtures and sounds from Escolas de Samba (Samba Clubs).

At around 8 p.m., the dance classes begin in the club's back room. Samba or axé are usually offered first, while salsa takes over until around 10 p.m.

It is quite humorous to see so many Americans, Europeans and Asians trying to pick up basic steps of the various dances. The club has few Brazilians in attendance. The crowd is definitely made up of mostly young Manhattanites.