Bobbi Brinkman Photography
You can almost feel the sun shimmering and the heat of the streets when you hear the lively beat and sultry guitar of the bossa nova. Your hips start to sway of their own accord and your feet refuse to stand still.
Brazil in the late 50s and early 60s was a country energized during a time of extensive change and modernization. A new president, improvements in the country’s infrastructure and industries, a surging popularity in the arts, and even a World Cup winning soccer team gave rise to a spirit of national pride. People were energized and optimistic. The music that became the soundtrack for this particularly euphoric time and vibrant place was called “bossa nova.”
Literally meaning “new style,” bossa nova music was an evolution of samba fused with jazz elements. It had a highly poetic content and softer, more provocative, vocals than the typical popular Brazilian music of the time. João Gilberto performed the first bossa nova song ever recorded, “Chega de Saudade.” In it, he strived to imitate the percussion section of a samba band through his guitar playing style, called “batida de violão,” translated as “drum rhythm on guitar.” This soon became the hallmark of bossa nova.
Bobbi Brinkman
The epicenter of Rio’s burgeoning bossa nova and jazz scenes was the storied Copacabana neighborhood, which hosted a number of clubs. There, “Beco das Garrafas,” or "Bottles Alley," (earning its name from the bottles thrown in protest by nearby apartment dwellers when the music became too loud or played into the wee hours of the morning) was considered by Brazilian jazz aficionados “to be the equivalent of New York City's 52nd Street during the 1950s.” Among the musicians who frequently performed in Bottles Alley were Sergio Mendes, Antonio Carlos Jobim, trombonist Raul DeSouza, saxophonist Paulo Moura, drummer Dom Um Romão, and dozens of other notable jazz and bossa nova instrumentalists.
So what bossa nova songs might you recognize? Our local jazz patriarch, Phil Morrison does a sensational version of 1964 Grammy winner “The Girl from Ipanema” or perhaps you’ve heard Michael Buble cover Engelbert Humperdinck’s “Quando, Quando. Quando?” Even Elvis sang, “Hey bossa nova, baby, keep on dancin’” in Fun in Acapaulco.
As popular as the music might have been during its peak, however, you’ll find that the bossa nova dance is not something as easy to find. Both the music and dance movement find their roots in the samba, however the bossa nova relies less on percussion for its beat. Able to be danced both as a solo or couples' dance, or even a line dance, it is one of the less popular forms of international dance taught today.
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Bobbi Brinkman Photography
Strike a pose! Symphony Society board member Ally Urquhart looks fabulous in this beautifully beaded little black dress and “Kristin” wedges by Lilly Pulitzer as she receives some instruction in bossa nova dance movement from Christina Godwin of Christina’s Dance World. Christina embodies the butterflies she so adores in this colorful 60s-style inspired dress from Lilly Pulitzer, accessorized with gold dangle earrings, bright statement necklace and “Wendi” Dolce Vita sandals. Both dresses and all accessories provided by Cloister Collection.
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Bobbi Brinkman Photography
Symphony Society board member Meg Barton is ready to shake her hips with handsome husband, Bart, in tow. She wears a cobalt blue Topanga dress by Lilly Pulitzer with dangle earrings and turquoise bubble neckace from Cloister Collection and gold sandals by Onex from Evelyn Talman.
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Bobbi Brinkman Photography
Symphony Society secretary and Cabaret Steering Committee member Sue Cansler shimmers in this silver layered fringe cocktail dress by Damianou and sparkly “Hanna” sandals by Mon Cheri from Evelyne Talman. Serenading her is Jose Antonio Quesada, the Brazilian musician who will be playing at the Cabaret reception.
Dancers often use rumba, samba, merengue and even two-step patterns when they hear bossa nova music. While these are acceptable, the distinct Latin Jazz feel of the music really calls for its own style. Movements within bossa nova choreography are soft and flowing, with plenty of side steps, taps with the foot extended, and hip sways. It’s time to revive the true bossa nova! Grab a partner, turn on a little Sergio Mendes, and start practicing hip rolls for the night that The Cloister Ballroom turns into a Coastal Georgia version of the Copacabana – the hottest spot south of Savannah: Cabaret 2015 – Bossa Nova Rio.
Experience a taste of Rio during the bossa nova age during the 11th annual Symphony Society Cabaret fundraiser on Saturday, Janaury 24. The night will begin at 6:00 p.m. with a cocktail reception hosted by the Men’s Committee. Sip the event’s signature “Rum Ricky” while Brazilian musician Jose Antonio Quesada, (who performs nightly at Del Sur in the Village) strums his guitar and sings. A seated Brazilian cuisine-inspired dinner with paired wines will follow. Entertainment will include Mason Waters and his band of talented musicians channeling the sounds of the Copacabana for dancing and former Brunswick mayor Bryan Thompson as the Master of Ceremonies. Proceeds from this annual event benefit the Coastal Symphony of Georgia, ensuring that they are able to continue to perform concerts in the Golden Isles.
Barbara Marie Kraus
Cabaret 2015 Co-Chairs Beverly Trainor and Mary Griffiths (from left, front row, seated) and Steering Committee members: (from left) Sue Cansler (seated), Dottie Fielder, Dana Parker, Frances McCrary (seated), Lisa Martin, Sharon Flores, Susan Imhoff and Marjorie Gruber. (Not pictured: Jennifer Broadus. Photo by Barbara Kraus.)
The Committee members for 2015 Cabaret have worked hard to secure new, creative and exciting experiences on which to bid in this year’s auction. In addition to the many generous auction donors who support the Coastal Symphony of Georgia each year, the committee is also pleased to have more than 30 new stores, companies and services who are donating for the first time. Categories include Adventure Bound, Travel and the Leisure Life, Wine Cellar, Tap Room & Bar, Pampered Pets, Spoil Yourself, High Style and Kids & Grands. Some of the experiences offered include a fishing trip with Chef Dave Snyder to catch the dinner he will later prepare; a skydiving adventure, a cruise through the marshes and tributaries of the Altamaha on the Capt. Gabby, and a day at Gilliard Farms and beyond with Chefarmer Matthew Raiford.
In addition, there is the silent auction that includes the ever-popular selection of more than 75 fine wines (or more if you’d like to donate a bottle or two of your own!) Symphony Society members are also selling 50/50 raffle tickets for $10 apiece. Five lucky winners will be announced to win up to $1000 each of the raffle proceeds. 50/50 raffle tickets can be purchased by calling Beth Smith at 912.506.7577.
What to wear? Vibrant colors or classic black, fabrics that shimmer and sway while you dance. And you WILL dance, so make sure your shoes are comfortable as well as stylish! Men can don white dinner jackets for a taste of those bygone club days. If you don’t have one in your closet that suits the occasion, Gentlemen Outfitters has rentals available and will donate 10% of the rental fee for dinner jacket rented for Cabaret to the Coastal Symphony of Georgia.
If you really want to show your stuff, learn to dance the bossa nova before January’s event! Christina’s Dance World will be offering special bossa nova dance lessons to couples in preparation for the gala. Christina will provide 2 one-hour group lessons for $50 per couple on January 9 and 16 at 6-7pm. If you’re shy about dancing with others or can’t make those dates, Christina also offers private instruction for couples for $100/hour. Her dance studio is located at 2601 Demere Road on St. Simons Island. For more information or to schedule lessons, call 912.399.1417 or email Christina via her website: christinasdanceworld.com.
Do your part to revive the energy and exuberance that was Bossa Nova Rio and make your reservations today via coastalsymphonyofga.org or by calling Beverly Trainor at 912.230.2028. Individual reservations are $175. There are also sponsorships available in Premier Gold, Silver, Patron, Partner, Benefactor and Supporter levels.
Bobbi Brinkman
Big thanks to our Bossa Nova fashion crew! From left, standing: Taira Bruce, Bart Barton, Sue Cansler, Kenny Crawford, Jose Antonio Quesada, Victoria Stutzer, Christina Godwin; seated: Meg Barton and Ally Urquhart
Thank you!
To Christina Godwin of Christina’s Dance World for the use of your lovely new studio and your enthusiasm for our dance-themed ideas.
To Bobbi Brinkman for the miracle of finishing a shoot ahead of schedule and lighting quick turnaround.
To Kenny Crawford of Tangles for working hair magic with a smile.
To Taira Bruce of Fantasy Hair & Makeup for making sleepy morning faces bright-eyed and beautiful.
To Jose Antonio Queseda for his beautiful music and patience with the English-speakers.
To Victoria Stutzer of Del Sur for bridging the communication gap and being a supportive audience.
To Bart Barton for volunteering his time to dance with his lovely wife and being a good sport to allow us to photograph it.
To Lisa Martin for pouring mimosas, steaming dresses, and tireless work as our Symphony Society liaison.
