Capoeira Brasil Take Center Stage

The Staples Center rocked to the beat of the berimbau Monday night when Mestre Boneco and members of Grupo Capoeira Brasil took center court at the Los Angeles Sparks half-time show. Contra Mestre Peixe Ensaboado, who is in town from Australia to participate in the batizado festivities, lent his support on the atabaque and played in the roda.

Capoeira is more than just an art form, a philosophy, or a way of life; it is a physical-spiritual-cultural dialog. It is an interaction between people of all races, ethnicities, and socio-economic backgrounds. Capoeira Brasil is an international organization whose interaction between members around the world is rooted in respect and honor of the rich tradition and history of Capoeira and for our Mestres who perpetuate these ideals.

In 1998 Beto Simas, AKA Mestre Boneco, formed Grupo Capoeira Brasil, LA. In its short history, the group has grown and evolved tremendously. Under the positive guidance of one of the most amazing mestres in the world, the Los Angeles crew is a close-knit, friendly, and social group that hosts events in addition to teaching/training capoeira. Grupo Capoeira Brasil, Los Angeles is an artist/athlete community whose work is present throughout Southern California. We are a fundamental part of Ben�ão Brasil, a non-profit Brazilian Cultural Center and arts.

For one week, beginning June 21-26, Grupo Capoeira Brasil Los Angeles will host its Sixth International Festival featuring some of the world's best Capoeira masters, instructors and musicians. On June 26 at Culver City High School, this week-long cultural exchange will culminate in a batizado program, which features a thrilling series of performances, demonstrations, and music.

Culver City High School Gymnasium is located at 4401 Elenda Street in Culver City. The performance begins at 6:00 PM . Doors open at 5:30 PM. Tickets are $7 for adults, $4 for children. For more information on this event please call (323) 935-2224 And for more information on Grupo Capoeira, please check out their website. http://www.capoeirabrasil.com/homepage.htm