Grupo da Sete has been playing authentic Brazilian music direct from Rio de Janeiro - bossa nova, samba, pagode, chorinho, samba cancao. baiao to partying crowds for the last eight years. Featuring some of the finest musicians in the Bay Area (such as Fabricio Makarrinha, Alex and Marquinho Calatayud, Carlos Oliveira), the group is all about re-creating a typical lively evening in a Rio club - full of singing and dancing to the songs of Joao Bosco, Zeco Pagodinho, Jorge Aragao, Seu Jorge, Fundo de Quintal etc.

Sambaxé is a full force, energetic group of dancers that perform various Brazilian dance styles including Rio Carnaval style samba, Samba-Reggae, Axé, Frevo, Maculele and more. They perform at many different venues throughout the Bay Area. This Brazilian-inspired dance group performs alongside with Bateria ¡Blocura! a live percussion squad led by Alfie Macias along side Ron "SuperMan" Jackson and Alex Nunez.

Founder of Sambaxé, Raffaella Falchi, teaches Brazilian dance classes in various dance studios including Rhythm &Motion/ODC, Dance Mission,and UCSF in San Francisco. Everyone from young kids to adults are welcome to join her weekly classes. Every year, Raffaella creates a Carnaval Contingent so that anybody interested in her classes can perform at the SF Carnaval in May. Her philosophy is "Dance is a celebration of life" enjoy it, heal through it and most importantly have fun!

Known for working hard to promote Brazilian music in the Bay. DJ Alfie has been putting events together that have feature the best of the local Brazilian music scene. His goal has been to showcase these talents and bring new appreciators into the fold of this community. On the decks he uses his percussion background to move the floor by always keeping an ear to the latest Brazil-Cutz from north to south of the musical oasis known as Brazil. If you ever wanted to visit Brazil, Alfie runs a tour every year to Rio & Bahia for X-Mas & New Years with www.sambaxedance.com

Independence Day(Sete de Setembro) is the National holiday of Brazil. Independence Day honors the birthday of the nation. On September 7th, 1822, Brazil claimed its independence from the hands of the Portuguese. Brazilians did not have to fight much for freedom, they won it from their parent country, Portugal. Prince Pedro, son of Portugal’s king, stood near Brazil’s Ipiranga River and made an announcement of independence. He tore the Portuguese symbol from his uniform and declared, “By my blood, by my honor, and by God: I will make Brazil free.” After that Pedro became the Emperor of Brazil and forced Portuguese forces to leave Brazil. In 1889 Brazil finished its monarchy and became a republic but kept September 7th as its Independence Day.

In Brasília, (Capital of Brazil) the day is celebrated at the Ministries Esplanade with a military parade in the presence of the President of Brazil. On this day many political leaders appear at the public events and talk about the nation's heritage, laws, history, people, about recent events and future projects. All Brazilians are entitled to Independence Day off work except some emergency service workers.

Independence Day is considered as a Public Day with outings, picnics and lots of outdoor events like parades, air shows, fireworks and musical concerts. Parades generally occur in the morning and the fireworks occur in the evening. Thousands of Brazilians gather in the road celebrating this day with banners, balloons and streamers. They proudly fly their Flag, sing songs and enjoy the day with their friends and families.

Grupo da Sete (Brazilian Independence Day)
with Sambaxé, DJ Alfie1Bateria "Diaspora Rocka"
Resident DJ: Global Movement (Yoshi's SF)
Beleza Connection (Era Art Bar)

Yoshi's San Francisco, Wednesday, September 7th
Cover: $10
Doors: 8:30
Show: 9pm - 12am
Kitchen open till 10pm