fbpx

B scene: Bossa Nova

Join us this Friday October 23rd for B Scene Bossa Nova, our after hours art party, to celebrate the opening of Moderno: Design for Modern Living in Brazil, Mexico and Venezuela, 1940-1978. This new exhibition showcases how design deeply transformed the domestic landscape in Latin American during a period marked by major stylistic developments in art and architecture. B scene: Bossa Nova celebrates the cultural and social aspects of the exhibition through the culture of Bossa Nova.

B scene bossa nova

So what is Bossa Nova all about?

The phrase literally translates to “new trend” in Portuguese and references the fusion of samba and jazz into a single genre that became widely popularized in the 1950’s and 60’s. Notable names in the early world of Bossa Nova include Joao Gilberto, Carlos Lyra, Ronaldo Boscoli, Vinicius de Moraes, Tom Jobim and Nara Leao. More than just “The Girl from Ipanema,” Bossa Nova music provided a soundtrack for Brazilian life that reflected love and beauty as well as political notions.

Perhaps the spirit of Bossa Nova can best be exemplified through music and dance. Come let the sultry sounds of Brazilian singer and songwriter Paula Maya entice your ears and then try your own hand (well, foot) at Samba lessons with Go Dance! DJ Michael Crockett, host of KUT-FM Austin’s Horizontes, Music of Latin America, will also be with us to share his in-depth knowledge of the music of the time. A celebration of Brazilian culture would not be complete without a surprise visit from Austin Samba!

audreyNot sure what to wear? Mid-century attire was both classic and stylish, polished yet glam. Think Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly and her on-screen romance with Brazillian Jose da Silva Pereira in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. B Scene is the perfect excuse to show off your more glamorous side, so channel your inner Audrey or Carmen and come dressed to impress! Be sure to get your photo taken in our mid-century modern photo booth provide by SUM Booth.

ModernoDon’t forget to take advantage of our docent lead tours of Moderno starting at 6:30pm, 7:00pm, & 7:30pm. As a special treat, tours of Natalie Frank: The Brothers Grimm will also be given at 7:00pm and 7:30pm. Come see Natalie Frank’s work before it leaves us on November 15. Tickets are limited for all tours so we recommend arriving early!

Inspired by Alexander Calder’s evocative mobile creations that have become iconic symbols of mid century design, guests are invited to try their own hand at mobile making in an interactive art activity on the loggia. Calder credited as the originator of the mobile, hosted two highly successful exhibitions in Sao Paolo and Rio de Janiero in 1948.

Complete your immersive experience by sipping on Caipirinha’s, the national cocktail of Brazil while enjoying some traditional Brazilian street faire provided by our friends at Boteco ATX.

If you’re a Blanton Member, you know you get the VIP treatment! After you’ve breezed through the doors without having to pay the $12 admission, picture yourself draped on comfy seating in our exclusive Member Lounge, sipping on a cocktail from a private cash bar, and enjoying complimentary mmmpanadas as sizzling samba rhythms float through the air. Not a member? We recommend joining as one! If not, however, $12 tickets are available online or at the door!

Special thanks to our sponsors, RBC Wealth Management and Tribeza.

Lily Alpern is a native Austinite and graduate of the University of Texas where she studied Art History and now works in the Special Events Department at the Blanton.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top