Zakumi posing with the South African flag.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup will be held in South Africa from June 11th to July 11th. This will be the first time that the tournament has been hosted by an African nation. The first game in the tournament will be South Africa vs Mexico on 6/11 at 10 AM EST (4 PM local).

Brazil vs North Korea, Tue 6/15 at 2:30 PM EST
Brazil vs Ivory Coast, Sun 6/20 at 2:30 PM EST
Brazil vs Portugal, Fri 6/25 at 10 AM EST

The United States is part of group C with England, Slovenia and Algeria. Games are scheduled as follows:

United States vs England, Sat 6/12 at 2:30 PM EST
United States vs Slovenia, Fri 6/18 at 10 AM EST
United States vs Algeria, Wed 6/23 at 10 AM EST 

The official mascot for the 2010 FIFA World Cup is Zakumi ananthropomorphized leopard with green hair. His name comes from "ZA", the international abbreviation for South Africa, and "kumi", a word that means "ten" in various African languages. The mascot's colors reflect those of the host nation's playing strip - yellow and green.

Clockwise from: A river view of Parintins, Caprichosos show their support, the famous blue Coca-Cola sign and larger than life puppets built by the Garantido to intimidate their opponents.

Often called Festival do Boi-Bumbá, Bumba Meu Boi or simply Festival, the event takes place on the 28, 29 and 30 of June. The festival celebrates a local legend about a resurrected ox.

When migrants came to the Amazon during the rubber cycle (1850-1920), they brought along the tradition of the boi-bumbá, very popular in the States of Northeast. The tradition says that, once upon a time, a pregnant woman wanted to eat the tongue of an ox. To satisfy her, the husband kills the most beloved ox on the farm. The priest of the village is called and says that the population must organize parties and celebrate feasts which, if happy enough, will bring the animal back to life.

The festival is also a competition. Two teams compete to stage the most elaborate, creative and artistic choreography to retell the story. Each team attempts to out-do the other with flamboyant dances, singing andparade floats. The population is spontaneously divided into two groups: the sympathizers of the Boi Azul (Blue Ox - actually, a black ox with a blue star), called Caprichoso, and the sympathizers of the Boi Vermelho(Red Ox - actually, a white ox with a red heart), Garantido. The enthusiasm of the supporters borders on the fanatical.

Each nightly performance is largely based on local Amazonian folklore andindigenous culture, but also incorporates contemporary Brazilian rhythms and themes. The place where the teams present themselves is called "Bumbódromo", a round, grounded stage. The "Bumbódromo" supports 35,000 people in the audience.

Some curiosities about the festival:

- The judges of the festival can use only green pens, so as not to influence the result by using a red or blue pen that might show bias.

- Due to the fierce rivalry, Parintins is the only place in the world whereCoca-Cola ads are in blue.

Valentine's Day is celebrated around the world, regardless of differences in religion, race, culture, etc. It is a much-anticipated day when people celebrate love.

Brazil celebrates the 'Dia dos Namorados'(Day of the Enamored", or "Boyfriends'/Girlfriends' Day") on June 12th, instead of February 14th, for a very special reason. It is believed this day was chosen because it is the day before Santo Antônio's Day. Saint Antony is known as the marriage saint. For that reason, some single women ask for Santo Antônio's help in finding a good husband or boyfriend by performing popular rituals, called simpatia. 

Attend World Cup events, a Bate Papo or a Brazilian film screening in Central Park.

Brazil Station is pleased to announce a variety of Brazilian events happening in June. If you want to announce any upcoming events, or offer ideas or suggestions for future activities, please contact us atnewsletter@brazilstation.com.

World Cup Gathering featuring new book about the Cup- Wednesday, June 9 at 7pm

We will gather starting at 7:00 pm to catch up with old friends and new group members. This event will be held a few days before the World Cup, when Brazil will be given a chance to re-assert itself as the greatest soccer nation.

At 9:00 pm, Steven Stark will introduce his book on the World Cup. The book talks passionately about the influence, history and geopolitical context surrounding the World Cup. More information about Steven and the book below.

"Father and son Stark & Stark's World Cup 2010: The Indispensable Guide to Soccer and Geopolitics lays it all out for both the impassioned fan and anyone who's ever wondered why most of the world stops for a month every four years. The book's unique premise is that soccer is a window into the soul of nations and that World Cup teams are reflections of their cultural heritage."

Steven D. Stark, a former world sports columnist for the Montreal Gazette and the author of three previous books and one e-book, has been a regular commentator for CNN, National Public Radio, and the Voice of America, where his role was to try to interpret American culture to the rest of the world.

For more information, you can check the Brazilian Portuguese Meetup site at http://www.meetup.com/BrazilianPortuguese/calendar/13502786/

Brazil Brazil Restaurant
330 W 46th St (between 8th and 9th Ave)
New York, NY 10036
212 957-4300

Bate Papo- Monday, June 14 at 6pm

You are invited to a Bate Papo (relaxed conversation) in Portuguese atSushiSamba. The event is free (you pay what you consume) and is an opportunity to practice Portuguese and meet new people. There will be a happy hour at the bar from 4-7pm with caipirinhas for $5and appetizer specials at $2, $3, $4.

We've hosted bate-papos there before and people enjoyed the environment as well as the drink and appetizer specials. 

Contact us at info@brazilstation.com to RSVP or visithttp://www.meetup.com/BrazilianPortuguese/calendar/13621679/ for more information.

SushiSamba Sugarcane Lounge
245 Park Ave. South - between 19th and 20th St
New York, NY 10003

Capoeira Brasil Batizado & Workshop - Mestre Caxias - June 2-4, 5

Workshops with special guests from Brazil, the United States and Europe on June 2-4 (Wed-Fri) 7:30-10pm. June 5 (Saturday) 11am-2pm: workshops; 2:00-3:00pm: Roda; 3:15-5:30pm: Batizado.

For more information, check: http://www.caxiascapoeira.com.

Vanderbilt YMCA
224 East 47th Street
New York, NY
646-732-5722

8th Cine Fest Petrobas Brasil - NY- June 5-12 

The 8th Cine Fest Petrobras Brasil - NY, an official event of New York's summer, returns to Manhattan, from the 5th to the 12th of June. Featured films are highlights of Brazil's 2009/2010 cinematographic production. The official screenings will take place at the Tribeca Cinemas where feature films will be screened immediately followed by Q&A sessions with the film's representatives. In all, 15 titles will be screened out of which 12 are in competition.

On the closing night, June 12th, music and cinema unite for a tribute to Brasilia's 50th anniversary, with the performance of one of Brazil's most admired bands, Os Paralamas do Sucesso with guest appearance by MPB's revelation, Maria Gadú, as well as the screening of Oscar Niemeyer- Life is a Breath of Air, directed by Fabiano Maciel.

The Crystal Lens Award will be presented to the best feature film as chosen by the public.

For more information, check: http://www.brazilianfilmfestival.com/ny_en.html

Tribeca Cinemas
54 Varick Street (at Laight Street, one block below Canal Street)
New York, NY 10013

Movie: Oscar Niemeyer - Life is a Breath of Air

Os Paralamas do Sucesso & Maria Gadu- Saturday, June 12 at 7pm

The closing night film of The 8th Annual Cine Fest Petrobras Brasil is the documentary OSCAR NIEMEYER - LIFE IS A BREATH OF AIR, presented outdoors in Central Park at SummerStage following live performances by Os Paralamas Do Sucesso and Maria Gadu.

Is it possible to tell a story of a nation through its architecture? It's been said that the most important aspect of a building is the legacy that it represents for the society that built it. Therefore the work of Oscar Niemeyer, and his generation, is undoubtedly the best Brazil has ever produced, architecture with a soul of its own inspired in the country's geography and that influenced architects worldwide. OSCAR NIEMEYER - LIFE IS A BREATH OF AIR is a movie that without trying to imitate the uniqueness of its subject relies on the precision of his lines and on the poetry of his forms, in order to reconstruct the history of the greatest icon of Brazil's Modern Architecture.

Os Paralamas do Sucesso is a Brazilian rock band, formed in Rio de Janeiro in the late 1970s. Its members since 1982 are Herbert Vianna (guitar and lead vocals), Bi Ribeiro (bass), and João Barone (drums). In its beginning, the band combined reggae and ska with rock, but later added horn arrangements and Latin rhythms. The Paralamas are considered one of the "Big Four" bands of Brazilian rock.

Brazilian guitarist, singer and songwriter Maria Gadu is an artist to watch. She began her career recording as a child and later gained attention with her interpretation of 'Ne me quitte pas' by Jacques Brel. She has been featured on several soundtracks and her self-titled debut release has already created an international buzz.

For more information, check http://osparalamas.uol.com.br, andhttp://www.slap.mus.br/?11437/artista/Maria-Gadu, andhttp://www.summerstage.org 

Central Park's SummerStage
Rumsey Playfield in Central Park (Enter the park at 69th St and 5th Ave on the east side or at 72nd Street and Central Park West on the west side)
New York, NY 10001
212-360-2777

BOSSABRASIL Festival 2010- Tuesday-Saturday, June 8-12 at 8:30 & 11pm

Launched in 2007, the annual BOSSABRASIL Festival brings together top Brazilian artists for a celebration of Bossa Nova and other musical sounds from Brazil. For over 50 years Bossa Nova has seduced musicians and listeners with its innate sensuality, melding samba with jazz sensibilities.

Back this year by popular demand, soulful and sophisticated vocalist from Rio de Janeiro, Emilio Santiago returns to Birdland. Known for his romantic and swinging interpretations of Samba and Bossa Nova, Santiago is considered one of Brazil's most important vocalists. He has worked alongside jazz luminaries such as Joao Donato and Azymuth and earned six platinum records, seven gold records, and the prestigious Sharp Prize in Brazil.

Joining Santiago this year is composer/keyboardist Marcos Valle. With over 300 compositions to his credit, Valle is one of the major songwriters of Brazilian popular music. In Brazil, he has been ranked with America's greatest songsmiths such as Irving Berlin, Burt Bacharach and Leonard Bernstein. He has been honored with a BMI Award for his composition "Samba De Verao" (also known as "Summer Samba" and "So Nice"). The only other previous Brazilian BMI Award recipients were Tom Jobim and Vinicius de Morais for "Garota de Ipanema" ("Girl from Ipanema").

For more information check http://www.birdlandjazz.com

BIRDLAND
415 W. 44TH Street (bet. 8th and 9th Ave.)
New York, NY
212-581-3080

Joyce Moreno- Tuesday-Sunday, June 8-13 at 8:30 & 11pm

Joyce Moreno, commonly known as Joyce is a Brazilian singer/songwriter, as well as an accomplished guitarist and arranger. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Joyce started using her full name, Joyce Moreno, in 2009 for her future releases.

Joyce came to prominence in the late 60's, and has recorded over 20 solo albums. In addition to her impressive solo output, she has also appeared on myriad records with such artists as Elis Regina, Toninho Horta, Vinicius de Moraes, and Yoko Kanno. In recent years she has collaborated extensively with João Donato.

Much of Joyce's work has been compared to the early boom of the jazz fusion scene in the US. She got her start in music by listening to her brother play the guitar, as well as listening to Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis and Billie Holiday for inspiration on emotions conveyed in music. Many people came into Joyce's house, and she easily got swept up in the music scene, having had in her childhood great encouragement in music. Joyce refers to her music as "MCB" (Creative Music of Brazil), rather than MPB (Música Popular Brasileira). She has recorded many movie and TV soundtracks, and is creator and host of the music-infused television program "Cantos do Rio". She has also written a memoir, "Fotografei Você na Minha Rolleyflex". In it, she discusses her experiences in the bossa nova and MPB movements, providing a fascinating portrait of fellow musicians, including João Gilberto.

For more information, check: http://www.citywinery.com/events/71305or http://www.joycemoreno.com

CITY WINERY
155 Varick Street
New York, 10013
212-608-0555

World Cup After Party with Viva de Concini & Samba Phoenix -Sunday, June 20 at 3pm

Viva de Concini & Samba Phoenix are thrilled to play 2 sets of samba, pagode, forró & axé, immediately following the World Cup match Brazil vs Ivory Coast.

Bar Sepia throws a monthly Brazil party every 3rd Sunday from 3-8pm which is frequented by a lively crowd (including many sambistas, who bring their instruments). Viva de Concini & Samba Phoenix bring you live Brazilian party music at Sepia's Brazil party QUILOMBO in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn.

For more information, check

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3909297&id=501279641#!/pages/SambaPhoenix/116222228390073?ref=search&sid=722383725.1147875119..1

and also http://www.facebook.com/pages/SambaPhoenix/116222228390073?ref=search&sid=722383725.1147875119..1#!/event.php?eid=124189420932527&ref=mf 

Bar Sepia
234 Underhill Avenue Brooklyn (near Eastern Parkway). Take 2 or 3 train to Grand Army Plaza
Brooklyn, NY 11238
718-399-6680

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João Gilberto- Tuesday, June 22 at 8pm

Experience The Genius of João Gilberto at the CareFusion Jazz Festival New York when the renowned singer/guitarist/composer returns to New York for the first time since he celebrated the 50th anniversary of Bossa Nova in 2008. When João Gilberto walks on stage with just his guitar and his mysterious voice, all hearts and minds are totally captivated. Known as the Father of Bossa Nova, Gilberto exudes magic with every word and chord and when you hear his voice just once, you will likely remember it forever.

For more information, check http://www.carnegiehall.org orwww.nycjazzfestival.com

Carnegie Hall
881 7th Avenue
New York, NY 10019
212-632-0540 

***

Beginners Samba Class - Sunday, June 27 from 4 - 5:30pm

The Samba for Beginners class starts with a 30 minutes warm up that exercises basic isolation of the body, following by stretching and strengthening exercises. After the warm up the instructor Danielle Limaintroduces the students to samba no pé(basic samba step) and passo marcado (simple choreographies), both typical of the Rio Carnaval. The entire class is conducted to the upbeat and irresistible sounds of Brazilian music. The cost is $15 per person.

Danielle Lima was born in Rio de Janeiro and grew up performing withBeija-Flor de Nilópolis, one of Brazil's most famous samba schools.Danielle Lima is also a Certified Teachers Artist of the program Dancing Classrooms from American Ballroom Theater, Certified YOGA Instructor atYOGA Effects in NYC and Karma Kids Yoga certified teacher. She has been teaching dance professionally for over 7 years.

Learn more about Samba here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samba_(Brazilian_dance)#Samba_no_p.C3.A9

New York City Center
131 W 56th St 6th floor - between 6th & 7th Ave
New York, NY 10019

Private lessons at Brazil Station provide individualized attention.

We will have four new Group classes starting in June. Other groups may be formed based on demand.

1. NIB - Beginner Level 1 group class will start on Wednesday, June 9at 8pm. It is for people with little or no knowledge of Portuguese.

2. NIBS - Beginner Level 1 group class for Spanishspeakers will startMonday, June 14 at 8pm. It is for people fluent in Spanish and/or Italian with little or no knowledge of Portuguese.

3. N2B - Beginner Level 2 group class will start on Thursday, June 24at 8pm. It is for people who have some knowledge of Portuguese.

4. N4B - Beginner Level 4 group class will start on Thursday, June 24at 6:15pm. It is for people who have knowledge of past tense in Portuguese.

If you'd like to register or have questions about any of our Portuguese, Brazilian business or culture classes, please contact us atinfo@brazilstation.com or by calling 646-287-6645.

Contact us to assess your current level and to discuss your goals for learning at 646-287-6645 or newsletter@brazilstation.com.

We offer Private and Semi-private classes from Monday to Saturday. You may begin taking classes with us one any day, at any time. In addition to our traditional Portuguese classes, Brazil Stationalso offers Portuguese for Spanish and Italian Speakers, Business Portuguese, Brazilian Law,Música Brasil, Brazilian History and Travel Classes. We teach off-site classes and Corporate Language Education as well.

Brazil Station
304 Park Ave South, 11th floor (at 23rd St.)
New York, NY 10010
646-287-6645

Words with multiple meanings often confuse students who are learning Portuguese. Below you will find some of the most common.

Ponto

1. Meu email é info, arroba, brazilstation, ponto com (info @brazilstation.com). - My email address is info at brazilstation dot com.

2. Nós usamos ponto final no fim de uma frase. - We use a period at the end of a sentence.

3. Onde é o ponto final deste ônibus? - Where is the final stop of this bus?

4. Temos ponto de vista diferente. - We have a different point of view.

Sinal

1. Não há nenhum sinal que as coisas vão melhorar. - There is no sign of things getting better.

2. O apito foi o sinal para começar o jogo. - The whistle was the signalto start the game.

3. Meu celular não tem sinal aqui. - My cell phone has no signal here.

4. Ele precisou dar um sinal de R$2.000,00 (reais) para garantir o negócio. - He had to put down a R$2,000.00 deposit to secure the deal.

Rede

1. É tão bom dormir na rede... - It is so good to sleep in a hammock...

2. A rede do pescador está enroscada. - The fisherman's net is twisted.

3. A informação é controlada pelas grandes redes de televisão - Information is controlled by the large television networks.

Pasta

1. Onde está a pasta de dentes? - Where is the toothpaste?

2. Precisamos comprar mais pastas vermelhas. - We need to buy more red folders.

Música

1. Eu gosto de todos os tipos de música. - I like any kind of music.

2. A música "New York, New York" é muito famosa. - The song "New York, New York" is very famous.

Formar

1. Vamos formar uma fila. - Let's form a line.

2. Meu irmão se formou em medicina em 1999. - My brother graduatedfrom medical school in 1999.

Graça

1. O show hoje é de graça! - Today's show is free!

2. Isso não tem graça. - That's not funny.

3. Com a graça de Deus. - By the grace of God.

Depois

1. Nós vamos sair depois do jantar. - We are going out after dinner.

2. Depois eu te falarei o que ele disse a respeito do seu trabalho. - I will tell you later what he said about your job.