As we head into spring in Central Pennsylvania, Pine Grove Hall invites you to feel the warmth, rhythm, and joy of Brazilian Carnival through Session 3 of our Brazilian Immersion series. Turning northward, this encounter explores the rich musical traditions of Bahia and Brazil’s Northeast—afoxé, baião, xote, and maracatu—and the cultural forces that shaped them. Pepe highlights influential figures such as Luiz Gonzaga and Jackson do Pandeiro, tracing how regional sounds later inspired hybrid movements that reshaped Brazilian popular music. Brazilian Immersion is a four-part performance–history–retrospective series led by Rio de Janeiro–born songwriter, guitarist, percussionist, and educator Pepe Barcellos. Hosted in Pine Grove Hall’s upstairs listening room, these intimate, interactive gatherings blend storytelling, live music, singing, body movement, and hands-on percussion. Across the series, Pepe traces the roots of samba, bossa nova, and other Brazilian musical traditions—connecting Afro-Brazilian cultural history, iconic recordings, carnival street culture, and his own experiences performing and teaching Brazilian music worldwide. Whether you come to listen, move, sing, or simply soak in the atmosphere, these sessions are designed to be welcoming, immersive, and inclusive. Location: Second-floor listening room (please note: no handicapped access) Food & Drink: Dinner and bar service available Final Session Date: May 25 Seating starts at 4:30pm. Event starts at 5:00pm. Click GET TICKETS below to reserve your spot. Seating is limited.
