Madison Capoeira

Before the music starts at Madison Carnaval, this dynamic group takes the dance floor, moving to the call of the berimbau. There’s no stage, no boundary—just a circle of energy where acrobatics, strategy, and live music come together in a game of skill and intuition.

Born from resistance, capoeira carries the spirit of freedom in every movement. Once a tool of survival, today it thrives as a powerful expression of culture, strength, and community. 

Madison Capoeira keeps that legacy alive, bringing people of all ages together through movement, music, and shared tradition.

Arrive early to catch Madison Capoeira in action this Saturday! 

Ótimo Dance

Year after year, Madison Carnaval with The Handphibians and Ótimo Dance brings the electric energy of Brazilian dance to the stage and the dance floor. With samba-inspired choreography and handcrafted costumes, Ótimo brings movement to the music, creating an unforgettable visual and rhythmic experience.

Founded in 2012, Ótimo has become a key part of Madison’s samba community, teaching classes, performing across the region, and welcoming dancers of all levels. Their performances honor the deep traditions of Brazilian dance while continuing to grow and evolve right here in Madison. When they take the stage, the celebration truly begins.

Join us this Saturday to experience Ótimo Dance, live!

Saideira Pagode

Making their Madison Carnaval debut, Saideira Pagode is the newest and most active Brazilian music group in town, bringing the timeless tradition of samba de mesa to life. Their performances are a nod to the golden era of 20th-century samba, featuring classic, well-loved songs that have defined the genre for generations.

Regulars at venues like Working Draft Brewery, The Burr Oak, and Cafe Coda, they’ve built a strong following with their warm, communal style—where the music feels like a gathering of friends around a shared rhythm. With rich harmonies, infectious percussion, and that unmistakable samba swing, Saideira Pagode brings the essence of roots samba straight to Madison.

Be there Saturday for their first-ever Madison Carnaval performance this Saturday!

Madison Choro Ensemble

Choro is often called “the father of samba and the grandfather of bossa nova”, and Madison Choro Ensemble brings this intricate, expressive music to life with a fresh, modern touch. Their sound is playful, complex, and rooted in Brazilian tradition.

Though they rarely perform, each appearance is something special. Their last Carnaval sets date back to 2015 and 2016, making this year’s performance an exciting homecoming. If you love Brazilian music or jazz, this is one you won’t want to miss.

Catch Madison Choro Ensemble live this Saturday at Madison Carnaval!

Samba Novistas

Led by the beloved Ana Paula, this group is a vibrant mix of Brazilian genres, with a deep love for MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) at its core. Whether delivering soulful melodies or irresistible rhythms, Samba Novistas always brings the kind of energy that makes you want to sing along. Their name says it all—samba is something we never lose the pleasure of singing.

Ana Paula carries the spirit of Rio wherever she goes, and we’re lucky to have her sharing that magic right here in Madison. Expect rich vocals, infectious grooves, and a performance full of warmth, joy, and Brazilian soul.

Don’t miss Samba Novistas live this Saturday at Madison Carnaval!

Grupo Balança

Since around 2010, Grupo Balança has been delivering the unmistakable swing of samba pagode, the style that pairs perfectly with dancing, drumming, and a cold drink in hand. Their tight rhythms, rich harmonies, and deep love for Brazilian music make every performance feel like a true roda de samba, where the energy flows between the musicians and the crowd.

With some of the finest players in town, Grupo Balança is rooted in tradition but always ready to bring the party. Their sound is infectious, their groove is undeniable, and they’ll have the dance floor moving from the first beat!

Catch Grupo Balançalive this Saturday at Madison Carnaval!

Alejandro Punbra (Los Chechos) & Brendan Loula & Melissa Reiser (Forró Fo Sho)

Alejandro Punbra (Los Chechos) brings his high-energy, party-starting style to the stage, joining The Handphibians for a lively samba reggae set. Known for exploring the diverse sounds of South America with his band Los Chechos, Alejandro will channel the spirit of Monobloco, delivering a performance that’s all about rhythm, movement, and Carnaval vibes.

Brendan Loula & Melissa Reiser (Forró Fo Sho) return to Madison Carnaval, this time collaborating with The Handphibians’ maracatu set. Forró Fo Sho has brought the danceable sounds of Brazil’s northeast to Carnaval before, but this year, they’ll perform a song never before performed in Madison!

Experience these collaborations live this Saturday at Madison Carnaval!

DJ Josh B. Kuhl

A familiar presence behind the decks at the Majestic Theatre, Josh B. Kuhl will be holding it down from the balcony, keeping the Carnaval energy going between live sets. While best known for curating unforgettable parties with his company, Kuhl Entertainment, he’s also stepping into a new role this year, as a drummer. After signing up for The Handphibians’ Handschool in 2024, Josh will make his Carnaval drumming debut, sharing his rhythm both from the DJ booth and the bateria.

Give a wave to Josh on the balcony, this Saturday at Madison Carnaval! 

Chef Lorraine Frossard

Born in Brazil and now sharing her culinary talents in Madison, Chef Lorraine Frossard brings the soul of Brazilian cuisine to every dish she creates. Through her company, La Belle Private Chef, she crafts unforgettable dining experiences, blending tradition with creativity. From savory bites to irresistible sweets, her food is a true celebration of culture, community, and bold, authentic flavors.

This year, you’ll find her serving up delicious Brazilian eats at the balcony backbar of the Majestic Theatre. Her menu will be the perfect fuel for a night of dancing, packed with the rich, comforting tastes that make Brazilian food so special.

Come hungry and find Chef Lorraine Frossard this Saturday at Madison Carnaval!