The first annual Power to the Peaceful Festival Brasil, kicked off on December first in Burle Marx Park in Sao Paulo. The theme of this year's festival was "music, consiousness and action" with a special emphasis on raising awareness and money for organizations working to end poverty, social violence, and environmental destruction in Brasil. Two concerts were held, one as a fundraiser in the park and the second on Sunday, December 2nd which was a free concert in the Capao Redondo favela soccer field which was free for all to attend.
Saturday morning was kicked off by morning yoga led by Nicki Doane and Eddie Modestini of Maya Yoga, Maui. Flavio Canto, Olympic Judo bronze medalist - led a workshop in the kids zone with Michael Franti.
There were two stages at the festival with Marina de la Riva, Gabi Almeida, Carlinhos Zodi and Duofel on the Sunrise stage, and the main stage kicked off with Conexao Baixada, Afroreggae, the legendary Seu Jorge and an explosive final set by Spearhead. The night was highlighted by members of each of the bands performing songs throughout Spearhead's set culminating with a dynamic version of "Everbody ona Move", taken to new heights by the members of Rio De Janeiro's Afroreggae rappers.
The Sunday show was just as powerful and also featured Capoeira, Boxing, body percussion dancers as well as a dental and eye care screening for those in need. Throughout the trip Michael and the band visited and performed at schools and community centers in Sao Paulo's most impoverished Favela's (neighborhoods).
In all, over $100,000 was raised to support the various NGO's and schools doing work in the Favela's!
"My experience in Brasil has changed my life. Every day 50 children die on the streets of Sao Paulo. FIFTY!!!! Meeting kids whose families have been killed in the drug trade and suffer every day in the harshest of conditions is an eye opener and to meet the people who everyday inspire beauty in them through music, art, dance health services and love has deepened my commitment to the cause of social justice and eradicating poverty. I encourage everyone to come to Brasil, come to the festival next year and see with your own eyes what is happening and where you can make a difference! Power to the Peaceful Brasil! Big love and gratitude to Marcelo Laureiro and his amazing partners, staff volunteers and sponsors for their belief and commitment to bringing PTTP to Brasil."
- Michael Franti
HOW YOU CAN HELP!
On December 26th, all proceeds from day after Christmas sales will go to Casa De Zezinho a school started by the amazing "Tia Dag" (Aunt Dagmar).
From assisting one child with a broken finger in the Favela, Tia Dag eventually opened a school for 80 children to provide music, art, food, sports, health and dental services, career skills , and employment. Over 30 years, the school has grown to provide services for over 2000 of Sao Paulo's most needy children and their families. It runs entirely on donations and love.
www.speargearstore.com
www.casadozezinho.org.br
Morning Yoga led by Nicki Doane and Eddie Modestini
Kid Zone
Kid Zone Activities
Judo Workshop with Flavio Canto
Sunrise Stage
Graf Artists
Angelo, Graf Artist
Burle Marx Park, Sao Paulo
Afroreggae Youth Drum Group
Organic Vendor Booths
Marcelo Laureiro leads the Peace Forum
Peace Forum attendees
Power to the Peaceful!
Chill Zone, Main Stage
Afroreggae, Main Stage
Seu Jorge, Main Stage
Michael and Seu Jorge
Spearhead rocks Brasil
Afroreggae and Spearhead
Conexao Baixada and Spearhead
Michael, Capao Redondo Favela
Hoops
Children of Casa do Zezinho
www.casadozezinho.org.br
Tia Dag