“Rock in Rio” is happening right now in Rio de Janeiro. Latin America’s biggest music concert features Beyonce, Bruce Springsteen, Justin Timberlake, Metallica, and a lot of other US bands.
But I didn’t come to Brazil to hear American music.
If you really want to rock the Rio way, head to Praça São Salvador in my neighborhood of Flamengo. This shady park square is a bustling music scene every weekend, with impromptu jam bands playing traditional samba and choro. Orange street lamps cast a magical glow that reflects off the big old trees overhanging the park. It’s wonderfully enchanting. Couple dance. Individuals dance. One older woman in hot pink tights danced her heart out. People of all races and ages mingle, play, listen, chat, and purchase a stream of ice-cold chope from Salvatore Cafe, which invariably has some soccer match playing on its TV screens.
And aside from the beer, it’s all free, which is the best price for a shoestring freelance journalist.
Here’s a glimpse of the scene:
