Black Atlantic

04/09/2026

WE’RE BACK! AFROCIDADE RETURNS! 🔥

From Pelourinho to Petworth, experience an unforgettable journey connecting the shared culture, rhythm and history of Salvador da Bahia and Washington, D.C.

Through powerful storytelling, song and dance, a dynamic 10-piece ensemble brings the spirit of the Black Atlantic to life onstage.

📅 Friday, September 25, 2026
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Atlas Performing Arts Center
1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC

🎟️ Get your tickets now:
https://atlasarts.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/ #/events/a0SRk00000BCtgjMAD

Learn more:
https://www.atlasarts.org/events/afrocidade/

Come feel the rhythm. Experience the history. Celebrate the connection.

02/09/2026

AFROCIDADE - The heartbeat of two worlds returns.
Dr. Lorenzo Dow Turner, one of the giants in the study of the African diaspora, first exposed this link between the US & Brazil and inspired this production.
More than a performance—it’s a celebration of culture, connection, and identity.

📍Atlas Performing Art Center
📅 Friday, September 25, 2026

🎟️ FREE passes available on Eventbrite 9/4. Stay tuned!

02/10/2025

11/09/2025

Honored to moderate & translate for this panel discussion with the one and only (Ile Aiye) at Howard University’s historic Sankofa book store (Had to brush off my rusty Portuguese). After their epic show at UDC last week, it was only right for the flagship group of Afro-Brazilian consciousness to set foot & speak at ‘The Mecca’ - a true Black Atlantic moment Black Atlantic!

10/01/2025

Afrocidade returns!
Join us for this scaled down and intimate reproduction of Afrocidade for the Passport series at the Creative Cauldron Friday Jan 24 from 7 to 9pm

Afrocidade is a high-energy, genre-defying celebration of culture, history, and music that bridges the streets of Washington, D.C. and Salvador, Bahia. Through a powerhouse ensemble of musicians, dancers, and storytellers, this show brings to life the revolutionary rise of Afro-Bahian pride—from the explosive sounds of Gilberto Gil, Olodum, Caetano Veloso and Stevie Wonder to the rhythms that link Samba and Go-go. Watch as we decode the African roots that tie both cities together, proving that music isn’t just a beat, it’s a bridge. With real-time translations and live demonstrations, Afrocidade reveals how the African Diaspora has shaped global culture, from the streets of Brazil to the dancefloors of America. This isn’t just a performance; it’s an anthem for the pride, resilience, and spirit of Afro-descendants everywhere. Afrocidade is your invitation to experience the music, the history, and the movement that connects us all—no matter where you’re from. Get ready to dance, learn, and be moved by a celebration that will make you rethink what it means to belong.

01/10/2024

WE DID IT!!
After months of preparation with only ONE pre-show rehearsal, AFROCIDADES’ was baptized with its first show!
I cannot give enough gratitude to the incredible musicians & dancers, the Atlas theatre staff, Ken Avis for his support and for opening act II with his vast knowledge of DC music history, Sidney Forrester-Wilson for lending her skills as stage manager & my niece Layla for manning the curtain 🙂.
A special thanks to my ride or die, my sister Aline Varre, who created all the visuals, slides & videos for the projections, designed the logo, opened the show dressed as a Baiana and sang by my side!
I think we succeeded in shedding some light on the link between DC and Salvador, the US and Brazil as two of the key cities in the African diaspora. I am deeply humbled and hungry to expand on this and more Black Atlantic projects in the future. Maferefun to the creator & the ancestors. Axé! .braziliandance_dc .avis

23/09/2024

AFROCIDADE - this Saturday Sept 28th 7 to 9pm at the Atlas performing arts center FREE to the public! Come join this ensemble of dancers, singers, narrators & musicians and discover the connection between DC and Salvador Bahia Brazil!

01/09/2024

Afrocidade!
Coming to the Atlas theatre DC Saturday September 28.