Estrela Brilhante - 100 Years of using music to build community in the favelas of Recife, Brazil

Maracatu is the northern Brasil version of Samba -- but a very different rhythm. The main instrument is a large wooden drum. The Nação Maracatu Estrela Brilhante, led by Mestre Walter and the queen Dona Marivalda, is one of the best in Recife and operates essentially as a community center for young people to learn music and dance and to participate in Carnaval. The youngest drummers were no more than 5 or 6 years old, but they could still wield their drum sticks with flair. Founded in 1906, Estrela Brilhante is based in the community of Alto Jose do Pinto in Recife. The Queen (Director) Marivalda Maria dos Santos has been bringing Estrela Brilhante back to its roots with the help of Jorge de Xango. The sound of Estrela Brilhante, just over 100 years old, represents the musical history of a people condensed into rhythm, song, dance and ritual.

We have a dream that at least 1,000 Calabash users will sponsor Estrela Brihante's great album and bring positive change to the lives of the youth members of this troupe. Use the Tune Your World window above to send $25.00 to Estrela Brihante and get music credits so that you can download their album. It's just that simple for you to support the work of this traditional maracatu school which has been bringing hope and spirit to the lives of children for the past 100 years -- using music to transcend the poverty and violence that is an unfortunate part of everyday life in the favelas of Brasil. You can be even more involved by getting the code for the Tune Your World window and post it on your Facebook or Myspace page and tell your friends to support Estrela Brilhante.