From samba to jazz: Rua do Lavradio, in downtown Rio de Janeiro, is banking on new attractions to make a comeback
From samba to jazz: Rua do Lavradio, in downtown Rio de Janeiro, is banking on new attractions to make a comeback .      The area has reinvented itself after the pandemic and turned into a hotspot for those looking to enjoy samba and a cold beer Known for its sale and display of antiques, crafts, clothing, and accessories, the historic Feira Rio Antigo, held for over two decades on Rua do Lavradio in downtown Rio, has introduced a new program to reclaim its status as a beloved spot for locals. Traditionally a hub for samba and choro music, the event is now embracing jazz to rival the trendy Rua do Senado. A unique partnership among local business owners, Galeria Scenarium, Celeste, and Mooyo aims
Jornal O Globo
Known for its sale and display of antiques, crafts, clothing, and accessories, the historic Feira Rio Antigo, held for over two decades on Rua do Lavradio in downtown Rio, has introduced a new program to reclaim its status as a beloved spot for locals. Traditionally a hub for samba and choro music, the event is now embracing jazz to rival the trendy Rua do Senado. A unique partnership among local business owners, Galeria Scenarium, Celeste, and Mooyo aims to transform the open-air cultural market into a meeting point for jazz enthusiasts.

Colorful Houses on Rua do Lavradio — Foto: Guito Moreto

Instrumental music

The three venues have joined forces to offer free instrumental music every Sunday, from noon to 6 PM, featuring the Baile do Ney led by musician Ney Conceição. This new initiative, launched last weekend, combines quality music, a relaxed atmosphere with beach chairs and bar tables, and a variety of cuisines from restaurants catering to diverse tastes.

— The idea is to revitalize Rua do Lavradio, a place so significant to Rio's history, and also provide a pleasant cultural option on Sundays. We noticed that Sundays lacked foot traffic here, and we thought we could do something about it together — says Cláudio Franco, owner of Mooyo and the event's creator.

Every Saturday, a traditional Brazilian feijoada is offered on Rio Scenarium — Foto: Press release

In his performance, bassist Ney Conceição gathers his longtime bandmates for instrumental shows featuring classics from Brazilian Popular Music (MPB) and American music, with a swinging touch and jazzy solos. The repertoire includes works by Gilberto Gil, João Donato, Gal Costa, Rita Lee, Orlandivo, Azymuth, João Bosco, and Stevie Wonder, among others.

— Now the audience can enjoy Ney's sound on weekends with a band that's been together for a long time and includes some of Rio's top musicians. I recently returned to Brazil after a stint in Azerbaijan and opened Mooyo, a collaborative space that also offers lectures, courses, sustainable food, and everything related to the instrumental music concept of Rio and Brazilian jazz — adds Franco.

History, art, and culture

With its traditional mansions and bohemian atmosphere, the fair, declared an intangible heritage in 2021, is considered a cultural treasure by the businessman. Opened in the 18th century, Lavradio has been the setting for significant events and once housed Rio's high society. Today, it remains a hub for those seeking a mix of history, art, and culture. Franco highlights the area's jazz tradition, recalling the CarnaJazz event hosted by Rio Scenarium:

— We're adding another day to a beautiful street with so much potential to be explored, with this event that brings together three venues on one of Rio's historic streets. It could work as well as the Armazém do Senado does on Saturdays.

Rio Scenarium gallery hosts three publicexhibitions — Foto: Press release

In english: Read more stories on O GLOBO's website

In addition to music, Galeria Scenarium, open on Saturdays from 10 AM to 6 PM with free entry, invites visitors to explore an array of colors and art. Closed since the pandemic, the space has been reopened with three exhibitions: “Mostra É Você Que Me Vê” by Charles Barreto; “Pinceladas Afetivas, Pintura Realista, Moderna e Expressionista” by artists from Minas Gerais, and “Azul Cobalto, Azulejos e Memórias.”

The building housing Galeria Scenarium is itself an attraction. The 19th-century mansion was once the residence of a cousin of Princess Isabel at number 13 and Viscount Itaboraí at number 15. The initials of Viscount José Rodrigues Torres still adorn the top of the building's façade.

— We managed to gather 300 artworks in this space, which brings us great joy. We were able to revive the work of several local artists, which is very important. ‘Azul Cobalto, Azulejos e Memórias’ features over 600 old tiles from demolished mansions in Rio. The gallery is very popular, and I must admit, I didn't expect so many visitors. People really come from afar — celebrates Plínio Fróes, owner of the gallery.

Before the pandemic, Rio Scenarium, which turns 25 this month, was the third most visited attraction in Rio according to Trip Advisor, surpassed only by Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain. International stars like actors Will Smith, Bradley Cooper, and Liza Minnelli, as well as Prince Albert of Monaco, have visited the venue.

— On this anniversary, we celebrate having survived the pandemic and a judicial recovery process. We had just opened the gallery, with three exhibitions ready, when Covid-19 surprised us. It was very sad to have to pause everything. After that, we had to run the fair every Saturday instead of once a month because exhibitors faced financial difficulties. Now, it's as if we're waking up from a hibernation period. Besides the fair, we used to have our Rio Scenarium feijoada once a month, which now fills the house every Saturday from 1 PM to 6 PM, always with different samba performances — shares Fróes.

With so much buzz, Rio Scenarium was named one of the world's top ten bars in 2006 by the UK's The Guardian. With the return of celebrations, the venue has been joined by Dolores Clube, which entertains audiences with Jazz, MPB, and Bossa Nova on Thursdays and Fridays. The event has established itself with a more intimate vibe, where attendees come to appreciate the artists' performances.

A show at Rio Scenarium — Foto: Leo Martins

Gastronomic center

As all good things can get better, a new gastronomic center is set to occupy the buildings of the Mercado Central RJ, opened in August this year in the historic mansions of the former Granado factory on Rua do Senado, adjacent to Lavradio. The architectural complex of six buildings has been under restoration by the perfumery for about two years, aiming to repurpose the properties.

The first restored building, next to the renowned Armazém do Senado, has been transformed into the Centro de Artes Solar dos Abacaxis, now hosting exhibitions that capitalize on the heavy weekend foot traffic spurred by Armazém's attractions and Feira Rio Antigo.

— The Granado factory is undergoing a significant renovation phase. There's a vast open area with enormous potential. It's the perfect setting for cariocas because it brings together everything our city loves, a delightful mix arising from the various influences we have. This renovation comes at a time of renewal and will contribute to further boosting the influx of people frequenting the area — evaluates Fróes.
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2024-12-08
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     The area has reinvented itself after the pandemic and turned into a hotspot for those looking to enjoy samba and a cold beer Known for its sale and display of antiques, crafts, clothing, and accessories, the historic Feira Rio Antigo, held for over two decades on Rua do Lavradio in downtown Rio, has introduced a new program to reclaim its status as a beloved spot for locals. Traditionally a hub for samba and choro music, the event is now embracing jazz to rival the trendy Rua do Senado. A unique partnership among local business owners, Galeria Scenarium, Celeste, and Mooyo aims to transform the open-air cultural market into a meeting point for jazz enthusiasts.
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Colorful Houses on Rua do Lavradio
Guito Moreto
Instrumental music
The three venues have joined forces to offer free instrumental music every Sunday, from noon to 6 PM, featuring the Baile do Ney led by musician Ney Conceição. This new initiative, launched last weekend, combines quality music, a relaxed atmosphere with beach chairs and bar tables, and a variety of cuisines from restaurants catering to diverse tastes.
— The idea is to revitalize Rua do Lavradio, a place so significant to Rio's history, and also provide a pleasant cultural option on Sundays. We noticed that Sundays lacked foot traffic here, and we thought we could do something about it together — says Cláudio Franco, owner of Mooyo and the event's creator.
Every Saturday, a traditional Brazilian feijoada is offered on Rio Scenarium
Press release
In his performance, bassist Ney Conceição gathers his longtime bandmates for instrumental shows featuring classics from Brazilian Popular Music (MPB) and American music, with a swinging touch and jazzy solos. The repertoire includes works by Gilberto Gil, João Donato, Gal Costa, Rita Lee, Orlandivo, Azymuth, João Bosco, and Stevie Wonder, among others.
— Now the audience can enjoy Ney's sound on weekends with a band that's been together for a long time and includes some of Rio's top musicians. I recently returned to Brazil after a stint in Azerbaijan and opened Mooyo, a collaborative space that also offers lectures, courses, sustainable food, and everything related to the instrumental music concept of Rio and Brazilian jazz — adds Franco.
History, art, and culture
With its traditional mansions and bohemian atmosphere, the fair, declared an intangible heritage in 2021, is considered a cultural treasure by the businessman. Opened in the 18th century, Lavradio has been the setting for significant events and once housed Rio's high society. Today, it remains a hub for those seeking a mix of history, art, and culture. Franco highlights the area's jazz tradition, recalling the CarnaJazz event hosted by Rio Scenarium:
— We're adding another day to a beautiful street with so much potential to be explored, with this event that brings together three venues on one of Rio's historic streets. It could work as well as the Armazém do Senado does on Saturdays.
Rio Scenarium gallery hosts three publicexhibitions
Press release
In english: Read more stories on O GLOBO's website
In addition to music, Galeria Scenarium, open on Saturdays from 10 AM to 6 PM with free entry, invites visitors to explore an array of colors and art. Closed since the pandemic, the space has been reopened with three exhibitions: “Mostra É Você Que Me Vê” by Charles Barreto; “Pinceladas Afetivas, Pintura Realista, Moderna e Expressionista” by artists from Minas Gerais, and “Azul Cobalto, Azulejos e Memórias.”
The building housing Galeria Scenarium is itself an attraction. The 19th-century mansion was once the residence of a cousin of Princess Isabel at number 13 and Viscount Itaboraí at number 15. The initials of Viscount José Rodrigues Torres still adorn the top of the building's façade.
— We managed to gather 300 artworks in this space, which brings us great joy. We were able to revive the work of several local artists, which is very important. ‘Azul Cobalto, Azulejos e Memórias’ features over 600 old tiles from demolished mansions in Rio. The gallery is very popular, and I must admit, I didn't expect so many visitors. People really come from afar — celebrates Plínio Fróes, owner of the gallery.
Before the pandemic, Rio Scenarium, which turns 25 this month, was the third most visited attraction in Rio according to Trip Advisor, surpassed only by Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain. International stars like actors Will Smith, Bradley Cooper, and Liza Minnelli, as well as Prince Albert of Monaco, have visited the venue.
— On this anniversary, we celebrate having survived the pandemic and a judicial recovery process. We had just opened the gallery, with three exhibitions ready, when Covid-19 surprised us. It was very sad to have to pause everything. After that, we had to run the fair every Saturday instead of once a month because exhibitors faced financial difficulties. Now, it's as if we're waking up from a hibernation period. Besides the fair, we used to have our Rio Scenarium feijoada once a month, which now fills the house every Saturday from 1 PM to 6 PM, always with different samba performances — shares Fróes.
With so much buzz, Rio Scenarium was named one of the world's top ten bars in 2006 by the UK's The Guardian. With the return of celebrations, the venue has been joined by Dolores Clube, which entertains audiences with Jazz, MPB, and Bossa Nova on Thursdays and Fridays. The event has established itself with a more intimate vibe, where attendees come to appreciate the artists' performances.
A show at Rio Scenarium
Leo Martins
Gastronomic center
As all good things can get better, a new gastronomic center is set to occupy the buildings of the Mercado Central RJ, opened in August this year in the historic mansions of the former Granado factory on Rua do Senado, adjacent to Lavradio. The architectural complex of six buildings has been under restoration by the perfumery for about two years, aiming to repurpose the properties.
The first restored building, next to the renowned Armazém do Senado, has been transformed into the Centro de Artes Solar dos Abacaxis, now hosting exhibitions that capitalize on the heavy weekend foot traffic spurred by Armazém's attractions and Feira Rio Antigo.
— The Granado factory is undergoing a significant renovation phase. There's a vast open area with enormous potential. It's the perfect setting for cariocas because it brings together everything our city loves, a delightful mix arising from the various influences we have. This renovation comes at a time of renewal and will contribute to further boosting the influx of people frequenting the area — evaluates Fróes.
The translation of this text into english was carried out by Project Irineu, O GLOBO's initiative to develop artificial intelligence tools. Here is the link to the original report.
From samba to jazz: Rua do Lavradio, in downtown Rio de Janeiro, is banking on new attractions to make a comeback