White Hot at Central: The Bossa Nova on Wednesday

Join us in the West Meeting Room at 6:00 pm on March 4th for a celebration of Brazil’s fifty-year-old contribution to “cool” – the Bossa Nova. This music continues to fascinate and delight an international public with new artists and compositions. Since the days of “The Girl from Ipanema” and “Black Orpheus,” Americans have been an important part of the Bossa Nova story. Our program reviews the history and development of Bossa Nova through videos, musical excerpts, a look at the geography of Rio de Janeiro, and a review of lyrics in English and Portuguese. There will also be an exhibit of Bossa Nova memorabilia.

This program is a follow-up to the success of last year’s “Carmen Miranda Film Festival.” Latin American popular culture specialist and Fulbright scholar to Brazil Dr. Fred Dobb will also present this program. When not watching Carmen Miranda movies and listening to music, Dr. Fred Dobb teaches at California State University, Sacramento. Dobb's lectures are lively, informative and rhythmic.

Registration is encouraged for the Bossa Nova program, which is free, and can be done by calling 264-2920 or going to www.saclibrary.org.

Blame It on the Bossa Nova at Central Library

Just after Carnaval week, join us in the West Meeting Room at 6:00 pm on March 4th for a celebration of Brazil’s fifty-year-old contribution to “cool” – the Bossa Nova. This music continues to fascinate and delight an international public with new artists and compositions. Since the days of “The Girl from Ipanema” and “Black Orpheus,” Americans have been an important part of the Bossa Nova story. Our program reviews the history and development of Bossa Nova through videos, musical excerpts, a look at the geography of Rio de Janeiro, and a review of lyrics in English and Portuguese. There will also be an exhibit of Bossa Nova memorabilia.

This program is a follow-up to the success of last year’s “Carmen Miranda Film Festival.” Latin American popular culture specialist and Fulbright scholar to Brazil Dr. Fred Dobb will also present this program. When not watching Carmen Miranda movies and listening to music, Dr. Fred Dobb teaches at California State University, Sacramento.

Also note that Dobb will be giving an encore of the "Carmen Miranda Film Festival" at the Belle Cooledge Library on Wednesday, February 18, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Belle Cooledge is located on 5600 South Land Park Drive. Registration is not required.

Registration is encouraged for the Bossa Nova program, which is free, and can be done by calling 264-2920 or going to www.saclibrary.org.

A Discussion On Mexican Film Great Pedro Infante

Mexico's Golden Age of Film produced numerous stars, but none bigger than Pedro Infante. During his memorable career, the actor and singer starred in over 60 films and crooned his way through 350 songs.

On January 18, 2008, at 6:00 pm, contributing speaker at the Sacramento Public Library, Fred Dobb, will be leading a discussion on Infante at the South Natomas Community Center on 2921 Truxel Road in Sacramento. In addition to the talk, there will be a reception, where wine, cheese and other refreshments will be served.

If you've not heard Dobb speak, this is an event you'll truly want to catch. Dobb is a scholar who has made Latin culture his passion. Over this last year, his discussions at the Central Library on Carmen Miranda and Cantinflas (Mario Moreno Reyes) were packed.

The charge to attend is $20.00, with proceeds going to the Mexican Cultural Center of Northern California. Tickets may be purchased at the MCCNC on 1010 8th Street, Suite 101, on weekdays, between 8 am and 2 pm. Other ticket outlets are La Esperanza Bakery, 5044 Franklin Blvd., Sacramento, 95820, and Carniceria Lopez, 5550 Franklin Blvd., Sacramento, 95820.

For more information, call the Mexican Cultural Center of Northern California at 916.446.3691 and for a list of Pedro Infante movies at SPL, click here.