Rio de Janeiro has a musical soul. The Marvelous City can rightfully claim to be the birthplace of both Samba and Bossa Nova! Of course there's plenty of room for other Brazilian, Latin, and international music as well. From mega-shows and events like Rock in Rio, to intimate cafes and lounges with live music, to free presentations at beaches and parks, you will certainly find something interesting to see.>

A couple of match boxes and a can with sand, are enough to get things started in Rio. On weekends and holidays you may see spontaneous rodas de samba, or groups of musicians at the botequins (street bars). According to legend this is how song Girl from Ipanema was conceived. It happened at a table of Bar Velloso in Ipanema, at the corner of streets Prudente de Morais and Montenegro. Rua Montenegro was later renamed Vinícius de Morais St., the bar changed names to Garota de Ipanema, and Tom Jobim ended up lending his name to a cafe across the street, and to Rio's international airport... If you are lucky, you will catch a free performance at Toca do Vinícius, further down the street. This small shop is like a museum of Bossa Nova, with everything from memorabilia toa hand-picked selection of CD's, books and songbooks.

If you have a chance to watch a show outdoors, do not miss it. Scenic settings like Ipanema Beach and Arpoador Park become the stage for events promoted by the city throughout the year. Attractions could be anything from a Polish Folk Dance group, to virtuoso Milton Nascimento, to a selection of Afro groups from Bahia. These shows are free, and attract an eclectic audience with a healthy mix of locals and visitors!

The largest concert hall in Rio is the Citibank Hall in Barra (formerly Metropolitan), with a capacity for 6,000. This is where major international artists and groups usually perform. On the South Side, Canecão, in Botafogo, is probably your best bet to catch a performance of some major local artist or group. Bigger shows may happen at the Apotheosis Square of the Sambodrome, Maracanã Stadium, or at the huge space off-Barra where the bi-annual Rock in Rio takes place.

Ballet and classical music are at home at the Municipal Theater, a classic masterpiece Downtown (see theaters). Many cafes feature live music shows, and attractions may vary daily. It's the opportunity to see local talents, and uprising stars. There are samba shows especially for tourists at Plataforma and Scala, in Leblon. They feature mulatas, feathers, the host usually speaks English, you get the picture.

Lapa is your destination if you are looking for samba, funk, hip-hop and other pop beats played live or with DJ's spinning. Weekends are quite crowded and you can choose from an assortment of clubs lined up along Rua Mem de Sá and surroundings. The atmosphere is unpretentious and friendly, and a perfect opportunity to blend with locals. Hang out in the street around the main attractions and start making friends.

We have selected some favorite musical venues, from major concert halls to musically inclined theaters and cafes. Current shows and attractions are published daily on the entertainment section of local newspapers, at the Friday tabloids of O Globo and Jornal do Brasil, and at Veja Rio, the supplement of Veja magazine. If you don't speak the language ask your concierge to help you pick out something interesting.