Juliana Cantarelli Vita and Schuyler Whelden begin their series on the Brazilian music genre known as forró with a discussion of the festas juninas (June festivals), one of the most popular yearly traditions, especially in the Northeast region. They discuss the saints honored at these festivals, the food and atmosphere, as well as the musical tradition known as forró that accompanies the festivities. The demonstrate the instruments featured in the forró ensemble and share some specifics on arrasta-pé, one of the many sub-genres of forró. They also discuss the ways that this tradition has permeated other parts of Brazil and other genres.

They are joined by special guest Julinho Mendes, an accordionist (sanfoneiro) and forró historian.

Transcript available at https://essefoimassa.com/.

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Songs:

Luiz Gonzaga, “São João Antigo” (Youtube) (Spotify)

Marinês, “Quero Ver Xaxá” (Youtube)

Amazan, “Sanfoneiro Nordestino” (Youtube) (Spotify)

Luiz Gonzaga, “Pau de Arara” (Youtube) (Spotify)

Jackson do Pandeiro, “Chegou a Hora da Fogueira” (Spotify)

Luiz Gonzaga, “Olha Pro Céu Meu Amor” (Youtube) (Spotify)

Moraes Moreira, “Pra Dançar Quadrilha II” (Youtube) (Spotify)

Luiz Gonzaga, “A Festa do Milho” (Youtube) (Spotify)

Doces Bárbaros, “São João, Xangô Menino” (Youtube) (Spotify)

Gilberto Gil, “Pipoca Moderna” (Youtube) (Spotify)

Banda Plinta, “Isto é Lá Com Santo Antônio” (Youtube) (Spotify)

Antonio Carlos & Jocáfi, “Glorioso Santo Antônio” (Youtube) (Spotify)

Bezerra da Silva, “Alô São Pedro” (Youtube) (Spotify)

As Januárias, "Cadê o Meu São João" (Spotify) (Youtube)