New Orleans has long celebrated its multicultural roots, namely French, Spanish and Creole. A new organization, Creole Connections, has come to New Orleans to unite the city with Brazilian culture. On the evening of July 27, the McKenna African American Museum of Art, as part of their “300 Years of Black,” is hosting a kickoff event for Creole Connections that will be filled with music and dancing that unites the Brazilian and New Orleanian cultures. Creole Connections – Where NOLA Meets Brazil will be an evening filled with music and dance, uniting the cultures through jazz.

Creole Connections is a cultural exchange program that “explores and celebrates the narrative of the African Diaspora.” It was established by two Brazilians hoping to share their culture with educational institutions in U.S. cities through jazz, lectures and workshops. There is no better city than New Orleans to celebrate African-American culture and history, so it is no wonder they came here.

During the kickoff event, Papa Don Vappie will present an “informance” and then pass the stage to Anaadi Noturno. Noturno is a Brazilian jazz vocalist who will unite both Brazilians and New Orleanians through the common love for jazz music.  Other guest performers include Darrell Lavigne, Khari Allen Lee and Bill Summers.

Creole Connections – Where NOLA Meets Brazil will take place on Thursday, July 27 at the McKenna African Museum of Art at 2003 Carondelet Street from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The museum is open by appointment only, so this is a great opportunity for those who have never seen it, to get a little taste.

This event is free and open to the public, but donations to CreoleConnections.org are encouraged.