The annual La Linea festival has made a name for itself by bringing the cream of South America to London each summer and this year is no different. Representing Brazil this time around is Bebel Gilberto, over to promote her new album Momento and due to appear at Camden’s Roadhouse on April 27th. This is one not to be missed though having never seen her live it will be interesting to see how the laid back, lounging sounds of her albums translates onto the stage. She will be joined by the offspring of Caetano Veloso in Moreno-Domenico-Kassin +2.

Fresh from wooing music jornos and MySpace users around the world Cansei de Ser Sexy (CSS) are back in the capital on April 22nd and 23rd at the Astoria. They are often heralded as Rio funk gone international though while that may be the sound that influenced them their music is more electro-rock than anything else. The blend of avant-garde disco, bitch-pop, synths and feedback isn’t something that would usually grab my attention but since they have cast a spell over the rest of the world I am keen to see what I’m missing.

In the same vein as CSS, though yet to cause quite such a stir DJ Diplo’s signing Bonde de Rolé will perform as part of the Camden Crawl (April 19th, 20th). Described by Alex Bellos in The Observer as a “tropical Beastie Boys” the group mixes Rio funk with rock, electronica, grunge and a wholesome dose of cheese.

If Rio funk is not your thing, and its dirty bass lines seem to have a dividing effect somewhat akin to Marmite, then you’ll be glad to know the more traditional sound of Marcos Valle will be on show at the Jazz Café (May 7th). Valle stems from the second wave of bossa nova musicians and has been releasing albums and writing soundtracks since 1964. His music is an upbeat blend of soul and jazz drawing from both America and Brazil’s black music scenes.

Zeep, the latest incarnation of the people that brought us Smoke City and Da Lata are down to appear at Darbucka (Faringdon) on April 12th. Now my knowledge of the duo is limited though I do their debut album is due out on Far Out Recordings anytime now and promises 70s’ inspired, ambient, funky trip-hop.

As always, an obligatory mention must go out to Guanabara who for the moment at least seem to be concentrating on a policy of quality Brazilian music every night rather than brining over the big names.

And for those whose interest in Brazil goes beyond the country’s music the Brazilian Contemporary Arts Centre is continuing its offer of free entry to film screenings at its Chiswick home every Thursday.

There are of course nights offering just about every type of Brazilian music you could dream of (and others you couldn’t even imagine) popping up every night in London. This round-up of is far from exhaustive and offers just a few of the things that have caught my eye. If there are events you want you to share with your fellow Fly users than you can do so using the comments form below.

Links:
www.imaginamultimedia.com/comono
www.myspace.com/canseidesersexy
www.myspace.com/bondedorole
www.thecamdencrawl.com
www.meanfiddler.com/displayPage_jazz
www.guanabara.co.uk
www.brazilian.org.uk