Every night is Carnaval for Santa Cruz-based SambaDá, whose shows have been some of the liveliest ever on the Ashkenaz stage. They share the night with LoCura as we celebrate Ashkenaz’s anniversary: “40 Years Dancing for Peace.”

Founded in 1997 by native Brazilian Papiba Godinho, SambaDá’s ultimate goal isn’t just to preserve traditions the musicians are so well-versed in – including samba, bossa nova, pagode, samba reggae, batucada, and forró, plus some well-placed surf guitar – but also to get everyone dancing to their infectious blend of Brazilian roots and other North and South American styles such as funk, reggae, jazz, rock, and hip-hop. The group’s pulsating percussion, uplifting vocals, and rich melodies give it a distinctive sound, heard in both popular and original songs. SambaDá visited Brazil in July 2009 and became the first band from the United States to play at the legendary house of Ilê Aiyê, the first black Carnaval group in Brazil.

Lead vocalist Dandha da Hora is a master dancer from Ilê Aiyê, and singer-guitarist Godinho is a master of the Brazilian martial art form capoeira. The band also features Bahia-born percussionist Wagner Santos Profeta, Ilê Aiyê percussionist Marcio Peeter, percussionist-singer Marcel Menard, saxophonist-flutist Anne Stafford, electric guitarist Will Kahn, bassist Kevin Dorn, and drummer Gary Kehoe.

www.sambada.com

Fusing grooves and melodies from reggae, Cuban son, Spanish flamenco, and North American folk, LoCura calls its musical blend “Reggaelicious Flamenkito.” In addition to singer-lyricist Kata Miletich, the Oakland quintet includes trumpeter-singer Danny Cao, guitarist-singer Bob Sanders, bassist Isaac “Izzy” Weiser, and drummer Ernesto “Matute” Lopez Cuadra. Inspired by such world music mixers as Manu Chao, Björk, and Lila Downs, LoCura explains that “During the times when the world is spinning too fast to comprehend, we find we need a remedy, and music can be that cure. This is the feeling we hope to cultivate through our music; that within the insanity and madness of this crazy life, blossoms the cure – beauty and love bringing dreams to life, where another world is possible.” Over the past six years the group has performed and lived in Spain and Morocco as well as playing many of the dance halls and festivals on the West Coast. www.locuramusica.com