Dancing in the Aisles with Maria de Barros
My husband and I almost didn’t go to see Maria de Barros on Saturday. We had purchased tickets months ago for a concert in Boston on Sunday and planned to leave early that morning to take advantage of a day in the city. However, I was intrigued by the description of her music and we decided to forgo our Saturday night dvd routine and head over to Hannaford Hall. A half hour later we found ourselves dancing in the aisles – along with audience members ranging in age from 7 to 70! If ever there was a demonstration of the power of music to bring together different kinds of people it was at this concert. Maria de Barros engaged the audience in the most wonderfully graceful way using humor and warmth. And her band seriously cooked. It was one of those nights when you feel really lucky to live in a small town that sometimes feels like a big city in the best possible way. Thanks to Ovations for introducing me to a new artist and for reminding me that getting off the couch and experiencing the joy of live performing arts can be – well - just so much fun.
Bob McGrath says:
We traveled to Portland from Boston to see Maria and we’re so glad we did. It was a great performance backed by a great band in a wonderful venue.
Obrigado muito Maria
David Katende says:
I would like to thank portland ovations for a great concert. i enjoyed watching all the people happy dancing to the music, she was fantanstic. i like the way she sung in these different languages,i could see my friends happy because she was singing their language, it brought them back home listening to music in their language. It was a great evening, my son and his friend enjoyed being on stage.
Cassandra says:
My daughter and husband were invited to see this show by our good friend David. A little skeptical at the thought of bring children, however I am so happy we did. My four year old daughter and her buddy (David’s son) enjoyed themselves just as much as the adults did. Maria de Barros was a joyful delight with her voice, sense of humor, and kind soul. I know it was a tremendous delight as David and I watched her welcome our children on stage with a hug bringing them front and center attempting to engage them in dance. It often difficult to find good entertainment these days that you can also enjoy bringing your family to despite their age. Thank you for a wonderful time for myself, my family and my friends!
Josiane says:
I feel like Janice and I attended the same concert. I actually saw Maria on Friday, with my sisters and a few friends. Like you Janice, i left my seat (center aisle) and moved to the left where I had plenty of space to dance, by myself. I think I sat through 1 or 2 songs only..lol.. Indeed, the music combined with her sultry voice transport you to another time and place. Being from Senegal myself, and growing up with this genre of music simply touches my soul and reminds me how real and authentic her music is. I cannot believe I was hesitant to go to this concert. Thank you Maria. Thanks for the wonderful time, the beautiful music and the sweet hug.
Barri Lynn Moreau says:
When Maria stepped on stage, I felt the cool wisp of ocean air from the tropics; then, the infectious rhythm of Afro-caribbean music. Hannaford Hall felt like a supper club. I was transported back to a street festival on one of the islands in the Lesser Antilles. I was in heaven! I hope Maria finds a hunky lobsterman from Maine and settles here! We should start a search…
Sarah says:
Maria de Barros was one of those events where I am so glad that I stretched my horizons by going to see a singer about whom I knew nothing from a place about which I know little. I agree - it was a joyous and wonderful performance. I encourage others to stretch their horizons. You will be rewarded.
Kevin and Carolyn Harris says:
Carolyn and I are still dancing and singing from the joyous performance of Maria and her brilliant band.
Thank you, Portland Ovations for bringing her to
Portland. There is no greater gift than music.
Suzanne says:
This concert was awesome. Like Janice I had little idea what I was in for, though I really like Cesaria Evora whom de Barros calls her “godmother,” but de Barros herself is an incredible performer. I took home a CD and I love the music, but you really have to see and hear her in person.