The Lions of Batucada

The Lions of Batucada are a Portland based, Brazilian styled marching samba ensemble, playing music inspired by the escolas in Rio de Janeiro, and the Blocos in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil --- all featuring choreographed and costumed dancers.

Utilizing the traditional instruments from Brazil - the Lions perform intricate rhythms and melodies that are exciting to hear, exciting to watch, and genuinely evoke the joy of the Brazilian Carnaval experience.

The Lions were founded in 1996 by Brian L. Davis (percussionist with Pink Martini), and over the past eleven years have performed for an enormous variety of audiences - from opening act engagements with David Byrne, The Dandy Warhols, and Sean Lennon - with Rose Festival Parades and World Cup Soccer matches - combining with acts as diverse as Fishbone, to the Portland Summer Symphony W/ Michael Harrison - to collaborations with Pink Martini and the Oregon Symphony.

They have appeared with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and performed at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, The Hollywood Bowl, LA's Disney Concert Hall - countless regional community & City events, as well as recent concert appearances with famed rock group Aerosmith, Brazilian legends - Fundo de Quintal, and NBA half time shows for the Portland Trailblazers.

In addition to their performances - The Lions conduct workshops, residencies in regional schools & Universities --- have weekly classes in music and dance, and founded and direct the "Ainsworth Jr Escola" (127 fifth grade sambistas).