Saideira was founded in 2009 by Owen Newcomb, bassist with The View From Madeleine's Couch, after a month-long stay in Brazil with founding band-members Anje West and Kym Ambrose. O.J. wanted to bring the vibrancy and rhythms of life in Rio to Brisbane audiences, and so Saideira was born. He handed the running of the festival over to Anje in 2011.
From humble beginnings at The Joynt, with Raimundo's Brazilyum bbq set up in the carpark, to the huge events at the festival's new home, Club Greenslopes, Saideira remained unique because it was the only dedicated Brazilian festival in Queensland (possibly Australia, at the time).
Nowhere else in the country would you hear samba, bossa nova, baio, maracatu, forro, Brazilian jazz, M.P.B., choro, pagode, batucada and original OzBrazilian music composed by Australians and Brazilians working together in South East Queensland, all under the same roof.
Saideira encouraged the melding of our two cultures and acknowledged that Brazil has much, much more to offer than the feathers and glitz of Carnaval. But of course, this is still part of the culture and we had the best samba dancers in the country performing and teaching at Saideira!
Saideira was a way of recognising the richness and importance of Brazilian culture, and sharing those things about it that resonate so much with Australians; the simple joys of spending time with family and friends whilst enjoying fantastic live music, great food and good times...and a caipirinha or two!!
All of the amazing performers involved contributed greatly to the success and awareness of the festival, and Saideira ran without the support of a single Brazilian organisation (including the Consul or Embassy!), for five years. After three unsuccessful attempts to acquire minimal funding to assist the production of the event, we sadly had to pull the pin on any further festivals.
There has never been another festival like Saideira, nor one as successful or inclusive, but we left a legacy that is still celebrated by all who were involved, and all who attended this beautiful festival created in the spirit of community and friendship.
Obrigada to you all!!
Abraos e paz