One of Tahoe's favorite acts in recent years, SambaDá, returns in a free show Thursday, February 11th at the Crystal Bay Casino's Crown Room during a special night of the weekly Rail Jam series.

SambaDá musically unites the Americas, drawing from percussion-based styles of South and Central American samba and salsa, and blending them with the funk and reggae beats so familiar to crowds of North America. While Brazilian natives Papiba Godinho and Dandha da Hora bring their profound knowledge and respect for the roots of Brazilian song and dance, the entire band has developed a unique musical style with a universal appeal. The septet, which was formed by Papiba Godinho, has conquered the club and festival circuit with its wildly explosive Carnival-like performances. The band is known for its high-energy percussion, danceable grooves and visually dynamic show. SambaDá is dedicated to making people dance by creating an ecstatic non-stop dance party that appeals to all ages and cultures!

The addition in 2005 of singer and dancer Dandha da Hora, a member of the renown group Ilê Aiyê of Brazil, brought authentic Afro-Brazilian flavor to the band's already potent mixture of styles."Ile Aiye" means "house of life" in the African Yoruba language. Ile Aiye was founded in 1974 when it fought to become the first Afro-Brazilian group to participate in the yearly Carnival celebration in Brazil. Inspired by the black power and civil rights movement in the United States, the group challenges racism and promotes self-esteem through education, culture and tradition. Da Hora began performing with Ilê Aiyê at the age of 6 and toured internationally with the group for many years. Honoring Ilê Aiyê’s legacy as well as their own activism, SambaDá works (and plays!) for social justice, peace and the respect of all cultures and peoples.

After a decade of delivering Brazilian grooves, SambaDá realized it was time to up the musical ante and create a sound that truly defined the collective as whole. Currently, SambaDá delivers its signature infectious dance grooves with a newly inspired sound. When SambaDá crossed paths with Grammy-nominated music producer Greg Landau to create the 2006 sophomore release "Salve a Bahia", the band created a new sound that not only paid homage to folkloric music but also captured the spirit and musical background of each band member and added a modern, funky edge.

The culmination of this collaboration with Greg Landau and SambaDá is the current album to be released this spring 2009. It will surely push the envelope and re-define the band once again as a truly unique force in the ever-evolving face of music and live performance. It is the goal of SambaDá to inspire a positive change in our world by creating a "togetherness" that blurs the line between performer and audience!

Every Thursday night through March 18th Rail Jam Thursdays come to the Crystal Bay Casino.  Hosted by the lovely Karey Todd and sponsored by Diamond Peak, Tahoe Dave’s Ski’s & Boards and Tahoe TV, Rail Jam will feature ski & board movies, drawings for lift tickets, swag, and drink specials from 9:00 till 10:00.  At 10:00 some of the finest live entertainment in Tahoe is presented free of charge.