Mestre Curtis Pierre

Mestre Curtis Pierre
Technician

Mestre Curtis Pierre, founder and director of Casa Samba, was established in 1987. He has studied exclusively with master Brasilian folkloric and percussionist, Mestre Jorge Alabe from Rio de Janeiro in self self-supported residency endeavor for over 15 years. In the past five years, he has also studied with master percussionist Marcio Peters from the world famous Brasilian Samba School, Ile Aye in Salvador Bahia.

Age: 70
Experience: 45 years
Specialization: CEO Director and Founder of Casa Samba

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    About me

    Mestre Curtis Pierre “The Sambman”Aka Mestre Curtis Pierre  
    Mr. Curtis Pierre now has a title that should be mentioned before his name: Mestre meaning – Master Teacher/Cultural Guardian, in this case, we’re speaking of Brasilian culture.
       This achievement cannot be obtained at any university in the world Mestre Curtis has provided help or has been instrumental in providing information about Brasilian culture in New Orleans as it relationship to Carnival in New Orleans As well as how the Afro Brasilian martial art Capoeira is related to our Mardi Gras Indian culture and the second-line dancers of today.
           Mestre Curtis is classified as the only American who has reached a Master level in 2 Brasilian cultures meaning that he is the first person in this country to be recognized as a master of Capoeira the first original African martial art to leave Africa and a master of Brasilian percussion and the first to bring Master Brasilian teachers to New Orleans in the early ’90s. This is known by only a handful of people in the United States. Mestre Curtis has dedicated his life to his African roots of culture which he found in Brasil 37 years ago. 
         Mestre Curtis has been on this dedicated path which never he never changes its tradition and commitment to presenting authentic and traditional Afro Brasilian culture to his community, the city, the state, and in this country. Our very own citizens and great musicians of this community support him and the beautiful programming work that he does with community children and adults. Mestre Curtis has been relentlessly on his Commitment for the past 40 years. He is directly involving himself with the community and the city. As a result, Mestre Curtis has piloted and started countless youth programs.
           His programs for children have been fully funded directly by him and his group Casa Samba.

       He has also published his first book Capoeira Angola Movements on the Afro Brasilian Martial Art Capoeira. He has also been fortunate enough to teach classes in Brasil on both Samba and Capoeira.

       
        Casa Samba was founded in 1987 at Tulane University by Mestre Mestre Curtis Pierre, Bill Lennon, Chuk and Carolyn Barber. On July 21, 1993, Mayor Sidney Bartholomew proclaimed Casa Samba as the first samba school in New Orleans, one the premier cities of Carnival in the world. The group is directed by Mestre Curtis Pierre, and Brasilian master drummer, Mestre Jorge “Alabe” Bezerra. Born and raised in the carnival traditions of New Orleans for over 33 years.

    Mestre Curtis Pierre 1555 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 236-7479 therealsambaman@yahoo.com

    thesambaman.org. mestrecurtispierre.com www.casasamb.com

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    Legacey

    The distinguished Mestre Curtis is the sole American to attain a Master level in two Brazilian cultures, making him a groundbreaking pioneer. He is acclaimed as the first individual in the United States to be recognized as both a master of Capoeira, the earliest African martial art to leave Africa, and a master of Brazilian percussion. He was also instrumental in bringing Master Brasilian teachers to New Orleans in the early 1990s – a feat known only to a select few people.

    For over 37 years, Mestre Curtis has been wholeheartedly dedicated to his African cultural roots discovered in Brazil. His unwavering devotion to preserving authentic and traditional Afro-Brazilian culture benefits his community, city, state, and nation alike. Esteemed local musicians and citizens ardently support his beautiful work with community children and adults. For the past three decades, Mestre Curtis has remained steadfastly committed to his cause and actively engaged with communities.

       Mestre Curtis Pierre was the first person to bring Capoeira to New Orleans the Afro Brasilian martial arts Capoeira Angola has maintain Classes and for over 30 years to present, he was thought byMestre Cobrinha Mansa of Salvador Bahia. Mestre Curtis published his first book on Capoeira Angola in 2017. “Capoeira Angola Movements”

    Special Performances

    Daniella Mercury – Opening act at House of Blues 2020
    Neguinho Da Beja Flora The most Famous Samba Singer in the World
    N.O.R.D. Lyons Center 2018 Casa Samba Fundraiser concert
    BEYONCE’S MOM MY 60TH BIRTHDAY PARTY WAS EPIC Muriel’s Jackson Square 2014
    Sergio Mendez – Houston International Festival (2013, 2000)
    National Republican Convention-Press Party, September 1988
    Southern University in New Orleans, Spring Festival, April 1990
    Loyola University, International Week Festival, April 1986-1997
    Tulane University-Black Arts Festival, January 1990
    Nichols State University February 1989
    Xavier University-Cultural Explosion Week, March 1988, 1989
    Art Of The Game ” Superbowl Party C.A.C. 1997, New Orleans, LA Gavin Music Convention (1997) New Orleans, LA
    NFL Superbowl Parade (1997) New Orleans, LA
    NFL Superbowl Media Party (1997) New Orleans, LA McDonald’s International Convention (1996) New Orleans, LA
    Opening of African American Museum (1996) Gonzales, LA
    Opening Act -Fairmont Hotel for Sergio Mendez (1995) New Orleans, LA Night in Rio (1995) White Springs, WV
    Tulane for the New Century Gala Dinner (1994) New Orleans, LA Nominated- Best Latin Group– Big Easy Awards (1994) New Orleans, LA
    Neo Hoodoo Festival of the Arts, Contemporary Arts Center (1994), New Orleans, LA Cast Party- “The Client” Movie (1993) New Orleans, LA
    Fats Domino Show, Superdome, New Orleans, LA
    Grand Opening, Aquarium of the New Orleans, LA
    Aquarium of the Americas First Anniversary Celebration- New Orleans, LA
    Grand Opening, New Orleans Convention 1987
    Center Annex with Ronnie Cole 1988 New Orleans, LA
    National Republican Convention- Press Party (1989)
    Opening for Fats Domino, Convention Center, (1990) New Orleans, LA
    Beach Boys, 1993 Endymion Extravaganza, Superdome New Orleans, LA
    Flora Purim & Airto Moriera, Charlie B’s (1993) New Orleans, LA
    Kenny Rogers, 1991 Endymion Extravaganza, Superdome, New Orleans, LA Temptations, 1989 Endymion Extravaganza, Superdome, New Orleans, LA
    Irma Thomas– Opening Act-Nicholls State University (1989) Thibodeaux, LA
    Kool and the Gang – Opening Act- Audubon Zoo (1988) New Orleans, LA
    Miami Sound Machine- Opening Act -Hilton Hotel (1988) New Orleans, LA
    King Sunny Ade, Opening Act-Tipitinias (1989) New Orleans, LA
    Flora Purim & Airto Moriera, Opening -Tipitinias (1987) New Orleans, LA
    Patato (Carlos) Valdez and Casa Samba- Storyville Jazz Hall (1989) New Orleans, LA

    Solo Performance Opening Acts for the following:

    Flora Purim and Airto, Tipitinias, 1988, 1989, 1990, New Orleans, LA Milton Nacimento, Tipitinias, April 1988 New Orleans, LA,
    Steel Pulse, Tipitinias, September 1988, New Orleans, LA,
    The Waillers, Tipitinias, October 1987 New Orleans, LA

    Festivals and Cultural Events

    Houston International Festival (2013, 2000)
    Voodoo Fest, New Orleans, LA (Oct. 2012) New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Kids Tent (1988- Present)
    Festival Brasiliero, University of New Orleans (2012, 2010)
    Tomato Festival (1993, 92, 91, 90- 2011)
    Festival Latina, Audubon Zoo (2010)
    Brazilian International Conference, Tulane University (2007)
    Juneteeneth Day Festival (1998 -2008)
    New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival-Casa Samba  (88-00 06-08)
    Festival International (1992, 1996, 2004)
    Benin Voodoo Priest from Dahome Festival Sanger Theater, (1995)
    Carnival Interamericano (Opening Act for Cecila Cruz) (1992,91) New Orleans, LA
    Latino Festival Internationa l(Opening Act for Tito Puentes  Festival Latino, Audubon Zoo (1991,90)
    French Quarter Festival, French Quarter (1989-91)
    Live Arts Festival, Contemporary Art Center
    Brazilian Night- LSU Auditorium (95)
    Southern University of New Orleans-(95, 98, 2000-02) New Orleans, LA
    Loyola University – International Week (90-02) New Orleans, LA
    Tulane University – International Week (90-99 07-11) Southern University– International Week (94, New Orleans, LA
    Xavier University– Cultural Explosion Week (94) New Orleans, LA
    Delgado College– International Week New Orleans, LA

    Mardi Gras Parades and Performances

    Endymion Parade and Coronation (1989-99)
    Zulu Coronation & Ball (1994-Present) New Orleans, LA
    Mayor’s Official Mardi Gras Ball (1989-99) New Orleans, LA
    Jax Brewery Lundi Gras Celebration (1994-97) New Orleans, LA
    Arrival of the Zulu King (1994, 95, 96) New Orleans, LA
    Endyminon- Samedi Gras Celebration featuring (98 &99) New Orleans, LA Endymion Parade and Coronation (1989-99)
    Neville Brothers, Lundi Gras, Spanish Plaza (1987-90) New Orleans, LA
    Dr. John, Lundi Gras, Spanish Plaza (1992)
    Official Opening Ceremony for Mardi Gras New Orleans, LA
    Krewe of Ecor Rouge Parade and Coronation (1994-96) Fairhope, AL
    Krewe of Mardi Gras Ball (1995) Lake Charles, LA
    Jazz Fest 25th Anniversary International Parade 1994,1996 , New Orleans, LA Mona Lisa and Moon Pie Parade, Slidell, LA (1992, 1993) Slidell, LA
    PASEO- Carnival Miami (Parade) 1992, Miami, FL
    Krewe of Zulu Parade (1987-89) Orleans, LA
    Vieux Carre Parade (1987-98) New Orleans, LA
    New Orleans Saints- Pre Game Show, Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans,LA Superbowl ’89- Denver Bronco’s Parade, New Orleans, LA
    Italian American Parade, French Quarter New Orleans, LA
    Hispanic Festival Parade (4 consecutive years) New Orleans, LA
    Krewe of Tucks Parade (1986-88) New Orleans, LA