Recommendation for Samba show in Rio

[gatorpower]

We are looking for recommendation as to the best Samba show in Rio that would be available on January 3, 2014, a Friday night.

[VidaNaPraia]

Best samba show in Rio? There's really only the expensive Las Vegas-y costumed Plataforma show geared for rich tourists. Tacky and overpriced, IMO.

If you want authentic, consider going to a rehearsal of one of the samba schools on their home grounds. The page on samba schools on http://www.rio-Carnaval.net has descriptions of the major schools and lists the rehearsal night of each of them. Undos de Tijuca in São Cristovao may be a possibility if you are a bit adventurous. You may not see the costumes, but you'll feel the authentic Carnaval spirit I'd a school with lots go history.

Edited November 17, 2013 by VidaNaPraia

[pmacher61]

We are looking for recommendation as to the best Samba show in Rio that would be available on January 3, 2014, a Friday night.

A samba school rehearsal is a good way to observe and participate in dancing to samba music though other than hearing the school's carnaval song and perhaps seeing the flag bearers dance to it there won't be a "show."

To see more of a theatrical type show (other than the time worn tourist show at Plataforma) check out the schedule at Cidade do Samba in Gamboa. It is the venue where the samba schools make their floats. Elaborate musical shows featuring samba music and dancing are presented Thursdays (and maybe Fridays) in the weeks leading up to Carnaval. That would be the place to go if you are there when a show is presented. Look at the following sites for info an0d ,if need be, call. It's a great evening's entertainment. For example;

General info-

http://cidadedosambarj.globo.com/

http://www.mydestination.com/riodejaneiro/nightlife/1152423/cidade-do-samba-(samba-city)

There is a botiquem ( café) that has music as well. I don't know the schedule for it. See

Edited November 17, 2013 by pmacher61