Escola de Samba Casa Samba

Casa Samba was founded in 1987 by 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 of the premier cities of Carnival in the world. The group is directed by Mestre Curtis Pierre and Brasilian master drummer Jorge "Alabe" Bezerra.   Introducing Mestre Curtis Pierre "The Sambman” to the children of New Orleans. Also known as Baba Curtis, Mr. Pierre holds the esteemed title of Mestre, signifying his role as a Master Teacher and Cultural Guardian of Afro-Brazilian culture. No university in the world can grant this honor, yet Mestre Curtis has been pivotal in providing insights about Brazilian culture in New Orleans, especially regarding its connection to Carnival and the Afro-Brazilian martial art of Capoeira, Mardi Gras Indian culture, and the second-line dancers of today. Mestre Curtis stands out as the only American to have achieved Master level status in two distinct Brazilian cultural domains. He is the first individual in the country to be acknowledged as a master of both Capoeira - the inaugural African martial art to depart from Africa - and Afro-Brazilian percussion. His groundbreaking accomplishments include bringing Master Brazilian teachers to New Orleans in the early 1990s, a feat known by only a select few Americans. For 39 years, Mestre Curtis has fervently devoted his life to his African roots of culture discovered in Brazil.      Committed to upholding traditions and sharing authentic Afro-Brazilian culture with his community, city, state, and nation, Mestre Curtis has consistently captivated his audience with his beautiful programming work involving local musicians and children. Over the past 30 years, he has remained unwaveringly dedicated and actively engaged with the community and city at large.