MESTRE
CURTIS PIERRE
Master of Two Worlds
The ONLY AMERICAN in history to achieve Master level status in TWO distinct Brazilian cultural domains. A living legend dedicating 39+ years to bridging the African diaspora through rhythm, movement, and culture.
One of a Kind in the World
Born in New Orleans, shaped by Brazil, Mestre Curtis Pierre bridges two worlds as the sole American to master both the ancient art of Capoeira and the soul-stirring rhythms of Brazilian percussion.
The Only One in America
Mestre Curtis Pierre is the ONLY American to achieve Master level status in TWO distinct Brazilian cultural domains: Capoeira and Brazilian Percussion. No one else in the United States holds this distinction.
Pioneer of Capoeira in New Orleans
The first person to bring Capoeira—the original African martial art—to New Orleans. He introduced Master Brazilian teachers to the city in the early 1990s, forever changing the cultural landscape.
Published Author
Author of 'Capoeira Angola Movements,' the definitive guide on the Afro-Brazilian Martial Art, preserving ancient techniques for future generations.
Taught in Brazil
One of the only Americans to have the honor of teaching both Samba and Capoeira classes IN BRAZIL—the homeland of these art forms. A testament to his mastery.
New Achievement
The first person to bring the traditional Escola de Samba Parade and Music culture to New Orleans. He introduced Master Brazilian teachers to the city in the early 1990s, forever changing the cultural landscape.
New Achievement
The first person to bring the traditional Condomble culture and practices to New Orleans. He introduced Master Brazilian teachers to the city in the early 1990s, forever changing the cultural landscape.
The Ancestral String Instruments of the Orchestra
Discover the African origins of orchestral instruments through handcrafted masterpieces that are simultaneously Visual Art, Audio Instruments, and Performance Artifacts.
The Making of the Kora
Handcrafted by Mestre Curtis Pierre
Watch the Teaser Video
Triple-Threat Art Pieces: Visual Art • Audio • Performance
Studied With the Masters
True mastery comes from learning at the feet of greatness. Mestre Curtis has studied with the most renowned masters of Brazilian arts.
Jorge 'Alabe' Bezerra
Chief Master Drummer, Rio de Janeiro
25+ years
My mestre Master Drummer Jorge Alabê The Best He grew up in Rio de Janeiro immersed in the rich musical culture of Brazil, becoming a master in samba percussion as well as in the Afro-Brazilian religious tradition of candomblé. He is an “Alabê” connected with the oldest candomblé house established ...
Mestre Cobra Mansa
Capoeira Angola Master, Salvador Bahia
Since 1994
Co-founder of the International Capoeira Angola Foundation. A direct link to the traditional roots of Capoeira Angola, preserving the art as it was taught by the old masters.
Marcio Peters
Ile Aiye, Salvador Bahia
10 years ago untill today
I met him when I was in Detroit I had gotten a record from a friend of mine about a year before I met him from there I just went crazy about Brazil I wanted to find out more about him because he was from Brazil and then after I found out more about him he is the one who brought me to the samba sc...
Airto Moreira
World-renowned Percussionist
Since 1978
Grammy-winning Brazilian jazz percussionist who revolutionized world music. Mestre Curtis learned from this legend starting in 1979. Brasilian drummer for Miles Davis and international touring percussionist
Ron Powell
International Touring Percussionist
Ron Powell the percussionist for Sergio Mendes for over 10 years then moved to a higher ground with Kenny G he has been with Kenny G over 20 years as percussionist he has been one of the most admired percussionist in the world for his playing skills and of his acrobatics with the tambourine ...
Munyungo Jackson
Percussionist for Stevie Wonder
6 directly and still learning from him and now able to teach him
he was the first person I met when I moved to Los Angeles California I had no idea the magnitude of a person that he was as a percussion percussionist in the state of California he was one of the most sought after percussionist in Los Angeles by Stevie Wonder the Supreme Quincy Jones and mo...
Mestre Marcoa
Director, Salgueiro Samba School — Rio de Janeiro
2006-2010
Mestre Marcoa of Salgueiro director of a large Samba School one of the largest in Rio de Janeiro it is in the top 16 best of the carnival schools in Brazil it is called Salgueiro
Mestre Jonus of Mocidade
Director, Mocidade Samba School — Rio de Janeiro
1988 - untill now
Mestre Jonus of Mocidade and Salgueiro director 2004 2006 of a large Samba School one of the largest in Rio de Janeiro it is in the top 16 best of the carnival schools in Brazil it is called Salgueiro
Ailton of Manguera
Director, Mangueira Samba School — Rio de Janeiro
2013-2016
Ailton of Manguera the director of one of the oldest traditional Samba schools of Rio De Janeiro.
Film & Television Credits
Mestre Curtis Pierre's expertise in Afro-Brazilian culture has been sought by Hollywood, bringing authentic representation to the big screen.
Get Hard
2015Capoeira Master / Cultural Consultant
In this comedy starring Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart, Mestre Curtis is portrayed as the master in the scene where Will Ferrell's character learns Capoeira from one of Mestre Curtis's actual students.
Angel Heart
1987Drum Coordinator
Served as the drum coordinator for this classic psychological horror film starring Mickey Rourke and Robert De Niro, bringing authentic New Orleans rhythms to the screen.
"Interview with a Vampire”
1964Lead Drummer in vodoo sceen
Lead Drummer for LA Movie-"Interview with a Vampire” New Orleans, LA 1994
Hall and Oates Video
1988Pandeiro Acrobatics
Video – Hall and Oates – Pandeiro Acrobatics, 1988 Special talent for the video
Twist Channel 26 News Spotlight f
2018Casa Samba Promo
News with a Twist Channel 26 News Spotlight for a concert with Neguinho Da Beja Flor 2018 Samba singing living legend Neguinho da Baja Flor superstar of Brasil.
The Brazilian Connection
"Esta página é dedicada a Lázaro e sua mãe Mauda Franco. Eles são a porta da minha conexão brasileira."
Since 1988, from the mountains of Salgueiro where it all began, Mestre Curtis has forged unbreakable bonds with Brazil's greatest masters.
Academicos do Salgueiro
Official Partner (2024)
Neguinho da Beija-Flor
Legendary Samba Collaboration
Jorge 'Alabe' Bezerra
Master Drummer, Rio de Janeiro
Lazaro Franco Family
Gateway to Brazil since 1988
Ile Aiye
Salvador Bahia Connection
Mestre Cobra Mansa
Capoeira Angola Master
Mestre João Grande
Capoeira Angola Legend
Mestre Jonus
Mocidade Bateria Director
Mestre Cícero
Viradouro
Mestre Rodney
Beija-Flor
Mestre Mario Palm
Mestre of the Bateria ILE AIYE
From New Orleans
to Brazil and Back
Born and raised in the vibrant carnival traditions of New Orleans, Mestre Curtis Pierre discovered his African roots of culture in Brazil nearly 40 years ago. This discovery ignited a lifelong journey that would transform him into a cultural guardian unlike any other. Brasilian Youth Programming; Mestre Curtis has pioneered numerous youth programs, delivering fully funded initiatives for children through his group Casa Samba. Gracing publication with his first book on Capoeira Angola movements within Afro-Brazilian martial art Capoeira, he is also privileged to teach classes in Brazil on both Samba and Capoeira. This remarkable accomplishment is a never-before-seen phenomenon that illustrates Mestre Curtis Pierre's unparalleled dedication to the celebration and preservation of Afro-Brazilian culture
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 40 years, he has remained unwaveringly dedicated and actively engaged with the community and city at large.
1987
Casa Samba Founded
Performance Highlights
Educating the Next Generation
For over three decades, Mestre Curtis has pioneered countless youth programs, bringing Afro-Brazilian culture to schools across America and inspiring children to discover rhythm, movement, and their own potential.
The Samba Man Program
"THE SAMBA MAN" Samba and Brasilian Percussion Educate, Entertain, & Inspire your school with One of New Orleans most beloved interactive assembly program. This is not your typical “sit and watch” type of assembly program. This is a get up and get involved program for everyone : GOAL – The goals of these programs is to Educate, Entertain and Inspire kids, community and all types of people to “travel to a different part of the world through a interactive cultural enrichment experience” and I like to work hard to keep the information exciting, fresh, authentic and engaging. MISSION – THE SAMBA MAN’s mission is to present audiences with an authentic Brasilian Carnival and folk arts experience. The Samba Man has sparked a community group called Samba Kids sponsored by Curtis Pierre and Casa Samba, a New Orleans based samba school. We accomplish this through weekly open rehearsals, classes and frequent school and university workshops/presentations. Additionally, we maintain a center that works to educate the New Orleans community and the Gulf South region of the rich cultural traditions of Brasil and the similarities which bridge Carnival in Brasil with Mardi Gras in New Orleans emphasizing that importance of their African tradition and influences. “THE SAMBA MAN” Guaranteed school favorite from coast to coast! Focused on building SELF ESTEEM, TEAMWORK and GOOD CHARACTER for all students and teachers BUILDING GOOD CHARACTER with Curtis Pierre, “The Samba Man” and learn about themes like Respect, Responsibility, and Fairness through drumming, dancing, and singing Brasilian Culture and have BIG FUN doing it. Discover the AMAZING MUSIC of Brasil and learn about DIVERSITY through the Arts “ Samba and Brasilian Percussion ” “The Samba Man” includes an exciting piece called Making Math with Drums” can be integrated with mathematics curriculum. Travel from Africa to Brasil through the universal language of rhythm and movement! During a 1-hour performance, as many as 75 students will be able to join me onstage at different times to play Brasilian drums and dance the Samba, while interacting with the entire audience. This is not your typical “sit and watch” type of assembly program. My programs are uplifting, energetic, and appropriate for every age group, and fully customizable. Best for school assembly groups Pre-K through 8th grade. Being a native of New Orleans and knowing the problems that our kids face today, Curtis has adopted the same philosophy of the samba schools in Brasil in taking social responsibility for safeguarding our children and providing them with creative and challenging opportunities and experiences other than what is found in the streets. It is our desire to provide a venue for getting the community, specifically children and young adults interested in music and dance. It is important to provide them with a safe place to participate in supervised and structured activities like after school, on weekends, and during the summer months. Since 1998, Curtis Pierre “The Samba Man” has conducted his interactive Brasilian drumming programs at schools, museums, performing arts centers, libraries, conventions, festivals, and team-building events in places like California, Oregon, Washington, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington D. C., Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Virginia, Arizona, and internationally in Brasil, Mexico, Japan and Korea .
World of Percussion
Journey around the world through percussion. Learn about different instruments, their origins, and how they create rhythm across cultures. Throughout the ages, music and rhythmic sounds have been a binding agent of all people. Today, teams catch the rhythm and carry the beat with music, a fun, innovative team experience that strikes a chord with everyone. Absolutely no musical experience is required to participate. The “World of Percussion” program with a wide range of simple drums and percussion instruments will transform students into musical artists with a powerful message.
Capoeira Angola Workshop
CAPOEIRA ANGOLA AN AFRO-BRASILIAN MARTIAL ART FORM Open registration walk-ins are welcome children's class 6:00 to 7:00pm FREE for 18 and under Attire;Sneakers T-Shirt and loose fitting clothes no shorts or tank tops Classes taught by MESTRE Curtis Pierre. Wednesday & Friday 6:00 to 7:00pm Registration starts on every May 30th
Stilt Walking Experience
STILT WALKING CLASSES FOR KIDS Casa Samba’s stilt walking class for kids teaches a new form of confidence and respect. Kids are taught by professional stilt walkers and as they learn and become more professional the kids learn to teach other kids like themselves. The classes start with various balance and strengthening exercises, after they are brought to the training area where they will be paired with a professional and the students stilt walker. During his time they are given instructions and tips on how to stilt walk and be safe
The New Orleans Connection
Mestre Curtis Pierre reveals the deep connections between Brazilian culture and New Orleans' own traditions—Carnival, Mardi Gras Indian culture, and second-line dancers all share African roots that unite across the Atlantic.
Carnival Traditions
The rhythms of Rio echo in the streets of New Orleans
Mardi Gras Indians
African heritage expressed through costume and dance
Second Line
The heartbeat of the city, rooted in African rhythm
Experience the Legacy
Learn from a living legend. Join classes, attend performances, or book Mestre Curtis Pierre for your next event.
Video Documentary Coming Soon