Mestre Curtis Pierre
"The Sambman"
Introduction
"Mestre" meaning – Master Teacher/Cultural Guardian, in this case, we're speaking of Brasilian culture.
Mr. Curtis 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.
As a matter of fact, Mestre Curtis has provided help or has been instrumental in providing information about Brasilian culture in New Orleans as it relates 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.
Historic Achievements
"The only American who has reached a Master level in 2 Brasilian cultures"
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:
Master of Capoeira
The first original African martial art to leave Africa
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 after 45 years ago.
Mestre Curtis has been on this dedicated path which 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 45 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 Escola de Samba 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.
Escola de Samba Casa Samba
"The first samba school in New Orleans, one of the premier cities of Carnival in the world."
Escola de Samba Casa Samba was founded in 1987 at Tulane University by Mestre Curtis Pierre, Bill Lennon, Chuk and Carolyn Barber.
On July 21, 1993, Mayor Sidney Bartholomew proclaimed Escola de Samba 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, Mestre Jorge "Alabe" Bezerra.
Training & Masters
Born and raised in the carnival traditions of New Orleans for over 33 years, he has since 1979 studied Brasilian percussion with legendary musicians including:
Since 1988 he has studied with many Masters of Samba percussion, whom are known in Brasil as Mestre de Bateria (Maestro of the percussion band).
He has studied at some of the top Samba Schools (carnival groups) in Brasil with Mestres like:
He has studied exclusively with master Brasilian folkloric and percussionist Jorge Alabe from Rio de Janeiro in self-supported residency endeavor for over 15 years.
In the past 10 years he has also studied with master percussionist Marcio Peters from the world famous Brasilian Samba School Ile Aye in Salvador Bahia.
Historic Moment - Rio Carnaval 2004
Mestre Curtis paraded in 2004 Rio de Janeiro carnaval with the Samba School Academicos do Salgueiro in the biggest carnaval performance in the world.
Teaching in Brasil - 2009
In 2009, Mestre Curtis gave an instructional workshop to members of ILE AYE on Samba from Rio de Janeiro.
Capoeira in New Orleans
Mestre Curtis Pierre was the first person to bring Capoeira to New Orleans. The Afro Brasilian martial art Capoeira Angola has maintained classes for over 30 years to present.
He was taught by Mestre Cobrinha Mansa of Salvador Bahia.
Mestre Curtis published his first book on Capoeira Angola in 2017: "Capoeira Angola Movements"
Programs & International Reach
Since 1998, Mestre Curtis Pierre "The Samba Man" has conducted his interactive Brasilian drumming programs at:
Locations Across the United States:
International:
Continue the Journey
The Master's story continues in the roda. Take a class, keep the lineage alive.