Bio

Curtis Pierre, New Orleans native percussionist, artistic director and founder of Casa Samba; recognized by Mayor Sidney Barthelemy in a 1993 Proclamation as the first New Orleans based Samba School. He specializes in Brazilian percussion, capoeira and is well known as one of the three best Malabarismo (pandeiro jugglers) in the U.S.

Curtis Pierre first learned about Brazilian percussion in the early 1980's. A long association and friendship with percussionists such as Bill Summers, Munyungo Jackson, Ron Powell and renowned Brazilian drummer/ percussionist Airto Moreira. Airto has always been the "SPARK" that inspired Mr. Pierre and heightened his percussion career in Brazilian folkloric music. In the past twenty-five years he has studied and played with various Samba groups, African dance companies, percussion ensembles, reggae and pop music groups; appeared in video and movie spots and performed solo; he has also studied with Masters (Mestres) of Brazilian dance, drums, percussion and culture.

In the past twenty years he has studied Samba School percussion at several Escola de Samba's in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil including Mestre Mugue, Portela ,19 championships, (1988-90, 92); Vila Isabel, 1 championship, (1989); Mestre Russo, Estacao Primeira de Mangueira, 17 championships,(1989-90); Mestre Louro, Salgueiro, 10 championships, (1988-92,96,98,00,04,06-07); Mestre Jorjao, Mocidade Independente, 9 championships, (1988-91,98-99,00,04,06-07) also known as the best Bateria (best band); Mestre Cica, Viradouro, 1 championship (1998,04,06); Mestre Cenoc, Iye Aye, (1988), first established afro-bloco Samba group in Bahia. Mr. Pierre studied and trained Capoeira Angola with Mestre Joao Pequeno, Mestre Joao Grande, Mestre Jurandir, Mestre Jogo de Dentro, Mestre Morias, Mestre Angolinha, Mestre Bira Accordao, Contra-Mestre Valmir, and his current Mestre Cobrinha Mansa Bahia Brazil (Capoeira choreographer for OBA OBA. Studied with pandeiro Mestre de Malabarismo (pandeiro juggler, Edgar Aguiar of OBA OBA). Curtis Pierre currently serves as the director and founder of Casa Samba. He is currently studying with Master Drummer Jorge Alabe, (Bateria director for OBA OBA).

COMMUNITY PROJECTS -
Young Audience Program, Board Consultant New Orleans, LA

Curtis Pierre: The Samba Man 1988-Present
Performances and workshops in New Orleans public school system & Southern Region; reaching over 900,000 children in eighteen plus years.NT ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Three months in Brazil culminating with earning a spot in the Bateria of Escola de Samba Salgueiro 2004 for his passionate work ethic, knowledge of Samba and its traditional instruments and recognition of his dedication to Brazilian culture.

Starting the first Summer Camp in New Orleans based entirely around Brazilian culture, CASA SAMBA BRAZIL CAMP

Best Camp Summer Director of the Year 2005; Awarded by Charlene Braud, Director, New Orleans Recreation Department

EDUCATION:
35 years of Study at HKU (Hard Knocks University)
United States Navy Honorable Discharge June 1977
Hahnville High School, Hahnville, LA, Class of 1975