Discover the inspiring journey of Brazilian women artists thriving in Southern California, from music and dance to literature and theater. This article celebrates their creativity, resilience, and cultural influence on the U.S. arts scene.
By Katia Moraes | English edition: Deborah Edler Brown
Marília Pêra inspired the celebration of Brazilian female creativity in arts.
In 1989, Brazilian actress Marília Pêra (Central Station, Pixote) performed in the musical Elas Por Ela by Miguel Falabella. While in São Paulo, I watched her portray some of the greatest Brazilian female voices, interweaving music and history. When Marília passed away in December 2015, I reflected on the power of Brazilian women in arts and culture.
This legacy continues in films like Anna Muylaert’s The Second Mother, which tells the story of a Northeastern woman moving to São Paulo for her daughter, and Suzana Amaral’s The Hour of the Star, based on Clarice Lispector’s novel, depicting a young woman’s dreams of stardom. Marília, Ana, Suzana, and Clarice represent the resilient female artists who portray social realities and inspire generations.
Brazilian Women Making Waves in Southern California
The singer/songwriter moved from São Paulo to Chicago as a child. She began music lessons at 6 and, at 19, started performing with local bands and recording jingles. Since moving to L.A, she has toured with Billy Idol, Sergio Mendes, and Gary Sinise. In her 4th album Blue, coming out this year, Carla draws from her childhood memories and the sounds of Brazil.
Caro Pierotto
Also from Rio Grande do Sul, Caro released her debut album in 2011 with Marbela Band. In 2013 she released Volta ao Mundo. The album, a mix of Bossa Nova and Contemporary World Pop made it to the American Grammy’s ballot and became a favorite at KCRW. Her voice has been compared to Bebel Gilberto and Sade.
She is originally from Minas Gerais and attended Berklee College of Music on a Latin American scholarship. She recently moved to Los Angeles, where she earned a Masters Degree in Jazz Studies at USC.
- Mariana Goulart
She was born in São Paulo and studied Theatre Arts at UNICAMP. She has acted under several acclaimed directors and participated in various national theatrical tours. In 2010 Marianna relocated to Los Angeles to attend Entertainment Studies and Acting programs at UCLA. Since then, she has worked in commercial ads, feature films and short movies. In 2013 she starred in her first feature, depicting Rio’s Bossa Nova era.
Ana Gazzola
She started singing and playing the guitar as a child in Rio Grande do Sul, where she was born. Ana began her professional career in Porto Alegre with the blessings of her godfather, the famous bolero singer Lucho Gatica. After moving to Rio in 1983, she toured nationally with pianist Luis Carlos Vinhas. The soft voiced Gazzola released three albums with Sonia Santos before releasing an homage CD to The Bee Gees. This 2016 she will be releasing URB ANA, an album of her latest compositions.
- Deborah Edler Brown
A poet, fiction writer, journalist, author, and teacher, with two poetry chapbooks, several writing awards, a non-fiction book, and a variety of journals and anthologies to her name. She was born in Rio de Janeiro and raised in Pittsburgh. Her mother, Ana Edler Brown, was part of the group of actors who created the first theater school in Bahia in the 1950’s.
Aninha Malandro
(AKA) Aninha Malandro was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro. She grew up in the cradle of Samba – Estação Primeira de Mangueira, where her father was a very well-respected musician and her mother one of the first “passistas. She is the founder and choreographer of the groups SambaNMotion and Malandro N’ Motion.
Ana has also taught samba in the U.S for 23 years, integrating her background in psychology and her own life experiences into a unique teaching method.
This petit singer/songwriter was born in Canada to a Brazilian mother and Japanese father. After years of piano recitals, musical theater, and choral concerts, she moved her focus to jazz, and graduated from USC in 2011. Kana is currently signed with an independent label and has released her first album in Europe.
Catina DeLuna
She was born in São Paulo and has a B.A. in Brazilian Popular Music. Together with Otmaro Ruiz, Catina was nominated for “Best Latin Jazz Album” in the 58th Grammy Awards. She also recorded two independent CDs: Na Era do Ouro and Brazilian Accent. Since moving to L.A, she has taught in several renowned schools, as well as privately. She is the co-leader of the Group “Lado B”. In this same issue of Soul Brasil, there is an article about Catina and the story behind her Grammy nomination together with his husband.
Actress, she founded the IVO 60 Theater Company, where she worked for over 10 years, presenting popular comedies throughout Brazil. As an art educator, she trained young apprentices on the outskirts of São Paulo. She currently resides in Los Angeles where she founded the storytelling group “As Marianas”. She also does voice over projects and stage plays.
- Sonia Santos
Sonia Santos
Also from Rio, there she started her career in the 1970s, recorded her first three albums, and was featured in soap opera theme songs for TV Globo. In the late 80s, Sonia embarked on an international tour and ended up moving to Los Angeles. Here, she released two solo albums: “Sorte and Bossa”, “Ballads and Boleros”.
She also recorded three albums and a DVD with Ana Gazzola. Watching Sonia sing live at Jazz Club La Ve Lee in Studio City in the 1990s was unforgettable. Her new solo CD, entitled “Criola”, comes out in 2016.
Conclusion
The stories of these Brazilian women artists in Southern California demonstrate the enduring power of creativity, resilience, and cultural pride. From music and dance to theater and literature, they bridge continents, bringing the richness of Brazilian heritage to international audiences. Their journeys remind us that art is not only a form of expression but also a tool for empowerment, connection, and inspiration—showing that the influence of Brazilian women reaches far beyond borders, shaping culture and inspiring future generations.
*Kátia Moraes is a Brazilian singer, composer, writer, and creator/producer of the annual Brazilian Music Celebrations series and this article is related to “Brazilian Woman: A Celebration” – the 5th of this series. She lives in Southern California – @brazilianheartbykatiamoraes
FAQ – Perguntas Frequentes
Who inspired this article?
Marília Pêra and other Brazilian women artists from São Paulo, Rio, Minas Gerais, and Rio Grande do Sul.
Which Brazilian women artists are currently active in L.A.?
Carla Hassett, Caro Pierotto, Ana Barreiro, Mariana Goulart, Ana Gazzola, Deborah Edler Brown, Ana Carla Laidley, Kana Shimanuki, Catina DeLuna, Mariana Leite, and Sonia Santos.
What music genres are highlighted?
Samba, Bossa Nova, Brazilian Popular Music, jazz, and contemporary world pop.
Are there opportunities to study Brazilian arts in L.A.?
Yes, many of these artists teach, conduct workshops, and collaborate with local schools and universities.
How can I follow these artists?
Most have official websites, social media accounts, and perform in Southern California venues regularly.
