4th Fridays Bossa Nova with Paula Maya
Immerse yourself in the sultry sounds of **Bossa Nova** every 4th Friday with the sensational Paula Maya and her stellar band, Bossa Nova Plus!
Award-winning Brazilian pianist, singer, and songwriter Paula Maya hails from Rio's South Zone—the very cradle of Bossa Nova. She's a Grammy voting member, snagged a 2024 Global Music Silver Medal for Best Instrumentalist, and boasts multiple Austin Chronicle nominations. Her crew includes jazz drumming ace Masumi Jones, Bamako Airlines guitarist Chris Vestre, Zazueira percussionist Luiz Coutinho, and bassist Alan Uribe. Expect enchanting bossa nova, MPB, originals, and deep improvisations that transport you straight to Brazil.
Grab her new release Rio de Janeiro—recorded and mixed in Brazil—at the show for that authentic vibe. Family-friendly, free parking, and tickets good all night. A must for music lovers craving a special noite of Brazilian magia!
- Paula Maya: GrammyU Mentor & award magnet
- Killer band lineup for epic jams
- Monthly residency at Sahara Lounge
The Venue
Welcome to Sahara Lounge, East Austin's premier spot for live music and dancing! This historic venue has been serving up great vibes since 2011, carrying on a rich musical tradition that dates back to 1962 when the building first opened as Lincoln Drive Inn.
Step inside and you'll immediately feel the musical history in this Texas juke joint with a twist. The relaxed, eclectic atmosphere offers the authentic "old Austin" feel that's becoming increasingly rare. With its sprung wooden dance floor, full bar serving signature cocktails (including the unique Sahara Slants made with Ghanaian akpeteshie), and spacious outdoor patio, the Sahara creates the perfect setting for unforgettable nights.
Family-owned by musicians Eileen Bristol and her son Topaz McGarrigle (lead singer of Golden Dawn Arkestra), this venue presents a diverse array of musical styles five nights a week, including:
- Africa Night - Their award-winning Saturday event featuring Afrojazz, AfroBeat, Reggae, and Latin music with a FREE spicy buffet
- Indie, Blues, Rock, Country, Folk, Hip Hop, Soul and more throughout the week
- Regular events like Ladies Night and Body Rock ATX
The Sahara experience extends beyond just music - enjoy free billiards, outdoor fire pits, and delicious West African dishes and BBQ from the Sahara Smokehouse. With abundant free parking and an inviting atmosphere where diverse crowds gather for lively conversations and dancing, Sahara Lounge represents the heart and soul of Austin's music culture.
Location
Open Hours
- mondayClosed
- tuesdayClosed
- wednesday7 PM-12 AM
- thursday7 PM-12 AM
- friday7 PM-2 AM
- saturday7 PM-2 AM
- sunday4-8 PM