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4th Fridays Bossa Nova with Paula Maya

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Ready to slip into the smooth groove of Rio without leaving Austin? 4th Fridays Bossa Nova with Paula Maya is your monthly passport to Brazil, complete with swaying rhythms, soulful vocals, and that unmistakable bossa nova magic.

This special May 22nd, 2026 edition is an early evening treat, running from 7–8 pm and setting the tone for a full night of live music. Your ticket keeps you in the groove all night long, so you can linger, mingle, and soak up every note.

  • Authentic Brazilian vibes: Paula Maya is a Brazilian keyboardist, singer, and songwriter straight from Rio de Janeiro’s South Zone, the historic cradle of bossa nova. When she brings her project Bossa Nova Plus to the stage, you’re getting the real deal.

  • World-class band lineup: For this 4th Friday, Paula is joined by award-winning jazz drummer Masumi Jones, guitarist Chris Vestre, and bassist Alan Uribe. Together, they weave an elegant blend of bossa nova, MPB (Música Popular Brasileira), and Paula’s own originals.

  • Deep grooves & improvisation: Expect more than background music. The band dives into rich, exploratory improvisations, stretching familiar tunes into living, breathing conversations between the instruments.

  • Classic meets contemporary: You’ll hear beloved Brazilian standards alongside material from Paula’s critically acclaimed album Rio de Janeiro (recorded and mixed in Brazil). It’s a compact but powerful collection that captures the breezy, sunlit spirit of modern bossa.

  • Easygoing, all-ages night out: The event is family friendly, with under-21 guests welcome when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. There’s also a free parking lot, so you can glide in, relax, and focus on the music.

  • Atmosphere for days: The Sahara Lounge setting adds a warm, eclectic backdrop that feels tailor-made for Brazilian jazz—dim lights, colorful character, and a laid-back crowd ready to sway along.

  • Stay for the whole party: Even though Paula’s show is billed as an early set, your ticket keeps you covered for all the bands that follow. Think of it as your musical appetizer that turns into a full-course night out.

  • Bring the hashtag energy: Capture the night and tag your memories with #4thFridaysBossaNova, #PaulaMaya, #MusicaBrasileira, #NoiteEspecial, and #VemComigo—then relive the vibes every time that bossa rhythm pops back into your head.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Brazilian music or just bossa-curious and craving something smoother than your usual Friday routine, 4th Fridays Bossa Nova with Paula Maya is an easy “yes.” Come early, lean back, and let the sound of Rio wash over you.

Want a taste before the show? Dive into Paula Maya’s music online and check out more tracks, videos, and press at her site so you can sing along when the first chords hit.

Venue Details

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:

  1. Africa Night - Their award-winning Saturday event featuring Afrojazz, AfroBeat, Reggae, and Latin music with a FREE spicy buffet
  2. Indie, Blues, Rock, Country, Folk, Hip Hop, Soul and more throughout the week
  3. 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

Visit Sahara Lounge website1413 webberville rd austin tx 78721Get a Rideshare
Open Hours
  • mondayClosed
  • tuesdayClosed
  • wednesday7 PM-12 AM
  • thursday7 PM-12 AM
  • friday7 PM-2 AM
  • saturday7 PM-2 AM
  • sunday4-8 PM

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