live music

4th Fridays Bossa Nova with Paula Maya

4.6

Details

Slip into the sounds of Rio without leaving Austin at 4th Fridays Bossa Nova with Paula Maya, a monthly Brazilian music escape at Sahara Lounge.

On Friday, June 26, 2026 at 7:00 pm, award-winning Brazilian pianist-keyboardist, singer, songwriter, and recording artist Paula Maya brings her band Bossa Nova Plus for an early, intimate show from 7–8 pm—and your ticket keeps you in the door for the rest of the night.

Expect a lush blend of classic bossa nova, soulful MPB (Música Popular Brasileira), and Paula’s own originals, all wrapped in deep jazz-infused improvisations that turn familiar songs into something fresh and surprising.

The band is stacked with world-class talent:

Paula Maya – award-winning Brazilian pianist-keyboardist, singer, songwriter, and Grammy / Latin Grammy Awards voting member & GrammyU mentor, 2024 Global Music Awards Silver Medal for Best Instrumentalist.
Masumi Jones – acclaimed jazz drummer whose tasteful, swinging grooves push the music forward without ever overpowering it.
Chris Vestre – versatile guitarist from Bamako Airlines, adding sophisticated harmonies, surfy lines, and global textures.
Luiz Coutinho – percussionist with Zazueira Brazilian Allstars, supplying authentic Brazilian rhythms and irresistible grooves.
Alán Uribe – bassist grounding everything with warm, melodic lines that make it impossible to sit still.

Paula Maya brings serious Brazilian credentials to the stage—born and raised in Rio’s South Zone, the cradle of bossa nova, she’s been:

Voted Best Brazilian Songwriter by the Seattle Weekly.
Nominated multiple times in the Austin Chronicle Music Awards.
Nominated Best Brazilian Musician living in the US by Focus Web News Brazilian International Press Awards.

This show also celebrates Paula’s critically acclaimed new album “Rio de Janeiro”, recorded and mixed in Brazil with legendary musicians. You can stream it on all major digital platforms and pick up a physical copy at the show—perfect for reliving the night later.

Why this night is a must:

Authentic Brazilian vibe – samba and bossa rhythms, Portuguese lyrics, and the dreamy, beach-at-sunset feel that made the genre world-famous.
Jazz-level musicianship – extended solos, playful interaction, and fresh arrangements that keep each performance one-of-a-kind.
Comfortable early show – 7–8 pm start makes it ideal for a date night, post-dinner outing, or relaxed end to the week.
Family friendly – bring music-loving kids or out-of-town guests for a unique cultural experience.
Free parking lot – enjoy the night without stressing about where to leave your car.
Ticket good for the whole night – come for the bossa nova, stay and explore the rest of Sahara Lounge’s eclectic lineup.

From velvety bossa classics to modern Brazilian grooves and original songs that showcase Paula’s songwriting and improvisational chops, this is a night built for swaying in your seat, slow dancing near the stage, and letting your mind drift straight to the shores of Rio.

Grab a friend, a date, or the whole crew—#4thFridaysBossaNova with #PaulaMaya promises a #NoiteEspecial of #MúsicaBrasileira. #VemComigo and experience one of Austin’s most charming Brazilian music nights.

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:

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.