The British Invasion Comes to Rio

Hi all,

You know you’re really on the map when Paul McCartney comes to your town to play.

For a long time, Rio seemed to be a bit off the beaten path. Or sure, everyone’s heard of Rio, and knows a bit about it – or believes that they do. (By the way, Rio is not the capital of Brazil. And neither is Buenos Aires.)

But Rio didn’t often attract the big name acts that other world-class cities did.

That’s changing.

Paul McCartney and Wings played São Paulo last October. They sold out. So McCartney decided to come back and scheduled a concert for May 22nd here in Rio. 45,000 tickets sold out in 3 days. Now there’s a second concert slated for May 23rd.

And McCartney isn’t alone. Eric Clapton is coming to Brazil. The last time Clapton played here was 10 years ago. He’s back, and he’ll be playing 3 dates here, in Rio, São Paulo, and Porto Alegre in the south.

Brits aside, the list of artists who’ve decided Brazil is a viable market goes on. The Black Eyed Peas liked Rio so much they vowed to buy homes here – as if the real estate market needs any more stimulus. Jack Johnson comes in June. I wonder if he’ll try some surfing while he’s here. Miley Cyrus is coming. I smile as I type that, but I guess she draws big crowds.

The point is that Rio and Brazil are being, if not exactly discovered, seen in a new light. The economy here is strong, and more folks have more spending power. The fact that concerts with high-dollar tickets sell out quickly tells you that there is discretionary income here.

And make no mistake: Brazilians are aware that the world is looking their way. They are pleased, but I think a bit self-conscious, too, like a newly-blossomed girl at her first dance.

And like that little girl, Brazil’s future lies ahead.

 

Até mais, guys,

John, glad I’m here in Brazil

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