POR AÍ

European flavor

Dutch-born, German-raised, US-based, totally-Brazilian musician Hendrik Meurkens and his harmonica and vibraphone are back in Poema Brasileiro. Besides Meurkens himself the disc features, among others, Ivan Lins, Romero Lubambo and Claudio Roditi performing compositions by Tom Jobim, Lins and Meurkens. "My previous albums," said the sambajazz wizard, who has been in America for four years, "were somewhat more jazzy. With Poema Brasileiro I was interested in putting out a really beautiful Brazilian album with lots of variety." Even well-known Jobim standards like "Felicidade" and "Samba de uma Nota Só" get a new life in this Concord Picante release.

Brazilian Belles

Promising prizes worth more than $50,000 Smart Productions is for the fifth year in a row promoting its Miss Brazil-USA. The '96 version of the beauty pageant is already in full swing in several states that choose the finalists for the national competition to be held November 16 in Miami. The event has a new coordinator, Jordan Leite, an experienced promoter from Rio and new attractions such as the typical costume contest. The promotion is open to 15-year-old or older Brazilian girls or daughters of Brazilians. In past years, Brazilian celebrities like Luíza Brunet, Danuza Leão, Luciano do Valle, Jota Silvestre and miss Universe '68 Martha Vasconcelos, have been part of the pageant's jury. For more information contact (305) 374-9041.

Brazilians have one of their own as city councilman in Bellville, a 40,000-resident town just 30 minutes by car from New York city. Arnaldo Carrera, 41, a Paulista (from São Paulo), was elected as a Republican and naturally he insists that "the state should let the Economy work without interfering". Despite becoming a full-time politician, Carrera will continue a prosperous career in a private company. The new councilman, who is an economist, will be adding to his $100,000-a-year salary a $300 monthly check for his new job.