Quiabo de Chapéu translates from Portuguese as “okra with a hat.” While band founder and percussionist Tony Oscar does not care for the vegetable, he does love the sinuous sound of the word “quiabo.” This high energy “grupo” from Atlanta plays a mix of funk, reggae, Samba, Baino and other Brazilian styles, and occasionally covers “Billie Jean.” Quiabo adores playing Athens, as they find an energy here that is sometime lacking in Atlanta. “Seth [Hendershot] knows how to treat us,” says drummer Felipe Zanella, “and always makes sure the tables in front of the stage are cleared out to make space for intense dancing.”
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