Brasília Music Festival (BMF) Moto!!!

The BMF Moto is an event that took place on the 7^th, 8^th and 9^th of September. It brought together bikers from all over the country, some foreign ones, and various admirers of extravagant and extremely expensive bikes.

Rock ’n roll energized everyone present during the course of the event and was contagious to anyone that was around. The bands were excellent and varied between Brazilian bands and international ones. Plenty of leather was present in all the clothing, accessories and other interesting things sold there. Different biker groups, unique figures, and families made the BMF what it was.

The event was very well organized which prevented any sort of fights, tumults or disagreements. The food variety was enormous, but the problem was the price that did not please the consumer’s pocket. The drinks, in general, were pricier than normal.

The Orange County Choppers were one of the main attractions. They created a bike inspired on the city and presented to the public. To the fans dismay, they were only there for a short time and, on the second day, a huge autograph line was formed. However, once again they left early. Security was tight and few people were allowed a closer look at them.

Ultimately, all the bikes presented were amazing, the ticket was expensive, but it was all worth it in the end. Honestly, I am not sure we will have an event as good as this one in the city.

- Amanda Rodrigues

Punk Rock at the Blackout Bar

Punk Rock emerged at the end of the 1960s and became widely known in the mid-1970s. Its strengthening and popularization took place in England. There are contradictions about were it officially began. Some say it developed first in the United States while other say it was in England. Regardless, Punk Rock had a revolutionary aspect, criticized everything regarding the politics at the time and other issues alike.

Today, the young adults still enjoy the music, treasure the simple chords and love their extravagant heroes. But a great deal has changed. Punk Rock no longer has the same objectives it once had - which does not mean that it abandoned its revolutionary spirit and that there no longer are bands with that attitude - and the lyrics began to consist of more innocent and generic themes.

The Blackout Bar is a venue, in Brasília, that, lately, has given an emphasis and opportunity to local rock bands, offering them their space so that small concerts could be held there. The beer is cheep and the caipirinha (classic Brasilian drink) is very tasty. The concerts usually all have accessible prices, are extremely well organized - although they never start on time - and have security guards who are hired for all the events held at the venue.

On Friday, the last day of August of this year, it was Punk Rock’s turn at the Blackout Bar where teenagers and young adults alike went to pay tribute to contagious and energetic bands. Dissônicos opened up the set and managed to get everyone present to sing along to their chorus of “Eu não sei dançar” (I don’t know how to dance). They were the first band and one of the best ones of the night. On next, the band Gramofocas continued to energize the public... I won’t name nor comment on all the band that played that night because I am an eternal follower of metal and hard rock and, therefore, I do not give myself that right. But for those who truly enjoy Punk Rock, it was an excellent concert! Everyone was happy, the bands were outstanding and the atmosphere was just right to hang out with friends and have a good time. Even though some things may have changed with regards to what Punk Rock used to be and what it is now, this event sent the message that Punk Rock is not dead!

- Amanda Rodrigues

And it all ends up being forgotten...

Early this year, 2007, a horrible and cruel crime chocked the Brazilian population. While a car was being ambushed and the family inside mugged, a six-year-old child was dragged through the streets of Rio de Janeiro for seven kilometers while being held by the car’s seat belt.

According to witnesses, it was a truly horrifying scene in which the attackers, one of whom was underage, knew exactly what they were doing.

This fact created a large repercussion and an intense discussion in the country about reducing the age at which juveniles are charged as adults. The subject found its way into everyday conversations and eventually reached the senate. The attackers were sentenced but nothing ended up being changed about the age at which juveniles are charged as adults.

The child’s family began a campaign with the intent of preventing this murder from becoming just another act of violence; and that it, above all, would not end up being forgotten by the population and the government. This however was not successful. Along came the airline crisis, which also has its importance, but unlike the violence acts, only affects a small part of the population. Other issues also came up which eventually forced the João Hélio case out of people’s mind and was deleted from their memory.

Such a serious case, chocking and sad, it was just another demonstration of violence in the country; a country ruled by the inconsiderate politicians and that has its problems forgotten by its own population. But unfortunately, this is the Brazilian reality. As time goes by, it all ends up being forgotten...

- Amanda Rodrigues