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Sala Cecília Meireles
Lapa's splendid early-20th-century gem hosts orchestral concerts throughout the year. Lately, the repertoire has included contemporary groups, playing both choro (romantic, intimate samba) and classical music. Concerts start at .
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Semente
One of the few places in Lapa that holds court on Sunday and Monday nights, Semente has longevity. Although the place has closed and reopened a few times, Semente was one of the first places in Lapa to bring samba back to the city. Its current incarnation is small and intimate, with good bands and a crowd that comes for the music rather than all the Lapa mayhem (hence, the place is closed Friday and Saturday nights).
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Teatro Odisséia
This newly opened three-story Lapa club features live music shows and DJs, with a relaxed area upstairs if you need a break from the sounds. You'll find plenty of samba, and MPB and rock make an occasional appearance at the club.
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Teatro Rival Petrobras
Near Praça Floriano, this 450-seat hall has become a popular spot for some of the city's up-and-coming groups as well as veteran musicians. Four or five nights a week, Teatro Rival hosts MPB, pagode, samba, chorinho and forró groups. Tickets for events here can be purchased through Ticketronics.
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Trapiche Gamboa
Easily one of the city's most charming spots to hear live samba, Trapiche Gamboa opened in 2004 in a multistory colonial edifice in Gamboa and has tile floors, a friendly mixed crowd, and decent appetizers. It's a casual affair, with samba musicians gathering around a table on the ground floor, and dancers spilling out in front of them. Grab a seat on one of the upper floors for prime viewing of the action below.
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Tumbao de Malevo
High up above the street, this casual, open-air café attracts an eclectic neighborhood crowd and serves as the backdrop to rotating art exhibitions and the occasional live samba show or experimental theater event. In addition to beer and cocktails, Tumbao serves sandwiches and other light bites.
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Vinícius Piano Bar
Billing itself as the 'temple of bossa nova,' Vinícius Piano Bar has been an icon in the neighborhood since 1989. The indoor- outdoor tables make a fine setting to listen to decent bossa nova - although it's mostly tourists filling those seats since bossa nova isn't very popular anymore among Cariocas.
