The Best Performing Arts Venue in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais

Belo Horizonte has produced some of the most creative artists in the country. One of the 20th century's most literary writers, João Guimarães Rosa (1908–67) was born near BH and attended high school and college here. As a young architect, Oscar Niemeyer was chosen to design parts of the city, and his designs dominate the Pampulha district and the Praça da Liberdade. Rock and metal groups like Skank, Pato Fu, Jota Quest, and Sepultura all started their musical careers in BH. Numerous art festivals take place here year-round, including the Savassi Jazz Festival. One of Brazil's famous theater groups, Grupo Galpão, is based in BH, as are other theaters and a dozen children's-theater companies.

The daily newspaper Estado de Minas (www.estaminas.com.br) has information about cultural programs in print and online. Jornal Pampulha, another good source, comes out on Saturday.