A Talk With Anderson Trindade, the Founder of AGUA NY, a Brazilian Pool Party in NYC.

By Rodrigo Brandao

Have you ever been to a Brazilian Pool Party? In an exclusive interview with BrazilNYC, promoter Anderson Trindade talks about AGUA NYC, the Brazilian pool party which has become one of the most talked about events among young Brazilians in the New York area.

Hosted once a month at the Room Mate Grace Hotel on West 45th street, Agua NYC combines a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, two bar areas (in two separate floors) into a pool party that only a Brazilian host can host. And yes, you can drink while in the pool.

Resident Dj Anderson and guest Dj Greg Caz play a combination of samba, Brazilian pop and Brazilian ectro, and on January 29, Carlinhos Saveiro adds live pagode and Forro to this already eclectic mix. Also only in Jan, 2010, guests will be able to see some short films made by Elvire Duvelle-Charles and Samantha Marie La Alta.

Anderson Trindade, Founder and Host of Agua NYC.

Q-)  I think AGUA NYC is the only Brazilian pool party in New York City – or anywhere in the United States! When did you come up with this idea and how often does it take place?

AT: I believe so; I haven’t heard of any Brazilian event like ours.

I always had this idea of doing a Brazilian party, but not necessarily a pool party. I wanted something that would bring the Rio de Janeiro vibe to the people in NYC. I was invited by a friend named Lance Hess who was the manager of the place 3 years ago, at that time called Hotel QT. We did it for 6 months, then we took a break. January last year Lance called me again and said that the hotel, now called Grace Room Mate Hotels and under different ownership, wanted to have AGUA back and here we are making our one year anniversary next month. The party used to be always on the last Thursday of the month. Starting this year we’re moving it to Friday night! It happens only once a month and on the last Friday of the month

Q-) How large is the average audience at AGUA NYC? Can you tell us about your target audience (i.e. age group) for the party?

AT: Our Facebook list and mailing list is over 1.500 people, including people from NY, Brazil and other parts of the world. I guess they like to have something fun to do when visiting New York! Our monthly guest list have been always around 500 reservations.

The crowed that started coming to the party 3 years ago was personal friends of mine and Miller Cruz’s, my friend, Dj and partner at the time. Now, the word got out and we have beautiful people from all over… people from different Capoeira groups, from my Aikido group, dancers, musicians, artists and Brazilian music lovers. I would say our family’s age group is between late 20′s and early 30′s. These are people who love to enjoy some good Brazilian music, dance and celebrate live in its best.

Q-) I’m assuming the audience in evenly split between Brazilians and people from other nationalities… Is that correct?

AT: Our family gathers people from many different nationality, besides Brazilians and North Americans. We have many from South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. Did I leave any one out? It’s just a big mixture of color, a beautiful sight to see!

Q-) Who is your official DJ and what kind of  Brazilian music can we expect at your event?

AT: The resident Dj when we started used to be Miller Cruz and myself, Anderson Trindade. Now, I am the only resident Dj and I have Dj Greg Caz from the Brazilian Beat party and Nublu as a guest Dj. My intention is to turn the event into a collaboration event and have different Dj’s and artists contributing to the event. The music I play is a mixture of Samba classics, Pagode, Samba-Rock, Brasilian Soul-Funk, Forró and world music. Greg plays more a vintage type of Brazilian music from the 60′s and 70′s, based on Samba, Samba-Rock, Forró and the Tropicalia era.

Q-) Is there a dressing code for the party? And if the model for Agua NYC  is the Brazilian beach scene, does that mean that topless is allowed – or encouraged?

AT: There’s no dress code. You can dress as comfortable as you want. If you want to going in the pool and enjoy the sauna, you must wear a bathing suit. Top less! I don’t know if it’s allowed by law. We don’t encourage it, but we don’t reprehend it either. As long as it’s not causing any troubles, if you know what I mean. We live in a free country and after all it is a Brazilian party.

Q-) Can you share a story about a recent event?

AT: Wow, a story?! No! I guess you gotta come, see for yourself and tell us your own experience.

AGUA NYC at the GRACE HOTEL
125 WEST 45th STREET – TIMES SQUARE
(Btw. 6th/ 7th AV)
DATE: JANUARY – FRIDAY, 29th
BEFORE 8pm: FREE
AFTER 8pm w/ RSVP: LADIES – $5 ~ GENTLEMEN $10