An Opportunity to Hear and Interact with a Pop Star

São Paulo | August 1, 2011

Avril Lavigne interacts with Meninos do Morumbi at backstage

As part of the U.S. Consulate’s “Pop Diplomacy” program, ten lucky teenagers from the NGO Meninos do Morumbi met Canadian rock star Avril Lavigne and her American band during a July 27 concert in Sao Paulo.  The teenagers were thrilled to meet and interact with Avril and her band members, including Al Berry, Rodney Howard, Steve Ferlazzo, Jim McGorman and Steve Fekete.    

Due to plane delays caused by volcanic ash in Argentina, Avril arrived in Sao Paulo immediately before the show.  Even with the rush, Avril and her band were generous in taking their time to meet the Meninos do Morumbi teenagers for autographs and pictures.  Afterwards the teens were able to watch the show from a special VIP area of the concert hall.

The Consulate’s Pop Diplomacy outreach program works closely to provide disadvantaged Brazilian youth a chance to meet and interact with American artists passing through São Paulo.  The NGO Meninos do Morumbi provides musical and practical training for over 4,000 at-risk youth in Sao Paulo.  For more information visit  http://www.meninosdomorumbi.org.br/frames/principal.html

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