The stage lights come up, the last DJ record fades, and the crowd begin to buzz. Brazilian superstar Céu struts onstage at the Double Door in Chicago to a packed floor, and fires straight into Falta De Ar, the lead track from her latest album, Caravana Sereia Bloom.

Getting here was quite a journey. After studying music theory and becoming adept at the violão, she went on to become a huge name in her home country, fusing Brazilian rhythms with the African culture and influences she grew up with. Moving to New York led to being picked up by Six Degrees/Starbucks/Hear Music in the US, and her first album was released to American audiences in 2007.

A couple of Grammy and Latin Grammy nominations later, and here we are, shuffling along amid the smiling and singing crowd. Something about Céu’s music gets people up and moving, as young bearded hipsters samba alongside Latino expats. As the band breaks into her hit Amor De Antigos halfway through the set, most of the crowd is singing along too, happy to display their ‘proper fan’ status.

Her musical background also flutters onstage, with her occasional solos and accompaniment on a range of instruments throughout the night helping to keep the carnival spirit alive and well, in the dark corners of Chicago.

If you’re interested to hear more about Céu and her music, stay tuned to blog or check Groovebug for iPad for an Artist Feature in the near future.