The official Brazilian Carnival and New Orleans's Mardi Gras may have both ended back in February, but that did not stop party-goers at the Newtown Senior Center from busting out their best dance moves when singer José Paulo came to visit on April 4.To hear José Paulo live, catch him headlining his annual concert on Saturday, April 14, at 6 pm, at 50 Kane Street (Fatima Square) in Hartford. Tickets and table reservations can be made by calling 860-268-6292 or by e-mail at info@josepaulo.com.

Dressed in a gold tank top and hat to match, the outgoing singer brought people to their feet for song after song. He sang a variety of classic tunes and slow ballads in English, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, and French.

At one point Mr Paulo invited all the woman to make their way to the dance floor in their Mardi Gras hats and masks for an upbeat dance where he taught them special choreography. Dancers did turns, shimmies, side steps, and waved their hands while feeling the rhythm of the music from start to finish.

Between songs he encouraged everyone to stay hydrated and drink water, and to keep the party going.