Rock in Rio: Cássia Eller sings Chico, Beatles and Nirvana

ROCK CITY, 7 p.m. – Cássia Eller proved to be a rocker of sorts with her set at the Rock In Rio, opening the second day of the fest at 6 p.m. sharp. With loads of percussion and heavy guitars, Cássia thrilled the huge crowd that was eager for rock’n’roll, choosing an eclectic set list. She interpreted Chico Buarque’s Partido Alto with a great deal of attitude, continuing with E.C.T. played in a percussive fashion. Other hits followed: Segundo Sol, Infernal, Malandragem, and then an extra heavy version of Come Together. Cássia invited the mangue beat band Nação Zumbi to perform Quando A Maré Encher, from their latest album, and a version of Corpo de Lama, a treat taken from Chico Science & Nação Zumbi’s second and last career album, Afrociberdelia. But the peak was yet to come. Cássia scored high by picking Nirvana’s anthem Smells Like Teen Spirit to close the set. The crowd wouldn’t quit jumping and regretted the end of the show. As a matter of fact, attitude was the cue for Eller’s set. She spat, scratched her crotch and played with her naked breasts in pride.