The Majestic Theatre is a name that resonates deep in the hearts of many Madison locals. Opening in 1906 as a vaudeville theatre, today the Majestic houses many local and national talents multiple times each week. While a few of their shows are 21 and over, the Majestic does a great job at keeping the majority open to all ages. Featured in their line up for the month of February is “2 Nights of Carnaval,” a weekend long dance party filled with Brazilian music and culture.

This two-night celebration has been a Madison tradition for the past 10 years and was previously held at The High Noon Saloon. Due to the growing popularity of the make-you-want-to-move two-night festival, the Majestic became the new venue of choice.

While the Brazilian tradition of Carnaval usually lasts for a week to 10 days, this more concentrated version still takes plenty of preparation. For The Handphibians, Carnaval is a yearlong project. The percussion group is celebrating their 15th anniversary this year and their drums are still beating loud. An interview with a few of the members of this 30 plus member performance group showed a little about what it takes to make Carnaval happen.

After spending a few minutes in their rehearsal space, it is obvious what makes this group so amazing. Besides the heart-pounding drumbeats that you can feel throughout your body, the energy of the group was undeniable.

“It’s a wonderful group of people, some of the best people I’ve had in 15 years,” said Robert Schoville, Handphibians’ founder. “We always eat food together and socialize after rehearsal. It’s a sub-culture in a certain sense. You make friendships that last a life time.”

The connection and warm-heartedness of the performers penetrates through to their music. The Handphibians perform percussion beats from throughout Brazil including the Axe, Maracatu, Samba Rio and Samba Reggae music styles. While the members are undeniably having fun, it also takes a lot of work to put on a production as elaborate as Carnaval.

“We’re interested in productions, not gigs,” Schoville said. With a group effort, a new program is put together shortly after Carnaval each year in preparation for the next one. While practices are usually held once a week, the group triples their practice time starting a few months before the festival.

“For Carnaval performances, we generally have about 30 people. There’s a full band this year, including a bass guitar and a horn section,” said Tony Bublitz, one of the leaders of The Handphibians.

For this big of a performance you have to start learning your part four months in advance and really dedicate yourself to it, he said.

Yet you don’t have to be a professional drummer to join the group. In fact, no experience is necessary. The Handphibians have a three-month preparation program called “The Hand School” for members of the community that are interested in getting involved. Students learn about the instruments, music and culture of Brazil. Schoville describes it as “a place where you can put down your day gig and experience something fun and educational.”

Bublitz, coming from a drum core background, seems to have found his niche as the music director of the Samba Reggae style of performance.

“I came. I was a little innocent kid and really had no idea what I was doing, and I just never left. I continue to enjoy it. It continues to be a fun time,” he said.

Most of the other musical talents that will be performing at Carnaval are either current members or alumni of The Handphibians.

“The [Handphibians] represent a huge part of the Brazilian community in town,” Bublitz said.

So if high-energy music performed by individuals with a passion for what they do sounds intriguing, Carnaval is the place to be the weekend of Feb. 17-18.

The festivities will kick off the celebration with a Mardi Gras theme featuring The Handphibians, Groupo Um Dois Tres and Mama Dig Down’s Brass Band on Feb. 17. The line up on Feb. 18 will take you to the heart of Brazil with Grupo Balanca, Metabaque and The Handphibians rounding off the night. This is sure to be a production you don’t want to miss.

Of course, Brazilian performance wouldn’t be the same without the element of dance, with Evolucao Dance Company and Capoeira Crew also be taking the stage.