April at Qualistage: rock legends, MPB, and laughs

Lynyrd Skynyrd performs in Rio de Janeiro for the first time in over 50 years. Ivan Lins turns 80. A packed April at Brazil’s top venue, Qualistage.

April is shaping up to be one of the most exciting months at Qualistage, Rio de Janeiro’s — and Brazil’s — premier live entertainment venue. From legendary rock to Brazilian popular music, stand-up comedy, and family shows, the lineup has something for everyone.

Humor Contra-Ataca closes its third edition

The comedy festival Humor Contra-Ataca, running since January, wraps up its third edition with two highlights. On April 4, Rafael Portugal headlines with an opening set by Priscila Castello Branco. On April 10, French-Brazilian comedian Paul Cabannes takes the stage to explore the quirks and charms of both cultures, with Osvaldo Barros opening the night.

The laughs continue on April 19, when Renato Albani brings his hit show “A ignorância é uma dádiva” (Ignorance Is a Blessing) to the venue — one of Brazil’s most talked-about comedy acts of recent years.

Lynyrd Skynyrd: a historic Rio debut

On April 5, rock history is made: Lynyrd Skynyrd performs in Rio for the first time in over five decades. The Southern rock icons, known worldwide for “Sweet Home Alabama”, take the Qualistage stage supported by Dirty Honey and Jayler — all three bands are also part of the Monsters of Rock festival in São Paulo.

Ivan Lins turns 80; Paulinho da Viola calls the samba

On April 11, Qualistage hosts a milestone celebration: Ivan Lins, one of the most beloved composers in Brazilian music history, marks his 80th birthday live on stage. The night is expected to be deeply moving for fans across generations.

A week later, on April 18, Paulinho da Viola brings his signature elegance to the stage with the show “Quando o samba chama” (When Samba Calls). One of Rio’s most treasured samba masters, Paulinho reaffirms the genre’s sophistication and cultural depth.

Classic rock and family fun close the month

April 25 brings a musical journey back in time with the Supertramp Experience, a tribute to the British progressive rock band that defined an era. Closing out the month on a joyful note, the duo Rafa e Luiz brings their family show “Missão férias” (Mission: Vacation) to Rio, delighting children and parents alike.

Event Info

• Humor Contra-Ataca — Rafael Portugal: April 4 | Opening: Priscila Castello Branco
• Lynyrd Skynyrd: April 5 | Opening: Dirty Honey and Jayler
• Humor Contra-Ataca — Paul Cabannes: April 10 | Opening: Osvaldo Barros
• Ivan Lins — 80th Birthday Show: April 11
• Paulinho da Viola — “Quando o samba chama”: April 18
• Renato Albani — “A ignorância é uma dádiva”: April 19
• Supertramp Experience: April 25
• Rafa e Luiz — “Missão férias”: April (date to be confirmed)
• Venue: Qualistage — Rio de Janeiro, Brazil