With the FIFA 2014 World Cup right around the corner and the next Summer Olympics taking place in Rio De Janeiro in 2016, Brazil will soon be enjoying plenty of time in the global spotlight.

No place in Kansas City is more conscious of that than “Taste of Brazil,” the new market and cafe in the City Market that serves delicious sandwiches, fresh groceries and souvenirs including World Cup and Olympics T-shirts, and those ubiquitous green sandals with the Brazilian flag design.

Taste of Brazil was opened last fall by Marco Rabello and Cristian Maciel, two Sao Paulo natives who have lived in Kansas City for a decade. Together they’ve brought some welcome South American flavors to what is already a distinctly international neighborhood. After my first bite of the Picanha de Cleusa sandwich on my initial visit (traditional Brazilian thin-sliced sirloin, topped with melted provolone cheese and served with a flavorful green chimichurri), I knew I’d be back again soon.

In addition to five other sandwiches, at about $7 apiece, the menu includes specialties like Coxinha (breaded potato filled with shredded chicken and cheese), Empadinha (Brazilian-style chicken pot pie) and traditional desserts such as Brigadeiro, Churros and Flan. Wash it all down with a Guarana soda, fresh juice or one of the acai berry drinks. The shelves are also stocked with Brazilian coffees, jellies, chocolates, cheeses and meats.

Visit Taste of Brazil, in the northeast corner of the City Market shops, Monday through Friday between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., or between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekends. View the full menu online at tasteofbrazilkc.com.

‘Cinderella’

Next weekend, the Kansas City Ballet concludes its season — the first under new artistic director Devon Carney — with a performance of “Cinderella.” Featuring the choreography of Victoria Morgan and Prokofiev’s score performed by the Kansas City Symphony, “Cinderella” promises to be a technically superb and visually dazzling event.

Tickets start at $39 for the balcony and go up from there, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Kauffman Center. Visit kcballet.org for more information.

Cirque du Soleil

At the Sprint Center this week, Cirque du Soleil presents “Varekai,” an exploration of volcanic summits, enchanted forests and fantastical creatures complete with the outfit’s usual acrobatic fireworks.

The show runs at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $42 and up. Visit sprintcenter.com for details.

Air guitar

On Friday night at the Record Bar, several area performers will be rock-and-rolling so theatrically that you might not realize they don’t even have instruments.

The 2014 Kansas City U.S. Air Guitar Qualifier, hosted by 2013 Air Guitar World Champion Eric “Mean” Melin (a movie critic for the Journal-World when he isn’t virtual-axe-slinging around the world), will showcase some of Lawrence and Kansas City’s finest air guitarists — a passionate cohort with scandalous nicknames and provocative stage presence.

The competition starts at 9 p.m. and is an 18-and-older event. Tickets cost $8 at the door.

The night before at the Record Bar, New York City noise/pop outfit The Pains of Being Pure at Heart will be performing at 10:30 p.m. This show is also 18 and over and costs $10. Or catch their shorter in-store set for free at Mills Record Company (314 Westport Road) at 6 p.m.

Ruth Reichl

On Wednesday at the Webster House (1644 Wyandotte), Rainy Day Books is presenting a luncheon and book-signing with legendary food writer Ruth Reichl, the former editor of “Gourmet.” During the luncheon, which takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Reichl will read from her debut novel, “Delicious!”

Admission costs $55, which includes lunch and a hardcover copy of the book. Email Susan Belger Angulo at SBelger@CCVI.org or call 816-841-2284 Ext. 2017 for tickets.

Hopfest

Finally, it wouldn’t be a Springtime Kansas City Connection column if I didn’t mention at least one beer-drinking festival.

This Saturday is Hopfest at 74th and Wornall in the heart of Waldo. From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., over 50 brewers will offer 250 varieties of beer to sample.

Tickets cost $35 and include a souvenir glass and unlimited pours. More details and a list of brewers at kcbeerscouts.com.