Norwich Samba Band Celebrate 7th Anniversary
This summer marks the 8th anniversary of the founding of Norwich Samba who can be seen playing an infectious mix of Brazilian rhythms and modern British beats at events across East Anglia and beyond.
Started with the aid of an Awards For All grant, the original band formed after a series of successful percussion workshops attracted a group of Brazilian music and percussion enthusiasts from across Norfolk. Today, the band has grown to include over 50 members with people from a wide cross-section of backgrounds regularly taking part. The band, or ‘bateria’ as its known in Brazil, features a range of percussion instruments that produce the typically exciting sound of the Rio Carnival.
We also have our own dancers who have original routines to match the intricate patterns of the rhythms.
The band and dancers rehearse once a week throughout the year at the John Innes Centre (Recreation Centre), Norwich. Although most live performances take place outdoors during the summer months, we also help to liven up indoor events at any time. Last year performances included appearances at The Waterfront, Norwich Arts Centre, UEA and a trip to Cardiff to take part in the 2nd Welsh Samba Festival with more than 30 other samba bands from across the UK. Plans for this summer include the Norfolk & Norwich Festival and the Lord Mayors Celebrations in Norwich in July.
Over the past eight years the band have played at events across the country and are gaining a national reputation for producing vibrant and exciting performances. You can buy a copy of our new CD, from Catton to Corcovado. Just email us and we will get back to you.
The band can arrange samba workshops for schools or corporate events, and induction sessions for new members are held every Autumn.
contact details and notes for editors
Website: www.norwichsamba.org
Email: info@norwichsamba.org
Musical Directors: Paul Weston 07751 617080 and Marcus Patteson 07737 810080
Bookings for performances: Robert Cox 07951 129234
Workshops: Marcus Patteson 07737 810080
Press & media resources: Howard Collins 01603 489701
Norwich Samba are part of the burgeoning UK Samba movement that has seen an explosion in the number of bands formed over the past few years.
UK Samba mixes traditional Brazilian rhythms with other influences: reggae, dance, soul/R’n’B and jazz patterns to create a unique blend that is very different from established Brazilian styles.
Since 2000 Norwich Samba has grown into a proficient and professional band and are able to demonstrate a high level of musicianship. The exciting set that we perform includes several pieces that have been written and arranged by the Band’s own tutors and musical directors, Marcus Patteson and Paul Weston, as well as those from renown samba masters from the UK and Brazil – Dudu Tucci, Pat Power and Ravin Jayasuriya (Raz).