Grand Fiesta Gig - Saturday 10th May

Hi everyone! I hope you're all geared up and happening for the next gig, which is on Saturday 10th May at Logan Gardens, behind the Logan Entertainment Centre for those who were involved in Uncharted. Let's kick off the year with a good one.

We are to play for 20 minutes in full costume (pull out the fluoro tunics people), and I may very well be leading if Remko is still in recovery mode, therefore I would be extreeeemely appreciative if those who can attend the gig can try to come both of the next two Thursday nights. Not only do I need to build my confidence, but you may feel you need to get used to my own nuances in trying to lead, which differ from Remko's style.

Logistics
Meeting time: 1:30pm
Meeting place: behind Logan Entertainment Centre, carpark, near the loading zone for Logan Entertainment Centre, in costume if possible
Performance time: 2:20 pm
Location: Albert and Logan News stage (one of two stages), 8m x 6.3m

I am hoping we can have a warm up before hand so please don't come late

For those who can pay with real money instead of tickets the next two Thursday nights, I will only request $8 instead of $10 towards room hire in rehearsals, so that it works out the same value as a ticket.

Thanks! See you on Thursday hopefully :)

Award for Brian

Brian just won the award for most lousy excuse not to attend class tonight: "I have to pack my bag for a djembe weekend in the Gold Coast".

Congratulations Brian!

Rehearsals next few weeks

As some of you already know, I'm going in for an operation on 1 May and will be recovering from that for 2 to 4 weeks. I'll have my lower jaw broken and extended so I have no idea how I'll feel and if I'll able to play during that time. Fortunately, our great Erin has agreed to take the classes while I'm away, so you don't have to go without your weekly samba!

This Thursday April the 24th will therefore be my last samba rehearsal for a few weeks - I really hope to see all of you then! We'll rehearse a few songs as well as some rhythms. Mel and Cedric could you please bring the microphone and amp etc.

Also, we are close to agreeing a gig on Saturday afternoon 10 May in Logan. Erin will more than likely lead this gig! Please keep an eye on the blog for further details.

Steph's birthday Confirmation!!

ADDRESS: 7 OAKMONT GROVE, KARANA DOWNS
TIME: 6.30-7PM
U CAN BRING: A DRINK OF SOME KIND?

I forgot the picture I wanted to post but it will be available for private viewing at my place on Saturday...

All sambistas!
Saturday night is now confirmed as THE date so get your coconut bras and grass skirts ready (I've got to get mine out and clean-up the dust... I'll post a picture to prove it tomorrow...)

Marcel, you are so cheap... Not even flying across the world for this






Ciao!

Stephanie's birthday!!

I know this sounds familiar, but I'm organising a birthday party for Stephanie (yes, she's turning 21 like Remko, how lucky is this?).

Here is the deal....

When: this Saturday night (still to be confirmed)
Where: at our new home in Karana Downs (still 1/2hr from Brisbane)
Theme: YES - TAHITI AND THE ISLANDS

Relax, fancy dressing is not an obligation... Actually, running naked around the house drinking lots of MaiTai would still do it...

Anyway, we'll supply some food, some Tahitian cocktail and heaps of traditional music. Despite this being her birthday, I might even get Stephanie to work and dance some nice Tamure for us while I drink my cocktail... (typical Tahitian male actually).

I would really like you guys to provide me some quick feedback on your availability. I know it's short notice and I'm trying to figure out whether that's gonna fly...

Cheers
Cedric

By the way, Marcel you are welcome...

Remko's Birthday

? Primavera Rap

Remko's birthday present

Happy Birthday call

Hi guys,
Sorry I had to quit somewhat abruptly but I had to take that call and it took a bit longer than expected. It was great seeing all of you again though, and may I say Melanie, your butt still looks marvelous.
I do bloody hope that I get the chance to come over and visit you lot sometime soon, but it may be a safer bet if you guys make it over here. I can do some tour bookings?

My birthday

Today marks my birthday, yet again! Besides having a great party tonight (like every other Thursday night) I'd like to do something on Saturday as well:

• 7pm Nicki and I will be at our favourite Indian restaurant in Ashgrove, on the way to the Gap. We'd love you to join us. The food is great, and the prices are reasonable.
• After that (approx. 9pm), we'll continue drinking wine & beer on our deck at our house in the Gap. If you don't like Indian you can still come here!
  

Again, I'd love you all to join us. Please drop me an email or let me know tonight.

PS: this is a good opportunity to see me cry, as I will have their famous hot vindaloo...

Drumming Technique

Hi,
I've heard a few people say they would be keen to play caixa but struggle with speed etc.

I think the remedy to this is to spend a little time looking at good drumming technique and so I'm happy to lend anyone a drumming DVD of mine on technique which covers a few things that we don't go over in class. The first 30min would be enough to watch.

Basically, with any stick drumming your fingers and wrists should play an important role (perhaps more so than your forearms). I definitely wouldn't be able to play as fast as we do at samba school if I had to move my whole forearm for each stroke! Watching the first half an hour of this should be enough (combined with a bit of practice) to get people playing agogo, tambourin, and caixa more comfortably and ergonomically and thus for longer periods at faster tempos.

While we're talking about next week's practice......

....... can we practice the technique of playing whisper-quiet when we're doing a song?

I'm really pleased we're starting to rehearse songs. It'll all add to our eventual "act". But given we're complaining we can't hear the singer, can we do something positive and try playing so quietly that the song can actually be heard?

There's a tendency when playing softly to slow right down. It's a skill, playing softly but still fast. So can that be something we try next Thursday?

Changes at the Polish Club

With the sharp decline in bar revenue caused by Marcel's departure, the Polish Club has decided to close the bar at 8pm on Thursdays. I now have a key to lock up the place when we're done.

To make sure we don't have to go completely without Polish beers, it will be possible to buy drinks prior to 8pm and keep them cool in the fridge in the kitchen downstairs. I'll make sure we'll have a break just before 8pm for you to buy some drinks (but only if we can start at a reasonable time, so don't arrive late).

Three days and counting.......

Yes, I have the sweaty desperation of a junkie comin' down hard, but I'm hanging in there, shivering cold in the corner, foetal position, ha ha ha.