No class this Thursday 27 July

As announced last Thursday, there won't be a class this Thursday 27 July.

Reason for this is that a very small number of us are participating in the opening of the Roar season in SunCorp stadium. It's only going to be a few minutes with a handful of drummers, but I thought it was important to support them at the start of the season.

I'm currently discussing the footbal season with the Roar. More on this later, but for those that worry about audience reactions: they have actually blocked off a section in the stadium, and advertised this section in their member guide, so there can be no confusion and people know what to expect when they sit close to us. As I said, more about this later.

One song, two videos

First there was a great song by Chico Buarque, used for a Shweppes add, showing a quite caricatural view of Brazilian culture:



Then came the French parody for "Shoups" ("100 % sugar", "stay natural")...more realistic? I hope not.

We want more!

Brian, we want to see more of your dancing! Well done!

Numerics & Atmospheres

Hi folks a quick plug for Dad's exhibition opening this fri night.

If you have nothing planned come down to see some of his recent works (some abstract, some more literal).

(Dad - John - has always been an enthusiastic samba student...but had to stop due to some heart problems that troubled him a couple of years ago.)




NUMERICS AND ATMOSPHERES - THE LURE OF SPLENDOUR
OPENING: FRIDAY 23rd JULY 6pm by DEB MOSTERT

recent paintings and explorations from John Bell

Numerics - a visual response to the endless, intriguing order and significance of pattern in creation

Atmospheres: fugitive moments every dawn and dusk, unnoticed by many; energy on a vast scale that reminds us of the sublime.

CIRCLE GALLERY, WEST END
274 Montague Rd. West End
(Above ART SHED)
OPENING: FRIDAY 23rd JULY, 6pm
All Welcome

Bike Helmet Rear-view Mirror and Samba Rehearsal

Remko, Could I suggest we have people dance to the side of the bateria please? I find it's difficult to play for the dancers when they dance behind us.

I'm thinking about wearing my bike helmet with a rear-view mirror to the next rehearsal :-) ......... Furthermore, I have an unfounded fear that Angus or Cedric would let go flying a surdo beater and it'd bounced off my head !

From the master

Gilberto Gil at his best samba composer / singer:



He's a great guitarist too...(check the pandeiro, surdo and triangle breaks at the end)



And at his most..."innovative"

Tonight: first masterclass Surdo!

Tonight, from 6.40pm - 7.00pm: the first masterclass on playing advanced surdo. Highly recommended!

NEDERLANDS OOOOH NEDERLANDS

another amazing match from Oranje! one more game to go...

Hup Holland Hup.

Nederlands oooo Nederlands

NEDERLANDS OOOOH NEDERLANDS.

What a game! One of the best games of football I've witnessed yet.
Nederlands definitely more hungry, and that's what got them through.

(making up for what happenened in France 98 - when Kluivert just missed a golden goal that would have taken us past the Brazilians - but then we lost in Penalties)

Holland vs Germany Final I think!

Monobloco

Look like Monobloco have lost their bet for the World Cup ?

Futebol Frid midnight Pig 'n whistle

Go Team!

Tonight's class cancelled (1 July)

I woke up with a shocking headache this morning, and it's not going away. The last thing I want at the moment is some loud samba, so I'm canceling tonight's class.

Sorry everyone!

Tips from Monobloco

A couple of good practice tips on the fundamentals from The Monobloco boys teaching some students in Glsagow.

listen for "the energy is in playing together, not simply a fast tempo"...