Dan Bau ( Monochord instrument )

Remko, this is how it should really sound like , traditionally. Ignore the keyboard in the background.

Brazilian Internet Radio

Have a listen to this free Brazilian internet radio from Salvador, Bahia:" Radio Cana Brava "

http://www.live365.com/stations/307181

An old fashion arrangement where you can hear all the acoustic instrument clearly. . . . . As long as you don't mind occasional sponsoring messages from the C.I.A . But the music is good though, honest !

Brian is starting Dan Bau classes!

For all that are interested in learning to play the Dan Bau, please contact Brian. This is what you might learn:

Easter gig!

Yes, it's time for a gig again! It has been a while so I'm looking forward to this one. It's a pretty interesting 21st birthday, Neo Tribal party, with a very artistic/eclectic audience apparently. Let's see! We'll do two sets, a performance and then later another one with some intense audience participation.

• When: Easter Sunday evening 12 April, approx. 9.15pm
• Where: former church at corner of Malt & Brunswick streets in the Valley
• Costumes: Mangueira shirts

I realise this is Easter, however this also means you've got the day off the following day!

Please let me know by email if you can make it!

Thanks

Remko

Class CANCELLED tonight 2 April

Sorry all, I'm not feeling well and will have to cancel the class tonight. I'll also send out an email but unfortunately I think some people might get this message too late, for which I apologise.

Announcing: new costumes!

All,

I'm proud to announce a cooperation with a swim wear company for our new costumes. Following up on frequent requests from some of the people that have booked us, we will be much more in-line with the spirit of Brazil, showing a bit more flesh, while still maintaining the central theme of pink & green. See the picture!

For the avoidance of doubt, the male members of our group do not have to wear the top.

The swimsuits will be made available in different sizes. Today, I received a sample for myself, so I invite you for a 'cat-walk' session at my deck, tonight Wednesday April 1st, at my place.

See you then
Remko

New South American Sambistas

Remko, there are more South American players coming to our school than ever before and they are returning for more too !

You must be doing something right ! ? !

Has our average attendance increased or am I hallucinating ?

New class structure

Draft for comments

OK, based on the valuable feedback in the last few weeks I have drafted a new structure for rehearsals. Note this is a draft for your comments only at this stage, it will not start until a few weeks from now.

Advanced group
Key to the new structure is the introduction of an 'advanced' group. The members of this group will be nominated by myself, based on the following criteria:

• Skill level, including ability to learn new things quickly
• Commitment, in particular ability to attend classes very regularly

Please note the amount of time someone has been with the samba school doesn't automatically qualify for membership of the advanced group. Nor is this group just for 'my favourite members', whatever that might be. Please leave any politics out of this.

I don't intend to limit the number of people in the advanced group, and in fact I encourage everyone to practice, learn, and work hard to one day, sooner or later, become part of this group too. To help with this, I am developing a skills matrix to help people progress and to learn to play instruments in a more structured way. Coming soon to a Samba School near you...

Songs
To introduce some much needed variety, we will be playing songs, as soon as we've sorted out the PA. We'll play songs both in the common and advanced group, although the advanced group will have more complex arrangements. Besides songs we will continue to do plain batucada, so just percussion, again the breaks in the advanced group will be more complex. Also, I might try new things with the advanced group first, and later use that group to teach the same thing in the common group, as it will be easier to understand something new if you can hear what the result should be.

Performances
I still want to give everyone the opportunity to perform as often as possible. I believe most performances we do will still be with the whole group. However for some performances, and it really depends on the circumstances, we'll also have the 'advanced' group doing some features. I think for these gigs we'll start with the smaller advanced group, then get the full bateria on stage at a later moment for extra impact. And yes, for some gigs I might just be able to invite the advanced group, depending on the circumstances.

Class/rehearsal structure

• The first part will be used to set up and to play (new) songs in a more informal setting, with smaller instruments often used in pagode, as it's easier for everyone to get used to a new song with only a few instruments than with the full bateria. Note I still like to keep this central, so please keep any other noise to a minimum. Everyone is welcome for this part. I will not be able to teach any instrumental skills in this part of the night, as I'll be playing cavaquinho most of the time.
• The second part will be technique training, where people can practice and learn to play an instrument or instruments as well as playing together. Everyone is welcome for this part, and advanced members can learn new instruments, practice, have fun, and help out others.
• The third part will be dedicated training for the 'advanced' group, with more complex rhythms, breaks and arrangements. This part is only open for the 'advanced' group, and it is expected that the advanced members attend this session pretty much weekly. I do encourage everyone else in the Samba School to stick around and listen though, as you'll also be able to learn a lot from listening.

The timetable will be as follows (times are approximate):

• 7.00pm – 7.30pm: Setting up, pagode, new songs, welcome
• 7.30pm – 8.25pm: Technique training (common group)
• 8.25pm – 8.40pm: Break
• 8.40pm – 9.30pm: Advanced training (advanced group)

Advanced members can skip the first parts if they want, although they are very much encouraged to attend the whole night to learn new instruments, help the common class and have a good time.

Discipline
A few members have commented that there should be more discipline during the classes, and I fully agree:

• Be on time as much as you can
• Be there as often as you can, in particular advanced members for the advanced training
• Be quiet when I'm explaining something
• Be willing to learn, allow me to teach you, and don't get offended if I try to explain something to you and you don't get it straight away
• Respect each other, and maintain a positive attitude (believe it or not but I often get complaints about other members 'whinging')

(I could have started each of the above with the word 'please', but I'm Dutch ;-)

I realise this is all quite a bit of information to take in, and that it will be lost in the depths of the Blog fairly soon. I therefore will also introduce the 'Primavera handbook', which will contain the above information plus other useful stuff. This will be given to all current and new members.

I hope this structure will not only improve the skills in the samba school, but also increase the fun and achievement. After all, if we all progress we can be more proud on what we have achieved! And remember, the samba school can only be what you make of it!

I look forward to your constructive feedback. As always, please keep it short and sharp. I have also included a little poll to the right of this page.

Thank you
Remko

Morena Tropicana

OK Guys, you all seem to like the song "Morena Tropicana" so the lyrics and cavaquinho chords are now up on the members-only site on Brisamba.com in the "songs and arrangements" section.

I hope you all remember your password; user name is firstname.lastname. And... there is a 'forgot your password' link as well...

We'll start practicing this song this Thursday! As preparation, listen to the video in the post below, and have a look at the lyrics. Have fun!

Morena Tropicana and País Tropical

The way forward with the Samba School

OK, let's try to keep this short & sharp: I feel we need to change the format of the classes a bit to keep it interesting for both beginners and advanced people, and for me as well. I haven't decided yet on this and would be really interested in your (constructive!) feedback.

What I'm considering:

• Making sure there's something new pretty much every night. That way people will keep coming else they'll miss out. Of course that also works the other way - if people don't come then they're holding up progress for the whole group (as is happening now a bit too) so that will need to be managed too.
• Songs, songs, songs. This would be a great way of adding much needed variety. I loved making the arrangements last year, that was a highlight in the 5 years of Primavera. Songs make it much more complex (set up PA, cavaco player, tamborim section, singers), but I feel it's worth it. I definitely can't do this all alone so I will need your help/ideas.
• Maybe have a lesson schedule, published on the blog, with info on what we do each night. Also, maybe dedicated classes (every 4, maybe 6 weeks) for beginners so that I can go through the basics with them. Posting a schedule on the blog hopefully will encourage more people to have a look at it.
  
• Having an 'advanced' group for certain songs/rhythms. That way the people with 'less talent' (not sure how to put this) won't hold up the more 'advanced' people. Very difficult this one.
• We experimented the last couple of weeks with pagode the first 30 minutes. Personally I am not convinced about this yet but appreciate any feedback.
• The money side of things. I'm considering making payment for classes optional, as in it's expected people that can afford the $8 they pay but if you can't then you don't have to. This of course will only work if there's enough paying people. I don't want people to stay away because they really can't afford it.
• Any other ideas? Please comment on this post. Keep it short & sharp & positive ("Remko, I'm bored" is definitely not encouraging me to think constructively).

Your feedback is very much appreciated. For what it's worth, I have to admit there's a chance that I'll quit with all this if we can't keep it interesting and positive enough... so please make the effort to think and comment about this.

If you want to post comments privately or if you again have lost your password don't hesitate to email me!

Yours in Samba,

Remko

Thanks Angus & Renata!

Just a quick message to Angus & Renata, thank you very much for organising a great party! I had a fantastic time, great food, and the caipirinhas and the cachaca, well, were just amazing. I also really enjoyed the little pagode and then the playing on the street was fun as well. Funny how again we saved the day for RioRhytmics, I didn't quite expect that we would be leading but hey it's more fun for us that way anyway!

Thanks very much!

Remko

Carnaval West end: pictures

Try the link below for the rest of the pictures. Let me know if you can't get through:

http://picasaweb.google.com/bdi12177/CarnavalWestEnd200902#

Carnaval, West End: . . . .the parade

Mike sums up people's feeling !

Boundary Street Parade

Rio Rhythmics is organizing a street parade this Saturday night, on Boundary Street, West End, to coincide with carnival in Brazil. I have been talking to Tarcisio about participating. For anyone who is interested, he could do with a few extra surdos, shakers, and tamborines, and a snare or two. If there is extra people, a few agogos. Dress is white. We are meeting at the back door of Rio Rythmics at 9pm.
For those who want a bit more action, come to my place at 5pm for a Brazilian BBQ, pagode, and carnival on TV (i have TV Globo, so it is live, but on Saturday, it will only be carnival from Sao Paulo). My house is just down the road from Boundary Street, so maybe at 8.30 we do our own little, much tighter, better looking and generally higher quality, parade while we walk down to Rio Rythmics. My office is conveniently next door to Rio Rhyhmics so we can leave instruments there and party on after if required.
Please let me know if you can make it to either the street parade or bbq or both. I will give address and so on Thursday.
Angus

Carnival West End

Sambistas, As you may be aware, carnival in Brasil starts next saturday. Rio Rythmics is having a street parade including bataria and dancers in boundary street, west end on Saturday night (21th) around 8.30pm. I have spoken with Tarcisio from Rio Rythmics and he is happy for members on GRES Unidos da Primaerva (us) to join in. He will let me know which instruments they have, and what they need. At this stage it looks like they need shakers, surdos, and snares, however I will confirm.
So preliminary plan is meet at 4pm at my house for a brasilian bbq (churrasco), carnaval on the tv (or a video if its not live), a bit a pagode, a few caparihas for those not driving, some dancing, and maybe some costumes for thise drinking a few caparihnas. Anyway, details to follow.
Angus

Note from Remko: note this in on the 21th, not today!

Earplugs

Just a quick reminder that I cannot always provide earplugs, and that it is everyone's own responsibility to protect your ears. You can buy cheap earplugs at your local Chemist. However I can really recommend 'musicians earplugs' that are specifically made for your ears. They are not cheap (over $100) but your ears are very valuable too.

If there is enough interest in musicians earplugs I can try to negotiate a group deal at a Brisbane based specialist? Let me know.

Update: I've only found one supplier here in Brisbane so far, to have ear imprints taken, earplugs made and fitted costs $240. They don't want to do group discounts. I'll have another look.

Re-introducing songs

For those of you who haven't followed the comments in the previous post, some of us will get together 6pm this Thursday 11 February at the Polish Club bar to discuss and hopefully improve the format of our weekly rehearsals, in particular by re-introducing songs in one way or another. Please feel free to join us, your input is very much appreciated.

By way of preparation, here are the main challenges that I can see that we need to overcome, your ideas would be appreciated:

1. We need a serious PA. From where, who will transport (it won't fit in my car), who will set it up in time for the rehearsal etc.
2. How can we make sure we cater for everyone, so both beginners and long-term members, and also (and this is not the same!) different skill levels.
3. How can we make sure that Remko won't get burned out on Thurday nights. When we previously did songs, even though I loved it very much, all the associated hassles on top of having to really work hard by singing, playing cavaco, concentrating on the bateria, dealing with Brian ;-) almost became to much for me.
4. How can we make sure the level of playing improves. When we step up there will be the requirement to learn songs etc, so people will need to start learning and practicing at home.
   

Your input is very much appreciated. Like Brian, I feel it's time to step up and do something different. I am excited and hope we pull through this important moment in the history of our samba school!

New Year , New Rehearsal Format ?

Remko, . . . . I'm bored !

Can we change our rehearsal format with a 30-45 mins pagode at the beginning of each session ?
I'd like to play something new .

It just dawn on me that the Samba school have a repertoire of only about 5-6 songs . And I've been playing these 6 songs over, over,...an over for the last 5 years since 2003 ( with a variety of breaks ) .

Each week, I'm willing to carry my small Mackie active PA sytem ( 100W RMS, 2 channels + 1 RCA input ), 1 x microphone for you to sing and play the cavacinho. I can bring my tan-tan as well.

The advantages of this format are:

* We can all learn something new while waiting for people who turn up late.
* Play samba with few people as possible. Improve our chance of paid gigs in smaller venues.
* People have a chance of really learn an instrument because people can hear your own mistake. No safety in number.
* Buddy system : experience players can stop and show beginners how to play.
* Those MPB songs are so nice .
* Brian will stop whinging because he's not bored.

Let's SAMBA!

It's back on: tomorrow Thursday 29 January will be the first Samba Class for 2009!
Be ready for some action!!!
Looking forward to seeing you all, it has been way too long!

Cheers
Remko

Rehearsal this Thursday - cancelled

Happy new year everyone!!!

Well after a great and intensive holiday in freezing Europe (with one night going down to -20 oC, not a typo)! Ruben has grown so much in one month too, and was happy to meet all the family and friends.

I was planning to start the Samba year again this Thursday, however unfortunately Nicki will have to go down to Melbourne for a funeral, which means I'll have to look after Ruben that night, so the first rehearsal will have to wait one more week. I'm very sorry about that!

I look forward to seeing you all on the 29th!

Enjoy the rest of your break

Remko

Hi all!

First of all, HAPPY NEW YEAR, BONNE ANNEE!!

I have decreed in my own little kingdom that 2009 will be a year of change… And what more drastic change for the egocentric narcissist than I am than to cut my trademark hair, yes, abandoning the pony tail (no it is not a mullet!!)…. Now, this hair has witnessed a whole lot of dramatic history, the Rwandan genocide, the fall of the Soviet Union, 9/11 and 2 gulf wars, the reelection of Georges W Bush… It can’t go just like that…

So here is the deal! I will cut my hair for the first time in 15 years and I’m asking you to sponsor me and support Medecins Sans Frontieres by jumping on this webpage http://www.justgiving.com/cedricrobillot . By making a secure donation through this website, you will assist Medecins Sans Frontieres in their mission to provide medical aid wherever needed (http://www.msf.org/).

Please support me in making some sense out of the terrible sacrifice I’m upon to commit (was I being a bit overdramatic here?). Anyway, to motivate you even further, the biggest donors will be entitled not to receive one of my locks in an autographed picture frame!!!

Please feel free to pass this email on.
I trust your compassion and, once again, wish you all the best for this coming year!!

Cedric

Brazilian Party This Thursday night

Hey Sambistas,

Just a quick plug for a Brazilian party going down (funny enough) at an Irish Pub!!??(O'malley's in the Queen Street Mall - underneath the Wintergarden shopping centre). Jesse Witney & Urukum (those at the Mel's Bond party would remember the older rarer brazilian sounds) are performing 2 sets starting at 10:30pm. A good mixture of new & old rare brazilian roots sounds (Marcos Valle, Dejavan, Gilberto Gill, Edu Lobo, Seu Jorge, Vanessa Da Matta etc etc). one such tune being played is Gilberto Gill's Classic 'Expresso 2222':



If that doesn't suit there's a James Brown tribute night going down at the Joynt in West End on Saturday night. Paying respects to the man.... 7pm-Midnight. good times...

enjoy

Pictures from Mel & Erins party

Hi Folk please find below the link to view and download pictures from the party, taken by Brian and Claire. Enjoy!

/BlizWizz/2008MelanieSBig50thBirthdayBash#

Folk, please find the link to all the piccies from mel & Erins party a few weeks ago, there are some really good shots taken by Brian & Clair so enjoy!


Whoops forget link! Try next post

Vieux Farka Toure : Bamako Jam

An impressive and not so " old" Farka Toure from Mali .

Groove Brazil Christmas Party

It is truly a very Brazilian weekend!

Groove Brazil Christmas Party this Saturday night at the Polish Club.
Samba and Gafiera dance class from 7.30pm
Party from 8.30pm-midnight with performances.
$20 pre-sales or $25 on the door.

Complimentary coffee, tea and Brigadeiro (Brazilian candy) more details at groovebrazil.com.au

In a word, awesome!

Samba fest time/place change

The samba drum fest that Mel speaks of will be in ORLEIGH PARK starting at 11AM this Sunday instead.
Will meet by the BBQ in the middle of the park.
Bring an instrument (if you have one) although there should be a whole batucada's worth of stuff to play if you don't have any or transport is an issue. Bring whoever ever else you'd like too!!

Marcel, considering it's your birthday recently, I hope to see you there rippin' it up on the repinique!

Samba drums in the park

Calling all you Samba dudes, we are planning a drum fest in New Farm park this coming Sunday 14th at lunchtime down by the bandstand end. We have drums, lots of sausages, lots of bread rolls and an urge to drum like crazy. Can you meet the challenge or do you want to go with all the other pussys down to the shopping centres to fight for Xmas shopping? Kick off you shoes and chill in the heat!

Mel and Erin

Help Remko make a buck

As you may know, things in the Old Country are considerably more expensive that they are over with you in the colonies. However, sometimes that can be turned into a benefit as well.

The photo was take at a (rather good) music shop in central Amsterdam. Yes, we do display other goods in our windows too. As you can see, it's a lovely chekeré (insert correct spelling here) - although I liked the Brisamba ones better.

What you can't see, is the price on the tag. I will tell you what it is, and do the complicated math of translating it into your local currency.

The price is 150 euro's, and by the time I've finished this post, that makes it well over 300 aussie dollars. So drive down to Toowoomba, load up the ute with gourds, do your fancy bead-works (those of you who've been to New Orleans during mardi gras should have an advantage) and stuff your finished product in Remko's luggage (a fairly large one should be able to fit around a small child) and help him turn a profit on his next trip to Amsterdam!
Don't worry, he won't be able to blow all the profits on magic mushrooms and cheap women because we've outlawed them over here (and they never were cheap, to begin with).

Of course, you could also pack a belated birthday gift for me - but I leave that entirely to your own initiative...

Dinner tonight

Hi all, tonight before rehearsal a number of us will have dinner & beer at the Polish Club, 6pm. Hope you can join us!

Real music

Remko,
I do hope you took the whole of the samba school to Suncorp Stadium to see what the flower of Dutch music had to offer?? Not even the wrath of god could stop him from playing!

Last rehearsal for the year

This Thursday 4 December will be the last rehearsal before the big summer holidays! I hope to see you all there for one last big bang before we all go and eat ourselves silly.

The first class for 2009 will be on Thursday 22 January. I intend to use some of the time in between to think through some creative ideas to keep everyone on their toes in the new year!

If you can't make it this Thursday, have a fantastic Xmas and of course a happy New Year!

Cheers
Remko

Note: it has been pointed out to me that on the same Thursday, some guy called Andre Rieu has decided to have a little gig in Suncorp stadium. For some reason a lot of people will go there (not from the Samba School I hope) so keep in mind traffic might be a bit heavier than usual.

Melanie's Party this weekend

Just to remind everyone that there is a fabo party this weekend (I'm biased cos its my birthday party & Erins as well cos she stays at my place too). Its at my place 38 Rembrandt street, Carina at 12 noon. Its a James Bond themed party so come as a baddy ho ho. its on Saturday. We will have music (live of course), booze and sausages in a typical Aussie mix. Please bring a fold up chair and some booze, as I only have 12 chairs and we have more poeople than that confirmed. Its going to be big and mad!

Brazilian music at Valley Markets today

Just a quick note for those with a free afternoon today.

'Jesse Witney & Urukum' are playing the Valley Mall markets at 1pm today.

todays line-up is guitar, bass, drums and 2 percussionists. (possibly some of the members of Brisamba)

Jesse is a sickenly talented young guitarist in the vein of Gilberto Gill, Dejavan, Edu Lobo, Marcos Valle, Joao Gilberto (the older rhythmical Brazilian style). with the 'urukum' ensemble he'll be playing a couple of his folk/reggae/tropical crossover tunes and then some Brazilian classics (Palco, Ponteio, & a medley of Mama Africa & Mamae Oxum in Olodum style samba reggae) ,and an original Brazilian tune of his (very much in the Edu Lobo/Marcos Valle style).

He'll also be playing at Mel's party next weekend so if you want to check him out in advance, it's free entry to the markets, and the stage is outdoors.

see below for a previous blog that shows the Palco tune by Gilberto Gil.

Jesse's Myspace

www.myspace.com/jessewitney

Class cancelled!

I'm canceling today's class (20 November). With the latest heavy rain we have identified some issues at home that need to be resolved asap.

If anyone has any experience with shaping concrete please let me know. I need to build a little concrete threshold at our laundry door to stop rain from getting in when the backyard floods.

Sorry
Remko

Food safari

Message from Patty:

I see from my TV guide that on SBS tonight at 7.30 there is the first in the new series of "Food Safari" and tonight's theme is BRAZILIAN food and I think there'll be some samba.

Cheers

Patty

Storm in the Gap

Many thanks for the messages some of you have left me regarding our wellbeing following Sunday's storm and the damage in The Gap.

Fortunately, none of us got injured, and we only had some minor water damage. Some of our neighbours had trees through their roofs so we've been very lucky.

Our main problem is that we're still without electricity (it's Tuesday noon now, so almost 48 hours), and also we cannot drink the water. That's not a good combination with little Ruben, so we spent yesterday evening in the kitchen at work here.

We also don't have mobile phone coverage, so sorry if I don't get back to you when you leave me a message. SMSs seem to get through though every now and then.

Update: Water, Electricity and Internet came back on late Tuesday afternoon! All good now.

Thanks for the gig yesterday

Thank you to all of you who played yesterday at the Seville Road State School. It was a gig well done under difficult circumstances. I'm very pleased we got so many of the kids to laugh and have a good time.

This more than likely was the last gig for this year, before our summer break. I'll post exact dates and what it means for the rehearsals soon.

Gig - Seville Road Fiesta

UPDATE: The gig is still on! Thanks to those of you who told me they'll play on the day!

We have been invited to play at the Seville Road State Primary School Fiesta!

When: Saturday 15 November, 5pm
Be there: 4.30pm
Where: in the housing commission part of Holland Park near the Mosque. Corner Oates Ave / Roscoe St.
Dress code: the new Mangueira shirts. If you don't have one yet I'll give you one on the day. White pants.

Let's have some fun and make sure the kids have fun too!

All smiles

I received a picture from Elwin, and we're all smiling!!!

Brazilian music at the 2high festival this Friday night

Just giving everyone a heads up about the 2high festival at The Powerhouse this weekend.

It's an emerging arts festival with music, theatre and the like....

Most of the music from what I can see is indie rock/pop, but there's a couple of interesting musical bits n pieces worth checking, one being Brisbane's Lady of soul Kristen Haynes performing some soul/funk at 6 pm 2 morrow night, and Jesse Whitney an amazingly talented young guitarist in the vein of Gilberto Gill, Dejavan, Edu Lobo, Marcos Valle, Joao Gilberto (the older rhythmical Brazilian style). He'll be playing a couple of his folk/reggae/tropical crossover tunes and then a some Brazilian classics (Palco, Ponteio) ,and an original Brazilian tune of his (very much in the Edu Lobo/Marcos Valle style), accompanied by bass, trumpet and drumkit.

The festival is free, and Jesse Plays at 7:30pm.

see link below:

http://2highfestival.com/home/content/view/27/37/

Palco by Gilberto Gill:

Stephanie's leaving for New Caledonia

Hi Sambistas,

Not sure what I did wrong but Stephanie's leaving for New Caledonia in a couple of weeks. I'm just joking (about doing something wrong I mean...), she is taking on a HR position in Noumea while the kids and I will hold ground in Brisvegas...

Well, sounds like a good reason to party anyway!! SO...

RSVP direct on Thursday at the Polish Club (those who cannot attend the party can make it up to me and Steph by buying ME a Polish beer, how about that??)

Cedric

I'm back and I have photos

In case anyone is interested, my holidays photos are posted on my picasa site.

http://picasaweb.google.com.au/clairepetersen2

I didn't make it to any samba schools but I did get to hear some pretty amazing traditional Irish music and I was able to visit a bodhran workshop where the bees knees of bodhrans are crafted by hand.

Enjoy!

Message from Maria "blockflojt"

Hi all fabulous Samba people!!!

I'll leave for NZ soon(7th of Nov) where I'll chill out for 4 weeks. The length of my stay once I get back to Oz is uncertain so....Im having a "See you soon" party and you're all very welcome!
See the info, created by my house mate Sarah, below.
When you know, let me know if you are likely to turn up!!
Hugs....or as we say in Swedish "Kramar"
Maria

Maria's "See you soon party"
Just keep thinking about her eventual return...:)

Event Info Host: Maria, Sarah and Claude
Type: Party - See ya soon Party
Network: Global
Time and Place Start Time: Saturday, November 1, 2008 at 8:00pm
End Time: Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 5:00am
Location: Maria's house
Street: 181 Swann Road
City/Town: Taringai, Malaysia

Description: Maria is heading to NZ and after that noone knows what will happen, so we are having a party to say farewell. Come along to say goodbye! BYO alcohol. Friends and partners welcome - everyone deserves a chance to meet her...she is cool:)

. . . . . .Zzzzzzzz !

Some pics from Sunday

Thanks for today!

Thank you all very much for some great performances today! I hope you enjoyed them as much as I did. I was really impressed with how you all reacted on my unpredictable queues on the kiddies stage, it didn't matter if I sang, whistled, played or whatever, you guys were there when you needed to be. I've had some great reactions again so well done!

Many many thanks to Erin and Angus for helping out with the instrument transport nightmare, and of course to the one and only Gail for looking after Ruben so well when we did the parade! I wouldn't be able to do all this without you all guys!

Multicutural Festival 2008

Details for Sunday - multicultural festival

Hi all, I'm trying to finalise the details for this Sunday's gig at the multicultural festival at Roma Street parklands, and will continue to change this post as more details become available. Still have some transport issues to work out, so keep checking please.

The parade together with the african and sri lankan drums which will only have 10 people that attended the rehearsal last Saturday will start at 2pm at the lake lawn. We will need to be there by 1.30pm. The parade will lead to the amphitheatre and will finish at 2.20pm.

Our performance, for which everyone is invited, will be at the Children's stage and will start at 3pm. We will need to be there by 2.30pm. Note this is only 10 minutes after the parade ends! This performance will also have an element of audience (kids) participation - always a lot of fun!

Dress code: creative Pink & Green. I have ordered some shirts from Brazil that I was hoping to be able to use this gig but unfortunately they haven't arrived yet.

This Thursday, we need to sort out some final logistics at the rehearsal, see you there!

PS: Jason Machado will perform at the Lake Stage 5.30-5.55pm with Nicki. If I can find someone to look after Ruben that time, I'll join them too!

New logo - which one?

After 5 years it's time to revamp our logo. These are the two options, please let me know which one you prefer by voting at the right. Any comments welcome as well!

Logo 1:
Logo 2:

Second samba class

First samba class

Rehearsals for drumming procession Multicultural Festival

As discussed yesterday, there will be three rehearsals with the African and Sri lankan drummers, on Saturday 20, 27 September and 4 October. I have no idea yet how this will work and I think tomorrow's rehearsal will be more a 'meet & greet' and brainstorm session.

I'd love to have at least some of the samba school there tomorrow and the other rehearsals.

You'll recall we can only play with 10 people max during this parade, taking into account the balance of instruments. As I don't know what will happen I haven't decided yet who will play what instrument, but hopefully that will become clear after tomorrow.

Rehearsals are 3pm-4pm at the Polish Club. See ya there!

UPDATE: I assume after tomorrow I will be able to select who will play at the procession. It's a difficult situation but unfortunately until I know what's going on I won't be able to do much about this.

mX newpaper

I've just been told by someone at work that there's an article (1/3 of a page) about the Brisbane 150 Launch in yesterday's mX newspaper.

Does anyone have a copy? If so keep it and show me please!

And again ... multicultural festival!

Again, we have been invited to play at this event. I think this is the 3rd or 4th year in a row, which is pretty special as they try to rotate a bit. You must be a fine bunch of sambistas!

So, we'll play on Sunday 12 October in Roma Street Parklands. Time is currently set for 3-3.35pm but the program is still changing.

Prior to this, there is a drumming procession with African, Sri Lankan and Brazilian (that's us) drums. I have been asked to play with only 10 people in this procession to keep the balance right (us noisy sambistas have bigger drum than sri lankans, appearantly...). So unfortunately we won't all be able to play here. However for our main performance I'd like to have as many of you as possible!

Please email me if you can make it!

Candidate for new logo

After 5 years, I'm exploring the possibility of changing our logo. Here's the latest candidate, let me know what you think!

The varying sizes & combination of upper and lowercase letters in ‘Samba’ refers to the rhythm and fun of Samba. A shimmer of fading circles gives the impression of drumsticks beating on a drum.

Don't worry about the rain

For those of you playing today at Queen St mall: don't worry about the rain! The stage and area around it is all under cover. Thankfully Brian isn't playing today else he would have woken me up even earlier today with his concerns... and I had to wake up very early so that I could drop off all instruments at 7am.

See you there, I'm looking forward to it! And don't be late (11:30am), I'm there from 11am. We now play 11:55am!

Details for Thursday gig

For those who will be playing this Thursday, here are the details:

• Dress code: those great screen-printed green shirts that Brian made, with white pants. Pink & Green costume white pants are fine
• Location: stage on Queen St Mall opposite Meyer
  
• Be there: 11.30am please. Given the media and all that we'll have to start at exactly noon, so no room for delay. I'd like to brief everyone before that too.
• I'll drop off the instruments at 7am .... looking forward to that. Angus I'll contact you separately.

I'll post further details here later, in particular regarding what we play. In the meantime, can everyone please listen to tracks 1-3 of our 2005 demo CD? This will be almost exactly what we play.

Message from Miki

I've read the blog and wanted to respond to the question on reading music - answer yes for me.

Also to wish everyone 'break a leg' for the performance in the city centre!

Like the survey on missing Miki - thanks for the thoughts guys!!

Miki

It can be done!

Thanks Patty for this great inspirational video!

Bedankt Marcel & Dionne!!!

Costumes from Notting Hill Carnival

Follow the link to check out costumes from the Notting Hill Carnival. The Bateria's costumes and drums look fantastic!

http://www.news.com.au/travel/gallery/0,26362,5034068-5007153,00.html

Any costume updates, Remko? You've been very quiet on the subject since that sly comment regarding 'the last time we'll be wearing creative pink and green' which you slipped into an email a few gigs back.

Next rehearsal

Our rehearsal this week on 28 August is going to be special:

• We'll have our one-and-only rehearsal with the tap dancers in preparation for our Queen Street Mall gig on 4 September
• Ruben will join the Samba School, and to celebrate we'll have beschuit met muisjes!

I look forward to seeing you then!

Exciting high profile gig

As you may know, next year Brisbane exists 150 years as a city. Over the year, there will be a large number of celebrations around the city.

I'm very proud to announce that the Brisbane Samba School has been invited to official kick off the celebrations on Thursday 4 September at noon. This will be in front of a VIP crowd on the main stage in Queen Street Mall, with TV coverage from Channel Nine and radio coverage from Nova.

We will work together with tap dancers during a 6-10 minute performance in front of the Lord Mayor, Premier, etc.

I realise that this is a gig during the day, however given it's so high profile I'd really appreciate it if people can consider attending this one! More details later...

Reading music...

This might be a long shot...

I wonder how many people in the Samba School actually can read music, and how many are willing to learn to read. It would make it a lot easier:

• for people to remember breaks, paradinhas, etc
  
• to practice at home
• for me to explain what I mean in the class, rather than just saying "that one a bit earlier" etc.

I know there are other methods of writing down music, but to be honest these are not nearly as effective and miss some crucial concepts. And I believe learning to read the bits of music required for samba music could be covered in one or two classes only.

So I've put on another poll to the right - let me know what you think.

Ahhhhhh...

Now THAT was a gig!!! Very well done everyone, I think we played close to 45 minutes (that is, I did, you guys of course didn't play during the Thai bell solo and the verbal cuica)...

This is what it is all about, having a ball and watching the audience have a great time too! I'm proud of Primavera!!!

Thanks everyone for making this possible!

Details for Saturday

Dress code: creative Pink & Green - try to look good rather than just a green shirt.

We'll play on the main stage (I think it's called the Parvati stage), at 4pm. Please be there before 3.30pm, or even earlier to get some food/drinks vouchers. The first one to be there (which might be me as Nicki will be in hospital until Sunday) will need to ask the girl in charge of the stage (she'll have a headset) for the vouchers.

Note: On the day, the only entrance to the festival will be via Glasshouse Road (St. Lucia).

Beschuit met muisjes

At tomorrow's rehearsal, I'll shout "beschuit met muisjes" to celebrate Ruben's arrival! This is an ancient dutch tradition that I'll honour during a Brazilian Samba class, in Australia. A world first, I'm sure!

Hope to see you there!

Sorry couldn't resist...

Introducing....

Ruben Wallach-Kancachian
4 August 2008, 5.34pm
Weight: 4090 gram
Length: 55cm
Hair: more than his dad
Mood: happy

Nicki has done a fantastic job and is very well, they'll probably stay in hospital until Saturday.

Gifts for Niki and bub

We're organizing a gift basket for Niki and baby (insert name here) so if you would like to contribute whether it be financially or with a gift you would like to include, then please let Gail or me know via comments, email or send us a message. We would like to get this off the ground as soon as possible because baby is due any day now!

Thanks...

Claire

Tan tan video clips

Check this site out for lots of Tan tan video clips:

Another Denis solo

A polite request.....

..... if you are paying cash for your class tomorrow night, I wonder if you could try and pay with a note smaller than a $50? Sometimes there's very little change available; so it would be really helpful if people could try and think ahead a bit. Many many thanks.

Patty

Thanks for today!

Thanks everyone who played today. It's an honour to be asked to open a new suburb! Special congratulations to Brendan, who had his first gig with us today.

Also, for some reason I really enjoyed the workshop, good people there, and also thanks for all your help during this. Lots of fun for everyone.

Denis, great solo!

The next gig will be on 9 August, in St Lucia, late afternoon. Free food from all over the world!

Details for Sunday's gig

Thanks to all of you who signed up for Sunday!

Here are the details:

• Dress code: creative pink & green
• Location: Woodlands park, on Woodlands Boulevard. This is probably not yet in your Refidex, however it is off Gardiner Road, Waterford (Refidex map 263 C20). Take the Beenleigh exit.
• Be there at 1pm at the latest. Keep in mind it might take a bit of time to find!
• We perform 1.30pm and 2pm, then we'll have a workshop.
  

As always, please be on time, less stressful for everyone!

Lost and Found

Found: One pink A4 display book containing tamborim patterns.

Did you lose it?

Samba instruments for sale!

My friend Carlos in Melbourne has some new samba instruments for sale (pictures and video).

Prices are:
12-Lug Repinique: $250
10-Lug Repinique: $230
8-Lug Repinique: $210
Tan Tan: $340
Pandeiro: Calf Skin 12": $180
Wooden Atabaque Conico (Timba): $180
Artcelsior Tamborim: $60
Surdo Mallet: $20

Plus postage and handling. Delivery within Australia only.
These are top of the range Contemporanea gear which is not easily found in OZ.

He also has another two pandeiros (one of them with a Brazilian flag head) but I haven't got pics yet.

Let me know if you're interested in anything!

The next few gigs

Well, someone said we don't have enough gigs (and I have to agree for the first half of 2008!). So, the next few gigs will be:

• Sunday 27 July, somewhere between 1pm-3pm, at Woodlands (where is that? Close to Beenleigh)
• Saturday 9 August, around 4pm, UQ, St Lucia
• Thursday 4 September around 1pm, Queen Street Mall, cooperation with a tap dancing group, as part of celebrations for 150 years of Brisbane!

Enough to keep everyone happy (for now)?

More SunCorp pictures

From Elwin!

Palmeiras Parade last Friday

I really really hope this link works - have made an album of pics from last Friday's parade in the city.

A short break?

Everyone thanks again for such a great effort over the last week. Rehearsal on Thursday, parade on Friday, 3 on-field performances on Saturday and a workshop thrown in as well!

I have received a suggestion to have a break this Thursday the 17th to recover a bit. What do you think? Please vote on the poll on the right.

I'll make the call on Wednesday and will post here to confirm the outcome.

PS: I just received confirmation for a performance on Sunday afternoon 27 July... stay tuned!

Angus reunited with his beloved & restored surdo skin

Excellent stuff!!!

Well done today everyone!

Everything went well! I wasn't as stressed because everyone was on time, and everything really worked out as planned. All performances sounded really tight and we definitely have improved compared to last year. I loved working with the dancers too! I'll get a copy of the official video.

You have now made it very hard for me: I am sure we're going to be invited again next year for this event (how can they not), however I do want to try to make next year even more spectacular. This won't be easy - but we'll get there!

Thanks everyone for being a great team, I'm really proud of all of you.

Congratulations as well to Mike, Elwin, Lyn, Alice and Andy for your very first performance - what a way to join the samba school!

And, I've got something to look forward to as well: we have been invited to play in September as part of the celebrations for 150 years Brisbane, and this time we'll team up with.... you won't believe it.... a group of tapdancers!

See you all on Thursday!
Remko

Roar !

FINAL details for today

Remember: dress all in white, no heels.

Note: there is NO parking - use public transport or get someone to drop you off close by.

• 4.15 we meet outside the stadium, same boom gate as last year (Castlemaine Street corner Cordova Street). I will have wrist bands and tickets
  
• 4.30 we enter the stadium. If you're not there by 4.30 you can't enter anymore, so please please please....
• 5.02 first performance on field (without dancers)
• 5.20 - 6.15 workshops on concourses
• 6.40 performance on field with dancers (Primavera samba - green & orange shirts)
  
• 7.58 performance on field with dancers (samba reggae)

After the game, there's a party at Casablanca. Details to be confirmed during the evening...


See you there, let's have some fun!!!

Instruments today

Thanks everyone for taking instruments home with you after rehearsal yesterday, that will help a lot.

At the end of the parade today, can you please leave your instrument with me (unless you use your own instrument)? I am doing a corporate workshop tonight so will need the instruments.

I promise to bring them to SunCorp tomorrow ;-)

PS: great rehearsal yesterday!!!

Updated schedule for Friday

Aaarrgggghhh it keeps changing!

Here are the FINAL details for Friday

• Dress code: creative Pink & Green
• Location: Reddacliffe place (in between Casino and new Brisbane City Council at the end of Queen Street)
• Be there: No later than 12:40pm
  
• 1st performance starts 1.05pm - 1.15pm
  
• 2nd performance starts: 1.22pm - 1.25
  
• Parade starts: 1.30pm (ends 2.00pm at Parliament house).

Note the parade will no longer go to Southbank, just to Parliament house following George Street.

Hot tip for white pants

Meyer in the city has reduced Industrie white pants from $80 down to $50, but they now sell them for $15. Only a few pairs left!

Thanks Mike & Elwin for the tip!

Saturday runsheet

Well things have changed quite a bit. Forget about the previous runsheet. Still no final confirmation, but at this stage it's looking like this:

• 4.30pm Samba School reports at gate (location to be confirmed). We ALL need to be there at that time, please please please don't be late!
• 5.02pm Our first performance on field (without dancers)
• 5.20pm - 6.15pm Workshops on concourses
  
• 6.40pm Performance on field with dancers (Primavera samba - green & orange shirts)
• 7.58pm Performance on field with dancers (samba reggae)

I'll keep changing this post with more details as they become available. Please everyone try to check this page on Saturday morning for any late changes!

Tomorrow's rehearsal

Hi everyone,

Well tomorrow is going be the biggest rehearsal ever: we'll have 26 percussionists and all 50 dancers in the Polish Club. So, to make sure this works, I have to ask you for your cooperation:

• Attendance tomorrow is pretty much mandatory if you're playing on Saturday. If you're not playing on Saturday, maybe best to skip this rehearsal.
  
• We'll start 7pm sharp. Please be there before then.
• We won't have many breaks, but when we do, can I ask everyone to stop playing any instruments please - our ears will need a break too and Angelo and I will need to discuss things as well.
• We'll practice on stage from 7.30 - 9.30 to give the dancers some space.
  
• Dale - I propose you give your surdo to Angus at the end of the night, he will transport half of the surdos on Friday and Saturday.
• Rehearsal will be free again.
  

Rehearsal schedule:

• 7:00-7.30: Bateria (1st performance): Paradinhas, Samba, funk, maculele
• 7.30-8.30: "Two teams" (2nd performance): Primavera samba
• 8.30-9.30: Samba Reggae (3rd performance)
  

Details for this Friday

This info has been superseded... see above!

Batucada Bus

Now, everybody, let's start by deciding on the bus style... We'll see to the rest later!!

PAGEANT No.1 - the 'TRADITIONAL BRISAMBA' model (never gets out fashion, hey!)

PAGEANT No.2 - CREATIVE HIPPIE (how about that Gayle?)

PAGEANT No.3 - BABYSHIT GREEN HIPPIE VARIANT

PAGEANT No.4 - the 'MAKE A STATEMENT' model

PAGEANT No.5 - the 'CUTE FUTURISTIC BUT NOT VERY AMBITIOUS' model

and finally PAGEANT No.6 - the 'REALLY COOL' model

Remko, can you please start a vote on this matter of he highest importance???

Cedric

PS: Yes, I've got too much time on my hands during the holidays... No need to rub it in...

Transport surdos on Saturday

Is anyone able to transport 4 surdos on Saturday? You'd need to pick them up on Friday after the parade, and you will be able to park under SunCorp stadium on the day. We only have two car spots!

Please let me know asap if you can help. Thanks!

Update: Thanks Angus for helping out!!!

Weird emails

I get some weird emails, from members of the samba school, the community, and sometimes complete strangers. Most of them come from Brian though.

However, Paul has set a new standard, and I thought I share this with you (sorry Paul):

Subject: the batucada bus

Hey Remko,

How’s this for an (undeveloped) idea? NB I am very sleep deprived today:

We take people on bus tours around Brisbane playing pagode and serving caipirinhas into the night.

An opportunity to mix practice with fun and raising money at the same time! Just need a bus, driver, liquor licence, insurance, …

Well done Paul! Now go get some sleep...

Draft running sheet for Saturday

Please have a look at the draft running sheet for Saturday in SunCorp Stadium. It's quite complex so take your time to read it. I will post a final version later this week once Multicultural Affairs Queensland has confirmed all details.

If you feel any info is missing please let me know.

Note: it looks like this schedule will change significantly - stay tuned

Rehearsal today

A big thanks to all of you who made it today to Newfarm park. Very impressive how many of you could make it with some 24h notice! I think it was essential to the success of the show next week. Claire - please thank your mum on my behalf for helping me out with many little things!

We'll have another rehearsal this Thursday - please be on time for this as we still have a lot to do.

I'll post some important handouts regarding the gigs later today.

Last minute ... extra rehearsal

We have decided to do another rehearsal with the (50) dancers tomorrow Sunday the 6th in Newfarm park, 1pm. We don't need the full bateria but enough to get the basic sound. Please let me know by email if you can make it (I will need to cancel if there's not enough people). Thanks!

Update: let's see how the weather turns out. If it rains a lot we'll have to cancel this...

White....

Just a heads up: for at least one of the performances in SunCorp stadium, all dancers and percussionists will be dressed fully in white. I realise not everyone might have white pants, so here is some advance notice to pick up something next time you're in K-mart or so. I'm sure you can find something cheap (I found cheap white shoes for under $20 some years back).

If anyone has any suggestions on where to buy something like this, please post here as well. Thank you!