Details for Saturday's gig @ SunCorp

Thanks to all of you who have replied to my emails, we currently have 13 people confirmed, with maybe a couple more. Will be a great vibe, I'm sure!

• Where: SunCorp Stadium (Reds vs Bulls)
• Timetable:
• 5.15pm I'll arrive with car & trailer, start unloading instruments
• 5.30pm you guys meet at boom gate, go to dress room for face painting
• 6.00pm - 7.00pm we play at Northern Plaza (Caxton Street end - this has changed). Some breaks in between 'sets'. I have requested NOT to play on both sides - too tiring
• 7.15pm - ready to play in stadium
• 7.30pm - kick-off, play during 1st and 2nd half

• Dress code - we'll get (new) Reds shirts, please wear black pants. This time we'll take the shirts home for use in next games
• No car parking unfortunately except for me and the trailer. The Reds does not have the arrangement with the car park opposite the stadium like Roar, unfortunately
• This time, no tickets available for guests, unfortunately. If anyone really needs one let me know though
• In case of rain we will seek shelter to protect instruments and fragile sambistas
• In case of a win, we hang around until the team leaves the field (I stuffed that up last time)
• Rehearsal this week and next week (15 and 22 April) will be free for all! Those people not playing on Saturday can buy me and other performers a beer ;-)

Erin	Caixa
Denis	Caixa
Remko	Repinique
Josh	Repinique
Darren	S1
Brian	S2
Fernando	S3
Will	S3
Warren	S3
Lynne	Shaker
Gail	Shaker
Claire	Tamborim
Pri	Tamborim

Some points that I feel I have to make, reluctantly:

• Of course, please be on time: 5.30pm sharp. Not 5.35pm, please plan ahead. As always we have to get in as a group because of security issues. 
• As you all know, no one in the samba school is required to play at gigs. If you do, fantastic, if not, that's really OK. I never put real pressure on people to play at a gig. However, once you have confirmed you play at a gig, I do expect you to be there. Of course this is because of the commitments we have as a group to the organiser, and to each other. Last minute cancellations certainly don't amuse me, and add to the level of stress during the gig, which makes it less enjoyable for everyone. Of course, legitimate reasons are OK.
• If you are playing at a gig (any gig), I expect you to be there for the full length of the gig, and not walk out in the middle of the event, unless agreed with me. Certainly not without discussing this with me. I feel such behaviour really lets the team down.

I look forward to playing again this Saturday, it has been too long already! And, there's more gigs coming up soon, as you know!

I will confirm who plays what instrument later this week by editing this post.

Any questions, let me know!

Heads up - upcoming gigs

Just a quick heads up about some exciting gigs in the next couple of months:

• Fri 30 April, 9pm - Queen Street Mall, to assist Dorian in her exciting Music Video Mash Up project and do the count down for the launch
• Tue 18 May, evening - Power house. Yes that's right, the Power house (turbine hall), home of our first ever gig and still one of the best places in Brisbane for us to perform. This will be for the awards ceremony for Dorian's project.
• Fri 28 May, evening - Sunnybank State Highschool, remember the great gig last year? Also Helen is teaching here, she joined us after seeing us last year!
• a couple more currently under negotiation, more info soon!

No need to confirm to me just yet, but maybe write it in your diary already!

No class tonight 8 April

Very very sorry, but I have been sick since Tuesday and, although I'm starting to get better, just not well enough for work or Samba tonight. Hope to see you next week!

Turma do Pagode

An interesting video clip from Turma do Pagode ( Sao Paulo, formed in 2006 ).

.

Upcoming gigs at SunCorp

Hi all

Following our success at Suncorp Stadium a few weeks ago we have been asked to play for the next 3 home games of the Reds!

The dates are:

• Saturday 17 April, 7.30pm
• Friday 23 April, 7.30pm
• Saturday 15 May, 7.30pm (this will be Fernando's last gig!!!!!!)

The times above are kick off times, so we would be playing some time before that.

Could you please let me know by email if you'd like to play on any/all of these? I hope to have all of you there, as always!

Cheers
Remko

PS: if we can do all gigs we'll have free rehearsals for over a month!

Samba World Percussion

Darren and myself are heading up to Ziggy's tomorrow morning.

http://www.sambaworldpercussion.com/index.html

If anyone wants anything please let us know and we can pick it up for you while we are there.

Cheers

Warren

Outstanding!

To everyone who played tamborim last night:

You all sounded terrific!

I felt like a proud Mama listening to all of you do such an amazing job at the schmeckedy-schmecking.

Keep up the good work!

No rehearsal next week, but....

I will be in Melbourne next week so will have to cancel next week's class (1 April), sorry about that. The Polish Club will be busy with Easter preparations so they might have cancelled us anyway.

However, tonight is a special night, as it's Eric's last time before he moves to the US. Let's have a few beers and a very special pagode, and sing lots of songs with the bateria.

Hope to see you tonight!

Foam

I bought a big box to carry all snares. To protect them, I'll need some foam, about 2-4 cm thick.
Does anyone have some spare foam around?

ABRASSO

Renata has asked me to tell everyone, the new Brasilian Association is holding an official launch cocktail party on Saturday, March 27, from 5pm to 8pm at the Sebel, corner of Charlotte and Ann Street. There will be music, capoeira etc. Forms attached.

Tribal?

OK you have to watch this one till the end. Hermeto Pascoal, from Brazil. Next rehearsal will be in my pool.

Parking at the Polish Club

Over the past few weeks, a number of times the second car park at the Polish Club was closed, causing all kind of issues. My understanding is that this is not intentional, and that the system has been malfunctioning.

I have written a letter to the president of the Polish Club asking for their help in resolving this urgently, in the meantime please could I ask you for your patience?

Staff at the Polish Club have access to a remote control, so they can open the barrier if necessary. It is always possible to drive out as this is sensor driven. So, if you are stuck for parking when you arrive, can I suggest you just let them know to open the gate? I know this is inconvenient, and hope this situation will be resolved asap. Thanks!

Thanks for today!

Thank you everyone for today, I think we did pretty well, especially given we didn't have any snare players. I'm not sure about you, but I was absolutely exhausted after all that, pretty much full on from 2pm till past 6pm.

I didn't know we were going to be in such a small area, I had understood we would have all the area between the stands and the end of the field. Hope it didn't feel to claustrophobic for you. And the rain in the second half only got us a little bit wet, thanks for persisting and continuing to play.

I loved the fantastic feedback from the audience, very positive! The radio calls were sometimes hard to follow, but at the end it took the burden away from me to decide when (not) to play.

I'll have a debrief with the event organisers later this week, I'll let you know the outcome. In the meantime, please let me know any comments you have.

Thanks very much again!

Details for Sunday's gig @ SunCorp

• What to wear: white pants. We will get Reds t-shirts
• Be there: 2.25pm sharp at the Castlemain Street boomgate. It is essential you are on time, as this is when we hand out the necessary wristbands etc.
• Free tickets: email me asap if you'd like to bring a guest
• What we'll do: 3-4pm we'll play at the South plaza (with breaks). 4.30pm till 6pm we'll play during the game. We probably switch sides after half-time.
• Parking - Reds doesn't have a deal with Inform, like Roar, so unfortunately no parking possible.

Instruments

Remko - Repinique

Josh - Repinique

Angus - 1st surdo

Darren - 1st surdo

Elwin - 2nd surdo

Melanie - 2nd surdo

Fernando - 3rd surdo

Warren - 3rd surdo

Brian - 3rd surdo

Pri - tamborim

Maria - tamborim

Eric - tamborim

Miki - Ganza

Gail - Ganza

Lynne - Ganza

Patty - Ganza

After football .... there's rugby!

Following our success with Brisbane Roar, we have been approached by the Reds (Rugby Union) to support them this Sunday afternoon 14 March, at SunCorp stadium! 

It's going to be different from the Roar, and we won't play in the stands but on the field. It's an experiment that I'm keen to try out, and I hope so are you! This is being organised by an event bureau so I'm very keen to show off what we can do!

We would need to be there around 2.30pm. We'd play before and during the game, which finishes at 6pm.

Please let me know ASAP if you're interested by email! 

A good session

Some feedback here: I thought there was a lot to like about last night's practice. I liked learning the beats around the table. I liked that we did 6/8. It's one of my favourite rhythms anyway, but also it's good to have a change from straight samba. I liked that there were opportunities to stop and really work over a section slowly when there was a glitch. That's how we're going to improve our technique.

Generally, I thought we had a good balance of playing and learning. A good night!

Chekere playing

Hi sambistas,
Thought some might appreciate the chekere playing on the jazz guitarist Grant Green's album "The Latin Bit". There is a dedicated chekere player on 6 of the 9 tracks (Carvin Masseaux).

Here is the first track, Mambo Inn. At about 0:50 the chekere holds down this fast triplet roll for the majority of the rest of tune! The dude must have pretty sore wrists.




I doubt he could do it while doing the Brisamba chekere dance though.

Hi all,

Long time no blog, long time no Polish beer and.... bloody long time no bateria!!
Anyway, an opportunity to see you guys again, so feel free to drop by at any time!!

The address is 7 Minno St in Chapel Hill! And NO GIFT POLICY (we move too often, unsustainable...)

Cheers
Cedric, Stephanie and the kids...

New Australian-Brazil Association - Qld Branch

Should we, as a Samba School, do something big with the new Queensland Australian-Brazil Association ( ABrAsso ) to mark its first year anniversary in 2011 ? Like a Carnival Parade or Brazilian Film Festival .

Below is an email message from Priscilla regarding the New Queensland Australian -Brazil Association:

" . . .Hi guys, How are things going?

Yes, I have disappeared but it is because Josh had a knee surgery and has been walking on crutches. Hopefully next week we will be able to go back to our beloved samba school!

Anyway, this is our new Brazilian Association, Abrasso. I hope we can have you and all Brisamba members as part of our team!

Is it possible to upload this to the Brisamba blog so everyone else can see the message? I wish I could email people individually, but do not have email addresses. :-( .

Maracatu Estrela Brilhante 2010 in Recife

From Batuque Brasileiro's blog .

Thank you

Just a quick thank you to everyone who helped pack tonight after rehearsal - it was a world record and I was actually home just after 10pm for a change!

It looks like the packing instructions on the trailer door work! So once I finished packing up the PA inside, everything was packed! And while I hooked up the trailer (with excellent help from Warren, Darren & Nicki) Brian switched off all the lights in the hall!

Thanks everyone, not everyone knows I also spend about 30 minutes setting up before the rehearsal so I'm pleased when I can leave that quickly too!

Another Saint Mary McKillop's Miracle ?

. . . . More miracles here !

Must watch - Tijuca Comissão de Frente

As some of you know, the Comissão de Frente is the head of a carnaval parade for a samba school, and often there's acrobatics and theatre involved. Well, Tijuca, this year's winners, thought it was time for some magic.

Have a look, and think of it next time you're getting dressed for the day!

Surdo levels

I thought some people might benefit from some 'goals' for various instruments. Here's a first attempt to document the levels for surdo players. Use it to set goals for yourself, or to plan where you want to be X months from now. Note this is not intended as a 'must achieve', the bateria can do with all levels, e.g. there's nothing wrong with someone who stays a 'level 1' surdo player and is able to play a strong 2nd surdo!

Here they are:

• Level 1 - able to maintain a strong rhythm on 1st or 2nd surdo, with little slowing down or speeding up
• Level 2 - able to confidently play the intro of a samba on 1st or 3rd surdo, as well as the most common breaks
• Level 3 - able to confidently play the common 3rd surdo rhythms
• Level 4 - able to play surdo solo, playing both 1st and 2nd surdo patterns, as used at the start of many sambas when there is just surdo, cavaquinho, and vocals
• Level 5 - able to play 3rd surdo improvisations that 'fit' within the context of the song

Each level implies complete mastery of the previous levels.

Comments please - does this help? Are the levels reasonable? If enough people like this I'll do the same for the other instruments!

Mangueira 2010

Surdo Choreography

Remko, Can we - all surdo players - practice the choreography similar to the videoclip linked below ?

Olodum
Olodum Alternative

It shows fearless commitment and dedication to the bloco. Will send shiver to the Roar's opponent.

Maracatu Voodooo Dance

Witch-doctor Brian trying to cure Maracatu possessed sambistas.

Doctor, doctor...

I need a maracatu fix. Gettin' twitchy, here. Haven't seen any swishy skirts or heard any shishy xeqeres in a long long time. How about it? :)

That was Amazing MkII

For more pictures, please try the link below:

Brisbane Roar Gig

That was AMAZING!!!

Congratulations to all of you for a VERY slick performance tonight. Before the game, in the stands, on the field, it all worked out beautifully. I sometimes have to remind myself that some of you have never played an instrument before. Congratulations!

Special congrats to Warren and Darren, they played surdo very well after only two classes. Well done guys!

Now, I also have some not so good news. Both Vitor and Martim are going back to Sao Paolo in the next couple of weeks, this was their last performance with us. Thank you guys for everything, you have inspired us very much in the past few months! Also, Peter is going to go to Germany for 6 months or so. Fortunately he'll be back after that!

Guys, again, well done for tonight, and thank you for helping me to make my dream possible!

Details for Saturday gig

I'll keep updating this post with details as they'll become available:

• Dress code: Roar shirt, white pants. Please no jeans/black pants. Our own white pants with the pink & green stripes are OK. I've got some spare ones if anyone needs them
• Be there: 5pm - at Inform car park opposite main vehicle entrance on Castlemaine Street
• Parking at the Inform carpark has been arranged for Erin, Denis, Claire, Lynne, Patty, Elwin and myself ONLY. We will get all instruments from the trailer, and won't have a dressing room. You can leave stuff in my car if you want.
• Guest tickets - I'll distribute those shortly after 5pm at the car park.
• The event is a big deal - TV all over the place. Please be on time and take the time to listen to instructions, we only have a few days to organise this.
• We'll play during the game, at half time, and most likely also before the game on both north and south plaza. During the game, we'll have our own section (for the whole samba school, not limited to 6 this time). We'll get assistance from 200 kids.
• Keep checking the blog for updates please

Here are some of the calls we'll do when in the stands:

• Crowd1
• Crowd2
• Crowd3
• Crowd4

This is the break we'll do once we're all gathered at the centre of the field.

And this is the grand final at the end of our half time performance.

Instruments

First Surdo: Mike, Will

Second Surdo: Brian, Darren

Third Surdo: Fernando, Martim, Artur, Warren

Caixa: Denis, Vitor, Jason, Peter

Shaker: Sarah, Gail, Lynne, Patty, Elwin, Zelia, Miki

Tamborim: Claire, Erin

Grouping for pre-match performances

Caxton Street side: Jason, Vitor, Claire, Gail, Fernando, Lynne, Will, Elwin, Miki, Darren, Warren

Milton Road side: Remko, Erin, Mike, Sarah, Denis, Brian, Patty, Peter, Martim, Artur, Zelia

Aisles/sectors for half time performance

339: Denis, Gail, Brian

340: Vitor, Miki, Darren

301: Fernando, Lynne

302: Patty, Martim

303: Artur, Zelia

304: Erin, Claire, Warren

308: Mike, Sarah, Peter

309: Jason, Elwin, Will

(refer to map for location)

Gig THIS SATURDAY - SunCorp stadium

As discussed on Thursday, we've got a special event at SunCorp stadium this Saturday 30 January. Brisbane Roar has made an announcement about a temporary coach for a couple of weeks. He happens to be Dutch, but has got roots in Surinam and Curacao, two places I lived when I was a child. His name is Patrick Kluivert.

I am currently discussing exactly what we'll do, but it will involve the whole samba school, playing on the plaza, in the crowd (looks like we'll get our own section) and on the field. Again, details to be confirmed.

Because of time constraints, I would appreciate it if you could let me know asap if you can be part of this - via email.

Kick off will be at 6pm, I think we'd need to be there 5pm.

UPDATE: well we will do something very special indeed! What do you think about a paradinha with REAL fireworks????!!!!!

Gig alert

I am currently discussing a few gigs, here are the details so far for your information:

• Sat 30 January 6pm - the last Roar game of the season. This is going to be a special one, and if all is going ahead we would have the whole samba school perform in a very, very special way, maybe supported by 400 kids. I would love to be able to do this with ALL of you. I have further details that I'll discuss tonight as I shouldn't put these on the Internet...
• Somewhere in June, we might play at the Eumundi markets, during a body painting festival, leading a parade of, well, painted people. Might result in some good pictures! And maybe we can paint Brian as well. It's a bit of a drive, but maybe we can make a day of it. I can only do this if enough people are interested in this - let me know. We could car pool, and maybe combine with a Noosa visit.

Happy new year - first rehearsal 2010

Everyone HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Hope you all had a great break and a nice Xmas. I have been pretty much isolated from the rest of the world down in Tassie, with no email and no mobile phone for weeks. Refreshing...

The first rehearsal for this year will be next week, Thursday 21 January. I know I said earlier we would start the 14th but we still have interstate guests and I am also busy with a few other things this week, so best to start relaxed the week after. I know most of you are keen to get going again so apologies for that, and see you next week!

Remko

Last Pictures of the Year

The pictures are a bit grainy. I've tried not to use the flash in order include the Christmas trees' lights that Remko has put them on specially for us !.

Last rehearsal for 2009

This Thursday 10 December is the last rehearsal for 2009. I propose we make it quite informal, with lots of pagode, time for socialising, and lots of fun.

If you want to bring some nibblies you're more than welcome!

I will also have a little present for everyone....

And, this Thursday's class will be free for everyone again.

I really hope to see all of you there, before we break for the holidays!

Well done everyone!

Flamengo e Samba

Details for Sunday's gig @ SunCorp

Hi all, here are the details for tomorrow's gig at SunCorp.

Unfortunately, I won't be able to make it due to prior commitments that I thought I could change but it turns out I can't. Jason has kindly agreed to step in and lead the bateria! Please help him out.

Dress code: white pants, Orange Roar shirt. For those who don't have a Roar shirt, there will be some extra ones available in the dressing room. Hang on to them for next time!

Everyone assemble at Inform (radio lollipop) car park, opposite the main boom gate at Castlemain Street. Please be there 5.45pm. You will receive tickets, wristbands and be lead into the stadium and to the dressing room. I will have parked the trailer at the carpark previously, please carry all instruments and bags inside to the dressing room.

We'll have a dressing room, and I've asked for a separate dressing room for the 3 dancers. Please set up, ready to go for half time at 6.45pm. I believe the first 7 minutes of half time will be commercials, but don't count on it - be ready on time!

The half time performance will last 7.30 minutes max, and will go as follows:

1. bateria walks out of centre tunnel (without playing), sets up in front of stage
2. Jason walks out of centre tunnel, playing paradinhas. Bateria responds (of course!)
3. Jason walks to front of stage as well (whilst playing paradinhas)
4. Samba for 2 minutes or so
5. Dancers come out of centre tunnel (walking with grace, but not dancing) then dance on top of stage
6. Optional: Jason enters stage and interacts (musically) with dancers
7. bateria + dancers + Jason walk back to centre tunnel while playing

So ONLY the dancers (and maybe Jason) will go on the stage!

Following the half time performance, I'd like to ask the following players to play in the Den with Jason (repinique): Elwin (2nd surdo), Mike (1st surdo), Fernando (3rd surdo), Gail (shaker), Vitor (caixa)

Everyone else, please take instruments back to dressing room. I will arrive into the stadium about 7.30pm with my car + trailer, and we will be able to load the instruments into there without going back to the lollipop carpark.

Carol & Michael's BBQ

Short notice - entirely my fault as I've been 100% flat out since Wednesday. Sorry!

Carol & Michael are organising a BBQ tomorrow Sunday 29 November at the Roma Street Parklands (where we had the Multicultural festival). It starts around 11am (yes, in time for lunch!).

BYO drinks & food.

Please RSVP (0431 320 754) by Thursday (sorry!). They will provide plates, knives etc.

I understand it will be next to the main stage but check with Carol to be sure.

Flamengo

Possible SunCorp gig this Sunday evening

As you are all aware, over the last few weeks we have been playing with a small number of people (different people each game) in the stands during Brisbane Roar games.

It has been tough as not everyone likes samba, and the people that don't like something typically are more vocal than the ones that do appreciate it. But we are making progress and this might become a regular thing, with better cooperation with the fans down the track.

This Sunday, they again want 6 drummers in the stands. But on top of that, we have been invited (all of us!) to perform at half time on the stage on the field for 7 minutes. We haven't formalised anything yet but I'm sure we'll get there. We also have been asked to provide dancers in costume.

So, this might be our last gig before we break for Xmas, and it would be a great way of showing what we are capable of.

We'll discuss this further tomorrow during the rehearsal! Hope to see you there!

Denis' Party

Posting on behalf of Denis,

To all sambistas,

Denis is putting up a party for us all to celebrate Remko's new trailer mkII.

When: Saturday, December 5th @ 7:00 pm

Where: 14 Eckersley Street , TARRAGINDI

B.Y.O. drinks and musical instrument .
.

Merry melee this Sat

Hey sambistas,
Join the merry melee at 51 Burlington St, East Brisbane (5 min from Mowbray Park ferry stop) from 3pm this Saturday, 21st Nov. Bring an instrument if you feel the itch! Partners and kids welcome (we have a house full of things for kids to bash/juggle/watch/dance to). Food and non-alc drinks provided, additions welcomed.
Hope to see you there!
Will

Tonight's rehearsal

I particularly enjoyed tonight's rehearsal! Thank you all who were there, you were magnificent!

Christmas break

It's that time of the year again where people think less about Samba and more about Xmas presents. So, to allow you to plan your shopping trips, here's the holiday schedule:

• Last rehearsal 2009: Thursday 10 December
• First rehearsal 2010: Thursday 17 January

Don't worry, I'll give you homework to do for the period in between :-)

I hope to see as many as you as possible during the next 5 weeks - we have made some significant progress this year however we could do more and make it even more interesting if everyone attended every class each time.

By the way, why is it that the moment there is any sign of the slightest bit of rain, people don't come to samba rehearsal? Let me know your theory by commenting to this post (Brian is only allowed one comment!!!)

350 drumming event. Saturday 24th Oct.

Hi everyone,
If you want to make some noise this Saturday 24th Oct to voice concerns over arguably the biggest natural phenomenon we will ever experience (WHOA! climate change baby!) and the lack of action on behalf of the powers-that-be, then there is a 350.org event at the West End markets, 11-1pm.

350 drums and 350 frisbees is their goal - 350 cause that is the agreed safe upper limit for CO2 in our atmosphere (in parts per million).

It's a pretty ambitious goal and a pretty awesome cause, so I'm heading along. It would be great to have some rhythmically knowledgeable folks there, such as yourselves, to make 350 drums sound less like this and more like this or this or this, especially if you support the cause.

Here is the event page:
http://www.350.org/node/5431
and here is a video on the 350 project, a massive global project:


Hope to see peeps there. Volume up, CO2 down!
Will

Tomorrow's class cancelled

Based on the poll on the Blog, I have decided to cancel tomorrow's class :-(

Firstly, you all deserve a little break after two great performances in two weeks!

From a more practical point of view, for those who haven't heard yet, my two-week old trailer has been written off by the insurance company after a neighbor accidently hit the accelerator instead of the break when she was trying to reverse close to where my trailer was parked. I am of course trying to get a new trailer asap but this might take weeks. I will need some help in the next few weeks I think to transport instruments :-(

Enjoy your Thursday evening - can I suggest you put on a CD with Brazilian music to stay in the mood...

Claire's House Warming

Hi Sambistas!

I'm throwing a house warming party on Saturday 7th November from 3pm and it would be great if you could join me! There'll be a BBQ so bring whatever meat and alcohol you want to consume and I'll provide the rest. Partners and kids are welcome as well as musical instruments!

My new place is in Wynnum and because it's not a brilliant idea to post addresses on the internet, I will send you my proper address when you RSVP claire.petersen@brisamba.com .

Hope you can make it!

Cheers,

Claire

P.S. There is plenty of space if anyone needs to stay overnight (but you might be on the floor).

Thank you for today

Thank you all for yet another great performance today. To me, it sounded really good. It was fun, having to start and stop so often, and I saw a lot of people laughing because of it. Of course, we all wanted to play more at the end, unfortunately that was not possible because of the programming on the stages nearby, as we're a little bit loud...

Thanks to Elwin for doing a great job as a referee - this turned out to be really important as the inflatable pitch was so high I couldn't always see what was going on.

Regarding Thursday, I'll put on a little vote to the right of this page.

Thanks again all!

Details for Sunday's Multicultural Festival

Here are the details for Sunday's gig at the Multicultural Festival:

• Location: Roma Street Parklands, inflatable soccer pitch
• Time: performance 2.15pm - 2.35pm, please be there 1.30pm as we may need to discuss a few things
• Dress code: white pants, Mangueira shirt, no hat. Elwin, could you please dress in black?
• Parking only available for Dale and myself (access through gate 13 via Parkland Crescent)

Thursday we'll rehearse our cues again. Remember, don't get distracted by the game too much, keep an eye on me. Also remember to have lots of fun, this will be controlled chaos and I think we're going to have a good laugh!

Parading

One of the things that was clear last Sunday was that we still have some way to go in how we parade. Fair enough, we didn't even know we were parading until 2 minutes before time, and on the second occasion they even changed plans while we were mid way on the field, but I know we can do better.

And yes, the pace of walking has a lot to do with this.

Any suggestions and ideas on how we could practice this would be appreciated!

What was I doing in Melbourne on Saturday?

What can I say?

This picture says it all! I hope you all had a great time, I know the crowd really appreciated it and I've already been asked if we want to join the Orange Army again this Saturday! Thank you all for making this possible on such short notice!

PS: Jason - have a good look at the picture. Look at everyone's pants - looks great doesn't it? Look at everyones bare head - also looks great doesn't it. All the same, one might say 'uniform'. Very professional. Oh wait, someone is standing out...... ;-)

Details for Sunday @ SunCorp

Please check this post for updates at least Saturday & Sunday morning

Car parking

There are 6 x car park spots in radio Lollypop’s car park for Remko, Trailer, Dale, Patty, and Claire.

This car park is directly opposite the stadium at the Inform building, 67 Castlemaine street. A volunteer will open the gates to let you guys in. do NOT enter without the event staff being present....THIS HAS TO HAPPEN....

All vehicles must be at entry gate at 2.30pm....to be admitted.

Entry, Accreditation and Game Tickets

All drummers will receive their accreditation and game tickets at the one time. This time will be at 2.40pm at the radio lollypop car park. Each drummer will receive 2 tickets to match. (The six with the Orange Army will be given 3 or 4 tickets to ensure we have room for your drums and yourselves. You will be sitting in three groups of two about 2 to 3 metres from each other).

All drummers will enter stadium via security control gate and be escorted by an event staff member to Band Room.

Band Room

Chaperone will direct you to our event room (the Band Room)...where your group can leave drums and gear. This event room will still be used by my staff. Valuables can be left in lockable lockers in the room.

From here your game tickets will be processed by scanning. You will be shown the only route for movement from Room to Field, Room to Plazas and Room to their game seats. This will be tightly monitored. We CANNOT have people wandering around back stage...particularly with Foxsports and ourselves producing live football and live television....Security WILL enforce. Can’t stress this enough.

Room will be locked during game...so all drummers are either in their game day seats or with you in Orange Army bay during the match. If they wish to leave after their halftime performance that is okay.

Performances

North Plaza ( Paddington end) Remko's group 3.26pm to 3.36pm

South Plaza (Milton Station end) Jason's group 3.26pm to 3.36pm

Field of Play all 3.47pm to 3.51pm

Orange Army: Remko, Fernando, Jason, Mike, Angus, Martinho, Elwin, Patty/Miki 4.06pm to 4.45pm

Halftime (Field of Play) all 4.57pm to 5.00pm

Orange Army: Remko, Fernando, Jason, Mike, Angus, Martinho 5.06pm to 5.45pm

Please note we will inform all drummers of their route for entering and leaving everywhere on Sunday.

Foot wear

Please ensure that all drummers have closed in footwear...no thongs, no football boots!!

Rider

Water will be supplied for all performances. Limited Soft drinks and sandwiches will be available for both drummers and event staff and volunteers. We will all share.

Friends

Please note that if they are going to give their tickets to friends then we can arrange for these to be picked up by their friends/family from the South Plaza ticket gates......at the ROAR members window. No friends/family will be permitted back stage. We have accreditations for the performers ONLY. WE will not be discussing on the day who gets in and who doesn’t. There will be envelopes for you to place tickets in for friends/family etc.

Exiting venue

When the drummers wish to leave they MUST return to Band Room and retrieve their drums and leave via the ring road under the stadium and out through the security control gate they first entered the stadium through and then onto Castlemaine Street.

Roar gig this Sunday

Great news, the gig in SunCorp Stadium this Sunday 11 October for Queensland Roar has been confirmed. Some details yet to follow, but what I know so far:

• starting 3.15pm with some pre-match entertainment, both on the plazas and on the field
• up to 6 of us to join the "Orange Army" to see how we can contribute to the atmosphere. Don't worry you can all be there in the crowd, just for the moment they want to limit this to 6 percussionists as it's a bit of an experiment (we're talking about doing this on a regular basis based on the outcome)
• On field performance during break
• Two match tickets for everyone (that's you plus one guest)
  
• I'll try to get Roar shirts - looks like this is now confirmed as well.
  
• Performers room with water, soft drinks and hopefully some sandwiches

Sounds good? More details to follow. If you haven't yet registered for this gig please send me an email asap. Attendance this Thursday pretty much mandatory (free class).

Surdos for sale

Five Surdos of various sizes 18" and 22". Assorted samba instrument for sale. New and used earplugs for sale as well .

Make an offer !

Contact Brian or Denis.

Instruments next two weeks

Hi all, I will need your help this Thursday and the week after with instrument transport.

I have bought a new car that will be delivered on Friday, but it won't fit the instruments. I decided I no longer will put up with all the damage that is being done to my car because of ongoing instrument transport, so instead of buying a Wagon I bought a car with a tow bar, and I will get a trailer for all instruments (so no longer necessary for anyone to take surdos home!).

It will take a few weeks for the trailer to be completed, so in the meantime I hope you can help out by taking home some of the instruments, in particular surdos! Thank you!

Tomorrows festivities!

Hey everyone,

Reminder about tomorrow.

Where: 53 Vernon Tce, Newstead. Our building is the red brick Mactaggarts woolstore right next to the Teneriffe Citycat terminal/ bus stop. Please go around the back of the building to where the river is, and look for us in the pool/BBQ area out the back of the building. I have to buzz you in so call out to me!

Parking: There's parking on the streets and also in a big 3 storey carpark building beside our building, if you turn into its driveway just drive directly down toward the river and there's visitor parking there too.

When: 12pm, Saturday 12th September (TOMORROW!)

BYO: Meat, salads, alcohol. I will supply a few loaves of bread, chips and soft drinks. Also BYO instruments!! We will play pagode =)



If you need helf or have questions, please call me on 0402 373 669.

See you tomorrow!
Reni

Multicultural Festival 2009

I just had some discussions with the organisation for the Multicultural Festival (Roma Street parklands) and it is pretty much agreed we would take part in this in a weird and wonderful and original way. Approx 2pm, 18 October.

If you like to get involved, put it in your diary now :-)

Survey

In my never ending quest for improvements in the Samba School, I will send you each a short survey in the next few days with a few basic questions.

I'd really appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to email me back the completed form.

Thanks
Remko

Brasil Independence Day/ Adios Ereni!

Hello lovely sambistas,

I remember someone making a suggestion about having a shindig to celebrate Brasil telling the Portuguese to get lost in 1822, who's still up for that? I am departing for Spain on September 20, so it would be nice to make it a little farewell party as well *choking back tears*.

For a little change of scenery (unless you all want to have it at Orleigh Park in West End or somewhere else) I'd like to invite you all to my place in Teneriffe- we have a great BBQ and pool area overlooking the river.

Saturday September 12
12pm onwards
53 Vernon Terrace, Newstead
BYO food and alcohol, some nibblies and soft drinks provided (BBQ available)
As there is only enough seating for 6-8 people, please bring your own seating or a blanket to spread over the grass.

Please rsvp asap!

Reni

C&K Kindy Gig

To those lucky enough.
The gig this Sunday is at the C&K West End, Kindergarten.
This is half way along Corbett Street in West End.
The event is from 10 - 12 noon, and we play at about 11.40.
There is a lot a of coffee and even more cake, so feel free to arrive early and stuff your face. Please let Remko or myself know if you can play.

Workshop

Hey Brian,

Keen to do Samba workshop.

Are you going to post details?

Another 'big' gig coming up!

Well, we have played big gigs before:

• We played at the Gold Coast Indy, several times
• We lead the Australia day parade
• We lead the Pride parade a few times
• We played for 40,000 people in SunCorp stadium
• We did a segment on 'Toast TV', broadcast nationally

... so we have enough experience for the next gig:

• Sunday 23 August, about 11:45am
• Angus son's Kindy, somewhere in West End (to be confirmed)

I'd like to get a smallish group together for this one, as to not damage those little ear drums, please email me if you'd like to be involved, and I will let you know if we can fit it in!

Sounds like fun!

Nice video from Brian's excellent blog

Finally

Finally got into the blog

Gig: Soiree

Do you remember the gig we did at UQ last year, on a late afternoon, in front of a bunch of very enthusiastic students? It was a lot of fun, and I remember some of you commenting that this was the best gig ever.

Well we have been invited again!

Saturday 8 August, 5pm; please be there 4.30pm
International House, Glasshouse Road, St Lucia
(within University of Queensland)
White pants, Mangueira shirt

More details to follow here, but let me know if you can make it by sending me an email please!

Brazilian Independence day

(Posted on behalf of Lynne)

No it's not the lastest Spielberg movie.

Sept 7 is Brasil's independence day and I thought it was a good excuse for a party.

I suggest Sat Sept 5 maybe New Farm Park. Music, Feijoada,Caipirinhas etc.

Suggestions re date, venue etc welcome.

Whose interested???


Lynne

Digital Couch

Who needs TV when you can create your own entertainment !? !?

This is a link to the blog I have set up as Remko had suggested. It's not only Samba but MODERN Brazilian ( and Portuguese ) music as well , from my perspective. My own archive of this fascinating culture . . . . as I rummage through the internet .

I don't know why I want to do this. . . . May be the fear of being banished from the Brisamba Blog ?

I'll post some more interesting video clips as I go. Any suggested musicians are welcome . Like to discover new unknown good musicians.

Andreia Dias - Seu Retrato

Interesting Cuica playing.

Try this

Try this

Brian has missed this one!

No class NEXT week 23 July

I'm not available next week so unfortunately will have to cancel the class on Thursday 23 July. I look forward to seeing you all this week 16 July though.

PS: On Thursday, I'll have a little present for all of you that played at SunCorp!

Well done everybody!!!

Well done everybody today! It was a fantastic performance, as I expected it was much more powerful than during the rehearsal on Saturday, and I was really proud to see you guys play after all the other groups.

I'm sorry I didn't have the chance to speak with all of you following the event - it was a bit chaotic as you may have noticed.

I had an interesting perspective, being in the position to see each group perform up close, then watch all of you. Certainly you can all be proud of what is a great group of people.

Congratulations to all of you who had their first performance: parabens!

My best wishes go to Byron and Maria, both too sick to perform. I know you wanted to.... there will be a next time.

Also applause to Denis who switched group at the last minute to strengthen the numbers of the Middle East group that had been struck by swine flue.

Finally, thanks to Melanie and Dale for helping out with the Surdo transport!

This was the third year in a row that we played at "Queensland Roars against Racism", this must be a credit to the quality of what we do! So let's keep going!!!

QRAR: late change!!!

Firstly, thank you all for attending the rehearsal today, at the end it was really getting together. I'm sure all of you will be very impressive tomorrow!!!

There has been a late change for the performers welcome tomorrow. The time is still 3.25pm, but you now have to be on the northern side of the stadium (Caxton street side), on the grass area to the right of the path to the stadium entrance! See you there!

Further details QRAR

Rehearsal - tomorrow Saturday 11 July 3pm

• Location: Sunnybank State High School oval. Best parking and access to the oval from Gager Street
• I will need a few of you to take the place of the Aboriginal group, who are not able to attend the rehearsal. I suggest all tamborim players!
  

Performance - Sunday 11 July

• Melanie and Dale - car arrangements will be announced during the rehearsal tomorrow. They have changed from what I announced yesterday.
  
• Everyone else: please be outside the Suncorp Stadium boom gate closest to Cordova Street no later than 3.25pm. If you miss this time you will NOT be able to enter the stadium!
  
• Unfortunately, there will be no dressing rooms available inside, so everyone will need to come in their costume, carrying their own drum (except for surdo players).
• Costume: white pants, Mangueira shirt. No high heels (not even Denis)!
• If people need parking, the Polish Club has allowed us to park on their parking, preferably on the lower area. It's about a 15-20 minutes walk to the stadium.
• It will all be over by 4.15pm, the performance is about 3.59pm
  

Important note: for both the rehearsal and the performance, please be on time. We have extremely tight schedules. Thank you!

Cheeky Forro Dancers

Never mind Tom Ze's good music, keep a watchful eye on the cheeky and playful dancers. Sorry Remko, can't sleep after Samba tonight.

Note: Don't go to the "Josenid.blogspot.com" the video is too small. Stay in google and click the image on your left .

Queensland Roars agains Racism - rehearsals

With only 4 days to go there's still a lot of work to do regarding our performance this Sunday:

• At tomorrow's rehearsal we'll again spend some time rehearsing 'Recordar'. Can I ask everyone to please be on time as some people will need to leave early tomorrow.
• We'll have another rehearsal, this time with ALL performers. This will be this Saturday, 3pm at Sunnybank State Highschool oval (some of you have been here before!). I hope everyone can make it to this one.

Another couple of points regarding these rehearsals:

• Some members haven't attended last Thursday and Sunday's rehearsals. As the arrangement is not trivial, and we won't be able to 'wing it', I like everyone to attend both rehearsals
• I was a little bit embarrassed on Sunday when half of the Samba School rocked up over 15 minutes late. On Saturday we'll rehearse with 120 performers so please be on time, preferably even early.

I will post details about the Sunday logistics in the next few days, still things to sort out...

Cheers

Remko

kuduro

I find the "mutant" steps quite fascinating with the dangling arms. Haven't seen in it catch on in the US yet.

Kuduro dance

These kids , from Angola, copy Remko's dance style and move a notch higher. Quite big in Angola and immigrants in Portugal. Wonder what the Brazilian kids can do ?

Naná Vasconcelos and Maracatu

Have you guys seen this clip yet ?

Extra rehearsal this Sunday

Thank you for the overwhelming response for playing at Queensland Roars against Racism on Sunday 12 July at SunCorp stadium. We currently have over 110 percussionists confirmed from 7 groups (Brazil, Sri Lanka, Middle East, Burundi, China, Cook Islands, Aboriginal).

Note there will be two rehearsals:

• This Sunday 5 July 3pm at the Polish Club
• Saturday 11 July (the day before the performance), time/location to be confirmed but likely to be at Ballymore stadium.

We'll also practice some breaks tonight at our regular rehearsal but this is part of what we do normally anyway.

Shaker with attitude

Two minutes into the performance, watch out for the Japanese female shaker on the left .

Volunteers wanted

If you have a little bit of time left and want to do something extra for the samba school, I could do with a couple of volunteers for the following tasks:

• Collect/make photos of all current members (in action!), as well as some further information like 'date of joining', 'a short paragraph about yourself' and 'favorite instrument'. This information will then be uploaded to a new 'who is who' page on the members area of the brisamba.com website. We have so many people now so it will make it easier for new members to learn who is who.
  
• Investigate new surdo straps. This job is probably best for a surdo player. Investigate what kind of strap is best, where to get them from, what price, or do we need to make something ourselves or get some made for us.

Please email me or post a comment if you would like to help with either task. Thank you!

João Rabello – An Experience In Six Strings

The guitar is central to the Brazilian musical experience. From great composers like Villa-Lobos, to folk forms like samba and bossa-nova, the guitar has played a pivotal role in unifying "high" and "low" music. In a country as large as Brazil, with such a rich musical heritage this means a lot. The guitar became popular there even before emerging as a concert instrument in Europe in the 20th century.

João Rabello has been described as a member of Brazil's elite register of musicians; little surprise when he can claim legendary guitar players on both sides of his family going back four generations. An Experience In Six Strings is João Rabello's tour through the universe of the Brazilian guitar. From the traditional to the vanguard, from the north to the south, this repertoire is for those who wish to hear a small piece of a long history carried in six strings.

• Fri 17 July 8pm
• The Tivoli
• Tickets: Full $39 Conc $29
• Bookings: 132 849 or www.qmf.org.au

Barbatuques: Baiana

This is an interesting Brazilian body percussion group

Gail's holiday party

(posted on Gail's behalf)

Why: Come and celebrate with a night of European food with ME before we leave.

When: From 7-ish onwards, Saturday 27 June

Where: 18 Neata Street, Corinda (0407 583 452)

Wear any of your favourite holiday gear (the more German, French, Irish, Spanish, Italian and/or English the better)

BYO drinks

Suncorp stadium gig - registration open!

As you probably know, we have been invited to play at Queensland Roars against Racism again on Sunday afternoon 12 July. This will be for about 55,000 visitors, a full house!

I'd like as many people as possible to play that day, we're working together with other groups as well so it's going to be something really really special.

Please let me know by email if you want to be there (and why wouldn't you!).

One thing, unfortunately it is extremely unlikely this year that we'll get tickets to see the game itself. Mind you, we would have to prepare anyway during the first half, however I think some of you may still be disappointed. Sorry, this is very much outside my control.

Cheers

Remko

Fete de la Musique - well done!

Well done everyone, despite the rain and the resulting lack of a real crowd, you all did very well indeed! Applause for Belinda, Fiona and Peter, it was their first gig with us!!!

And now for the next one....!

Reminder - Fete de la Musique this Sunday

All are invited, please let me know if you haven't done so yet.

• When: Sunday 21 June 2009, 11am - 12.30am, please be there 10.30am
• Where: New Farm Park "rotonda" (the music pavilion close to the road next to the river)
• Dress: Mangueira shirts, white pants, and/or creative pink/green
  

I'd love for all of you to be there - it's a big park ;-)

It has been suggested to have a picnic after this, I think this is an excellent idea. We can also play some pagode during this if you're up to it!

Marcio Local

Check this group out. They play good samba using daggy musical instruments such as the melodica, " ukelele" ( according to the translation ) and spoons ( wood ).


Have problem uploading the clip

Ile Aiye

These chaps seem to enjoy themselves, indeed.

. . . Surdo Limbo dancing anyone ?

Hot banana news!

*** Hot news ***

Patty just sent me an email regarding Fete de la Musique this Sunday, she is going to dress up as a banana! I really look forward to it!

Gig - Fete de la Musique

As you are hopefully aware, we again have been invited to play at this year's Fete de la Musique. Last year we played in Queen Street mall, and this year we'll play at Newfarm Park:

• When: Sunday 21 June 2009, 11am - 12.30am
• Where: New Farm Park "rotonda" (the music pavilion close to the road next to the river)
• Dress: Mangueira shirts, white pants, and/or creative pink/green
  

I'd love for all of you to be there - it's a big park ;-)

Please drop me an email to let me know if you will or will not play.

It has been suggested to have a picnic after this, I think this is an excellent idea. We can also play some pagode during this if you're up to it!

Brisamba on Brisbane City Council site

Please check us out on the following Fete de la Musique site. We're on front page !

Fete de la Musique: June 21st

After all the talk on the previous blog, are we doing any gig for the Fete de la Musique this year ?

Songs!!!!

Just letting you know I decided to bite the bullet: I just ordered an amplifier that we can use to connect to the big speakers in the Polish Club. This means that, hopefully from next week, finally we will be able to rehearse all kind of different songs, with vocal(s) and cavaquinho(s), and beautiful, beautiful arrangements.

This will be the start of a new era within the samba school, with focus shifting from just percussion to using percussion in combination with songs. You will not be bored. We will still practice rhythms, even new rhythms, so you should see this as an extension, not a replacement, of what we do. As I said, this will result in much more variety and this can lead to some big things in the future.

In the short term, this means that our lovely tamborim section will need to rehearse the songs that I arranged last year, and that I'll have to work on new arrangements. Also, we need to extend the tamborim section with people that will nail these advanced arrangements and that can either already read sheet music or that are prepared to learn. Let me know!

Regarding songs, I am very much open for suggestions on what other songs to make arrangements for. Again, let me know!

I am excited!