PhillyBloco is modeled after the blocos of Rio de Janeiro, with their large percussion sections and harmonic/vocal accompaniment. Our group is comprised of twelve drummers, electric guitar, bass guitar, vocals, horn section, accordion, and Brazilian dancers. The group performs a raucous mash-up of SAMBA, FUNK, REGGAE and more made popular by both Brazilian and non-Brazilian artists including: Olodum, Timbalada, Monobloco, Bob Marley and Stevie Wonder. The one constant in all of our music is a heavy percussive element (12 drummers!) that we use to explore the tremendous range of Brazilian rhythms, applying our own unique creativity and energy to each arrangement. Our music is extremely high energy, full of passion and feeling. We want to make people dance, feel good, and give them something to celebrate every time they see us perform! 23-piece ensemble of Brazilian, Samba, Funk, Reggae & other up-tempo music influences from around the world. Philadelphia's only Brazilian funk orchestra!

Genres:

International, R&b/soul, Brazilian, Reggae, Rnb-soul, Funk, Samba

Band Members:

Dave Palan- Bass Guitar, Ed Dobbs- Lead Guitar, Dave Champion- Trombone, Andy Vernon- Caixa, Agogo, Lela Patrick- Dance, Bart Miltenberger- Trumpet, Timbal, Congas, Dustin Beck- Keyboard, Tamborim, Mary Mitman- Surdo, Kurt Mitman- Caixa, Stuart Feldman- Tamborim, Cuica, Mark Stehle- Repinique, Thomas Razier- Saxophone, Shekere, Adwoa Tacheampong- Vocals, Jon Thompson- Saxophone, Triangle, Liz Smith- Dance, Chocalho, Kim Tice- Accordion, Catherine Moorwood- Repinique, Justin Moore- Trombone, Angelica Cassimiro- Dance, Surdo, Jay Beck- Vocals, Paul Williams- Caixa, Josh Anderson- Trumpet, Adam Hershberger- Trumpet, Josh Warner- Surdo, Martha Grace- Tamborim, Mike Stevens- Musical Director, Cymbals, Ali Stumacher- Tamborim

Hometown:

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania