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:

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

Band Members:

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

Hometown:

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania