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

Band Members:

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

Hometown:

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania