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

Band Members:

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

Hometown:

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania