Bloco B

BLOCO B, born out of Bristol’s Bloco dos Sujos (directed by Paul Baxter) in 2018, continues to teach, perform and celebrate Rio de Janeiro Carnival style samba under the new leadership of Terry Moore and musical director Matt Manley. With an emphasis on creating authentic versions of Rio samba tunes, BLOCO B uses rhythm, song, melody and dance. Blending percussion and drumming (bateria) with singers, cavaquinho players and dancers, BLOCO B strives for excellence by providing a platform for its members to perform and enjoy Afro Brazilian culture through music and dance. This involves a rich program of workshops and events for beginners and experienced musicians by bringing in high calibre teachers and performers from around the samba community. BLOCO B has strong links with local and international groups involved in the same genre of music. These include London School of Samba, Paraíso School of Samba in London and Portela Escola de Samba in Rio de Janeiro, to name but a few. BLOCO B plays samba as played in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo where it is truly the popular art of the people. Some of the group's members visit Brazil to play and learn directly from some of the most highly regarded schools of samba in Rio, such as Portela. Samba cannot be separated from carnival so the band prepares itself to take part in events such as St Paul’s Carnival in Bristol, Notting Hill Carnival in London and, of course, Rio Carnival itself, again, to name but a few. BLOCO B believes in fairness, community involvement and the promotion of positive attitudes, respect and inclusion. Honouring the musical traditions of this amazing music is at the heart of what it does and BLOCO B will challenge you not to move and be moved!