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:

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

Hometown:

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania