Maracatu Project

Maracatu workshops led by Sam Alexander: a leading musician with international acclaim & teacher of Brazilian music.
Together with MAGIC DRUM in collaboration with Dorchester Community Samba Band, Dorchester Community Choir & B Sharp.
*Performance SAT DECEMBER 5TH 7.30pm at DORCHESTER ARTS CENTRE.

B Sharp have been invited by Music Leaders Ralph and Glyn from Magic Drum to join with others in Dorchester for Maracatu workshops which is similar to Samba, and uses very similar instruments but it’s from a much more African part of Brazil (the North East) and so in a way is more rootsy .

It’s for anyone who’s into drumming (and/or singing) and will be led by Sam Alexander, who is not only incredibly experienced in Brazilian music – he’s also great fun to work with.  He was one of the first people to play with the London School of Samba when it set up in the 80s (and was the first UK samba band), he has helped set up Samba groups all over the UK and nowadays does lots of this kind of work in London – including performing in the Notting Hill Carnival.
The workshops will have a different feel to the kind of stuff we have done with the Magic Drum Orchestra so far…..there’s more singing involved and we will be working with members of the Dorchester Community Choir and people from other Samba bands in the area: the organisers want this to be a BIG project with lots of people.
This will give you the opportunity to learn more new stuff with a real expert and over the course of three workshops pick up new skills as well as working towards some live performances, which will be a street parade and a public performance in Dorchester in early December.

Dates
Saturday’s 7th, 21st and 28th November, 12.30-6pm: Maracatu Workshops at Dorchester Arts Centre with Sam Alexander
Wed 2nd December early evening: Christmas Cracker Parade in Dorchester
 Sat 5th December evening:  Final show at Dorchester Arts Centre, also with sets from Magic Drum Orchestra and vocal group the Heavens.