John Evans (director), Bryan Osper, Fritz Danhausen, Ollie Crane, Nick Duckworth, Jesse Elias, Dvarayah Trugman, Melody Walker
Alumni include: Rob Peterson, Amy Cadle, Nick Fabin, Rudy Slizewski, , Simon Lucas, Jesse Jonathan, Robbie Douglas, Verena Reece, Tien Tai, Jonathan Kipp, John Thomas, Daniel Grantz, Brett Huska, Rebekah Downey, Tricia Baxter, Tyler Hunt, Jeff Brennan, Kevin Repp, Jesse Haberman
Influences
Dr. Eugene Novotney has been the godfather of our group, teaching Samba at Humboldt State University and leading trips to Brazil to study percussion. We are also influenced by the Brazilian groups Ile Aiye, Olodum, Timbalada, Manguiera and Beija Flor. Many members of Bloco Firmeza have performed and studied in Brazil with various groups and teachers. Many thanks to our teachers in Brazil: Marivaldo, Mario, Guillherme Goncalves, and Beira. Props to the yankees: Mark Lamson, Michael Spiro, Marcio Peeter and many more...
Bloco Firmeza began in 2003 as an acoustic group dedicated to playing the wide variety of percussion styles from Brazil. Based in Arcata, Bloco giged around Northern California with 10-15 percussionists creating a tidal wave of sound. After several trips to Brazil and years of gigs Bloco Frimeza evolved into a tighter set up with 5 percussionists. 4 vocalists, and 2 electric string players.
Hi Bloco Firmeza :) Don't forget to tell your San Diego peeps about our show at Humphrey's Backstage Lounge next Thursday 4/10. Simon & Rudy are on fire!!!!! New tunes coming soon...Keep in touch!
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