The Philly Bloco concert is made possible by a grant award from PNC Foundation, under the initiative PNC Arts Alive, “Jazz Cultural Voices” performance series.
Philly Bloco is modeled after the blocos of Rio de Janeiro, with their large percussion sections and harmonic/vocal accompaniment. The 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 the music is a heavy percussive element (12 drummers!) that is used to explore the tremendous range of Brazilian rhythms, applying the artists own unique creativity and energy to each arrangement.
The music is extremely high energy, full of passion and feeling. Philly Bloco wants to make people dance, feel good, and give them something to celebrate every time they perform.