Welcome
A samba gathering is coming to the North… quietly, calmly, and with absolutely no chill whatsoever. One day only. Real Rio bateria energy. Passistas in full finery. Drummers from across the UK.
If you're a samba-obsessive like the rest of us, you need to be here.
Why Is It Happening?
Some things just need to happen. For some of us, the urge to play, to push, to hear the bateria in its full glory is like an itch you can’t scratch at your usual weekly group. People are travelling, swapping instruments, nudging each other, asking “what happens if we really go for it?” - and the answer is, well, this. A day where the only rule is: you know your instrument, you can hold your part, and you’re ready to play like you mean it.
What It Is, And What It Isn't
This isn’t a rehearsal for a show, and it isn’t a workshop in the usual sense. There won’t be songs, melodies, or stage directions. What it is is a chance to lose yourself in the rhythms you love, to play purely for the joy of it. There will be breaks, and moments to explore patterns, tighten your grooves, and lock in with other players - but always for the sake of the bateria itself, not for a performance or a recording (although, let's face it... we'll probably record it!). It’s about indulgence, immersion, and that visceral feeling of the rhythms taking over.
Who Should Come?
Drummers
Confident, competent players who already know their instrument and can hold their part at (close to) Rio tempos. Section leaders, independent players, and anyone who wants a high-level hit and some serious rhythmic adrenaline - this is the day for you. Beginners, or people still learning the basics, will struggle to keep up.
Passistas/Dancers
Experienced dancers who want to feel genuine, high-energy samba - not a staged show, but a live, pulsing bateria to move to. Come prepared to show your style, flair, and genuine glamour, and to inspire and dance alongside the bateria.
Audience
This event is primarily about catering to the needs and desires of samba-nerds - to gather with like-minded folk and to play hard, fast, and with intent. Having said this, we totally appreciate that this in itself is a spectacle to behold. For this reason, anyone who would like to come and experience the atmosphere and vibe that is created would be more than welcome, but they would need to adhere to the bateria discipline during sessions.
The Day
Five hours of focused bateria:
- Brief warm-up & alignment
- Sectional work (surdo, caixa, tamborim, repinique, etc.)
- Integration: building the bateria together
- Full run(s) at tempo - proper bateria energy
- Short social / debrief
Numbers will be capped so the music stays focused and the sound remains right.
A One-Off, For Now
We’re presenting this as a single experiment - a day that might become a story people tell. For now, treat it as rare: show up if you can, and tell the people you want to be standing next to. We’re keeping plans quiet; the idea is to make the day feel special, not automatic.
Practical Stuff
- Ticketed & limited: details and booking info will be released soon.
- Bring: your instrument, spare sticks, water, and the ability to play at pace.
- Leave: beginner questions - this isn’t the right place for them.