Roda de Samba e Choro

Samba and Choro on your feet Samba is a Brazilian dance and musical genre originating in African roots. It is recognized around the world as a symbol of Brazil and the Brazilian Carnival. Considered one of the most popular Brazilian cultural expressions, samba has become an icon of Brazilian national identity. The Roda (dance circle or gatherings), is the main root of ‘carioca’ samba and choro, the samba that is played and danced in Rio de Janeiro.

What is Vendendo Peixe about?

Vendendo Peixe (pron. ven/den/doo pĕ/shee) (selling fish - an expression which means - "showing you what I've got", "setting out the stall") is a samba and choro group organized by Gaio de Lima – an innovative Brazilian singer, composer, cavaquinho (Brazilian ukulele) and 10 strings mandolin player. The group is very active in the cradle of samba and choro in Rio de Janeiro, especially in the neighbourhood of Lapa, known for its lively cultural life, and most recently in the UK, in venues such as Ronnie Scott`s, Pangea Project, SOAS University and Oxford University. By using traditional samba instruments (cavaquinho, mandolin, acoustic guitar 7 strings, tambourin, pandeiro, surdo, ganza, ago-go and reco-reco) the repertoire is a mix of a vast selection of sambas – from traditional composers of the ‘golden century’ up to the present day– as well as choros, also called chorinho ("little cry" or "little lament") – and other Brazilian popular instrumental music styles with fast and happy rhythms. Original arrangements and versatile improvisations give a different flavour for every single song. The energetic and contagious rhythms encourage spontaneous interaction with the group and the audience, and most of all, an exclusive and magic experience, capable to transmit the love, beauty and happiness of Brazilian stunning beaches and unique people.

Where The Roda and Happiness is Roda de Samba and Choro at Tia Maria The project Roda de Samba at Tia Maria with the group Vendendo Peixe aims to bring to London, and more specifically to the south east/west audience, the vibrant Brazilian spirit of joy and nonchalance. In an informal and exotic atmosphere, the musicians play around a table at the same level of the audience, such as in the traditional Brazilian ‘roda de samba and choro’, which are part of every day life in Brazil. Let the samba grow freely Another goal of the Tia Maria’s project is to establish these specific nights as the most famous and renowned samba nights in London. A place where people can see real Brazilian roots without stereotypes and other musicians will go to jam, dance, get inspired and enjoy the authentic Brazilian atmosphere. One of the characteristics of the samba gatherings is that rarely one instrument stays with just a person for very long. They are always taking turns and new musicians are constantly arriving and being invited to join the circle. This is the beauty of Brazilian music. It is democratic and popular. We will create exactly this atmosphere at Tia Maria’s gatherings, and to encourage this attitude we will have at each performance two elements: the base group (Vendendo Peixe) and special guests. Periodicity Every Monday (debut on May 24th) Starts at 20hs Free Entries