BLOCO GNV
Gainesville, Florida
Come drum with us!
A bloco (block) is a Brazilians Portuguese word for a community percussion ensemble with roots in Afro-Brazilian Carnival processions. Similar to Mardi Gras second-line bands, blocos parade in the streets as large drum ensembles that manifest an effervescent fusion of arts and culture. This naturally includes music, dance, costumes, Carnival themes, and activism. To respectfully build upon these Afro-Brazilian roots of rhythmic resistance, we aim to unite the community against hate and racial discrimination through the unity, music, rhythm, and performance of BLOCO GNV!
BLOCO GNV will play a diverse variety of rhythms we respectfully blend from Brazil, the USA, Caribbean, and Africa. The rhythms we will play include Carnival music like samba-reggae and samba-afro from Salvador, Brazil, second-line mardi gras arrangements, African and Afro-Caribbean rhythms, and our own rhythmic creations. We aim to underscore the unique and brilliant experience of playing Afro-diasporic rhythms.
No prior music experience necessary but we encourage you to attend weekly rehearsals and be serious about learning your parts!
Our first info session and rehearsal will take place at the Heartwood Soundstage on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 from 6pm-9pm as a part of their Community Music Series. We will play the second Wednesday of every month at the Heartwood at 619 S. Main St.
and the first, third, and fourth Friday of every month from 6pm-8pm at the Rosa B. Williams Center on 524 NW 1st St.
Keep scrolling to learn more!
Improve Rhythmic Coordination
Meet New People
Build a Health Community
The Heartwood series the second Wednesday of the month will remain FREE, but to rehearse weekly at the Rosa B. Williams Center on Fridays we will charge after the first free class. We will charge $10/session or $30/month paid via cash or a Venmo link.
Funds go to instrument upkeep, new instruments, instruction, and rental costs for the community center. Our ultimate goal is to build community but we naturally incur expenses and are putting a lot of work into organizing BLOCO GNV, so we appreciate your support!
We thank the city of Gainesville, UF School of Music, and Heartwood Soundstage for their help with venues and instruments!
Meet Your Instructors
Kenneth Metzker
UF Professor, Schools of Theatre, Dance and Music
Professional Percussionist
Heartwood SoundStage
Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main Street
Thanks to community support, the Heartwood Soundstage has kindly offered their space the second Wednesday of every month to rehearse during their Free Community Music Series from 6:00pm-9:00pm.
Rosa B. Williams Center
Rosa B. Williams Center
524 NW 1st St.
Thanks to community support, the City of Gainesville has agreed to host us every Friday night from 6:00pm-8:00pm at the Rosa B. Williams Center.
In addition to playing in Florida, we hope to maintain connections with founding Blocos Afro in Salvador, Brazil and collaborate on projects with Ilê Aiyê, Olodum, Didá, Mulherada, and Tambores do Mundo. (Another webpage on bloco music history is coming soon).This May include going to Salvador for Carnival, 2025!
To learn more about the this music, the history, and culture, watch the documentary below or visit Cody's website: www.codyleecase.com
Visit the Spotify playlist below to listen to some of the music we'll play!
