Introduction to Brazilian dance starts in less than two weeks, and registration is now open. Check out our previous blog post or our classes page for more info. Enrollment is capped at 20 – so make sure to sign up now! How to join: Register for dance class here.
We are very pleased to announce our dance offerings for Fall 2013, starting the week of October 16th! Register Here.
Introduction to Brazilian Dance
Instructor: Ariel Barbick
Learn how to move and groove your body along with the fun fast-paced rhythms of Brazilian music. In this class you will explore many different styles of Brazilian dance as you learn how to move your body along with a variety of Brazilian rhythms such as samba, batucada, samba-reggae, axé and forró.
*Wear comfortable workout clothing, non-grip shoes (heels not recommended), and bring a water bottle.
Wednesdays, October 16th to November 13th (5 Classes)
Time: 6 – 6:55 PM
Class is for ages 16+, Limit of 20 students
Fee: $75 for five classes, $45 for students with ID, and $60 for non-students who bring a friend. So, any friend you bring gets to pay 60, and if they bring friends, the friends pay 60 as well! The more the merrier.
Location: McGaw YMCA, 1000 Grove Street, Evanston, Skydeck Room, 2nd Floor
How to Join: Register for the Dance Class here
Hi EEDS bateria, friends and family – hope you enjoyed a nice long weekend! The unofficial arrival of fall means that start of the EEDS fall percussion class sessions. All percussion classes begin on Wednesday, September 4th, for both beginners and more advanced bateria members (there was a typo previously, sorry!). Classes this session will be held in a new location, the McGaw YMCA in Evanston (1000 Grove St.), close to the Davis Purple line CTA stop. Sign up for classes now! You can either pay in advance or on the first day of class. We can’t wait to see you there!
Alô bateria! Hey there sambistas, the Evanston Escola de Samba fall percussion class schedule is up! Classes start Wednesday, September 4th, which is right around the corner. We have two sessions: one for beginning percussionists and one for intermediate and experienced percussionists. You can register for the class here, payments can be made in advance on PayPal; or by check, cash, or credit card on the first day of class.
We are so excited to start samba-ing again and we hope both old and new percussionists will join our bateria. Stay tuned for info on our fall dance classes. If you have any questions about classes, placement, etc., e-mail evanstonsamba@gmail.com.
Join EEDS for a casual, fun night of Pagode music tomorrow night, Wednesday, July 24th from 8:30-11 PM. We’ll learn some new percussion rhythms, as well as some Portuguese lyrics – basically it’s just a huge jam session! Check out this recap page for reference for what we did last week. Don’t worry if this is your first time at Pagode night, though, everyone is welcome. If you didn’t receive the e-mail with the latest address send an e-mail to evanstonsamba@gmail.com and we will forward it to you. Don’t forget our 10th anniversary party is coming right up on Friday, July 26th from 7-10 PM!
Thanks to everyone for making our first Pagode night such a success! We learned the basics on chocalho and tamborim, as well as the lyrics to some classic pagode tunes.
Our next drop-in pagode session will be in Evanston from 8:30-11:00pm on Wednesday, July 24. Again, please email us at evanstonsamba@gmail.com for location information (it will be different from last time). We’ll be improving our skills as we prepare for the EEDS 10th Anniversary Celebration on July 26!
Until then, check out these videos of the songs we learned last night. Check out the instruments, sing along, and learn the chorus for our next jam session!
Acreditar, performed by Dona Ivone Lara and Nilze Carvalho:
O Meu Lugar, the signature song performed by Arlindo Cruz:
Lucidez, by pagode legends Grupo Fundo de Quintal:
Malandro, by the great Jorge Aragão:
Madalena do Jucú, here off the great collection “Samba de Raiz”:
Our behind-the-scenes tech wizards have put the finishing touches on the official video from our award-winning performance at the 2013 Evanston 4th of July Parade. Check it out!
Come Celebrate EEDS’s 10th Anniversary with food, music, a raffle and dancing at Prairie Moon! Evanston Escola de Samba, Orquestra de Samba and John Beard & Friends will perform.
When: Friday July 26th, 2013, 7-10 PM
Where: Prairie Moon, 1502 Sherman Ave., Evanston, Illinois 60201
How much: $25 (cash only) at the door – includes food and a raffle ticket (and tons of entertainment!). Pay in advance and get on the guest list here.
Who: Everyone is invited! This is an ALL AGES event.
Raffle Prizes Include: EEDS Swag, CDs, Free Restaurant Meals, and more!
Invite your friends to this event on Facebook. Everyone is welcome – EEDS students, alums, family and friends! Hope to see you there!
EEDS Pagode Nights kick-off this Thursday, July 18 from 7 to 9 PM [more info here]. But what exactly is pagode? Pagode is a type of Brazilian music, closely linked with samba. It’s always been popular, especially in Bahia and Rio, but it really took off in the 1980s when it was popularized by some great bands, especially Grupo Fundo de Quintal (roughly translating as “Backyard Group”). Check them out playing their hit Lucidez on Brazil’s Radio Mania:
Fundo de Quintal’s name gives a clue to pagode’s laid-back atmosphere, as pagode is typically played at large, informal gatherings, often occurring outdoors. Today, pagode nights are popular throughout Brazil, and the term may refer to the event as well as the genre of music. Since it is often played at parties or outdoor gatherings, the instruments used to play pagode are slightly different than samba, and smaller drums like the tan-tan are used instead of surdos. Pagode nights are fun, casual get-togethers, so why not join EEDS for a little music, food, and maybe even some impromptu dancing. We guarantee you’ll have fun!
Time to keep the musical party going with EEDS!
EEDS Bateria Director Reed Flygt and friends will be holding our first drop-in pagode session and potluck in Evanston from 7-9pm on Thursday, July 18. We will be learning and playing some great samba while relaxing and socializing over food and drinks. Please email us at evanstonsamba@gmail.com for location information.
There is a $10 suggested donation and please bring some food or drink to contribute to the party (especially something to throw on the grill).
Hope to see everyone there!
Second City Samba 