Tag Archives: 4th of July

Evanston 4th of July Parade 2013 Results and Thanks

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Congrats to the Evanston Escola de Samba for a phenomenal performance at the Evanston 4th of July Parade! Not only did we win 1st place in the category “performance,” but we were one of three overall parade winners (we are defending champions for both of these honors). EEDS was awarded the “Pelton Plaque” for “Outstanding Neighborhood Group.” 

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Everyone gave an amazing show, and our heartfelt hanks go out to all of the dancers, musicians and volunteers that made everything possible! There are so many people to thank we are not sure where to start! We want to express gratitude to the EEDS parade committee: Matt Rarey, Chris Hasselbring, Kirsty Montgomery, Dill Costa, Lindsay Fullerton, Jessica Anzaldua, and Reed Flygt for helping to conceive of the parade and for doing the incredible amount of hard work to get it done.
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Thanks to all the dance and percussion students who performed with such skill and energy – we definitely impressed the crowds. It was wonderful to see so many new faces in the parade this year, EEDS is so glad to have you! Heartfelt thanks also to the loyal EEDS veterans who have marched with us in the parade year after year.
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Thanks to to amazing Dill Costa, our head of dance and rainha de bateria, who helped create one of the most phenomenal EEDS dance performances ever. Your hard work and dedication are always appreciated. Thanks to all the dancers coming to us from the Old Town School of Folk Music and Gingarte Capoeira. Even if it was your first time working with EEDS, we consider you part of the EEDS family and we hope you will join us again soon. Special thanks to out wonderful mestre-sala and porta-bandeira, Zenaida Saez and Jaime Angeles, who showed the EEDS flag proudly.
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Thanks to Reed Flygt for fearlessly leading our bateria. You’re awesome, and you helped the EEDS bateria reach new heights! Special thanks to our Lane Tech bateria members, who brought so much fun and spirit to classes and the performance. It goes without saying how much everyone at EEDS loves our friends from Bloco Maximo who give our bateria extra energy, and kudos to Andrew Green for helping lead class.
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Thanks to all the volunteers who helped build and decorate our best float ever (complete with working lighthouse): Dave Newman, Jorge Escobar, Reed Flygt, Anya Kovalenko, Max Kondratyev, Chris Hasselbring and Jack Hasselbring. Thanks to Michael Kormanik and our partners from Greenwise Organic Lawn Services who provided wonderful support before, during, and after the parade. Thanks to our Ala of Friends, who showed their support for EEDS and helped get the crowd hyped up. Thanks to our professional musicians Marcos Oliveira and John Beard who have dedicated their amazing talent, time, and energy to the EEDS. Thank you to our photographer Laura Hamm and videographer Lindsay Fullerton for capturing the parade. Thanks to the volunteers who helped keep our dancers hydrated during the parade, and took countless photos and videos.
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Thanks to all of our sponsors and partners, without whose support the EEDS would simply not exist. In the coming days, we’ll be posting lots of photos and videos from the parade so you can catch some glimpses of our award-winning performance. If you have any photos you would like to share – email them to evanstonsamba@gmail.com. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more info on classes, workshops, and events (as well as some generally awesome photo updates). The 4th of July is just the beginning! Stay Tuned!
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Countdown to July 4th: behind-the-scenes float preview

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Can you believe that tomorrow is July 4th?! Our dancers and percussionists have been working hard to make the 4th of July performance great – but there is a whole other team working behind the scenes on another important aspect of our parade – the float! While you will have to come to the 4th of July parade to see the final product – check out some of the pictures of our work in progress. Extra special thanks to Dave, Jorge, Anya, Max, Chris, Reed, our young helpers and everyone else who has helped on the sometimes-complicated construction of the EEDS parade float. We think it will be our best ever!FloatPhoto1

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Countdown to July 4th: Teaser Photos from the Costume Workshop

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Less than 3 days until the EEDS 4th of July Parade Spectacular! The costume workshop is abuzz with activity, led by costume guru Kirsty Montgomery. These pictures from our workshop give a tiny sample of some of Evanston Escola de Samba’s unique and colorful parade costume elements.  You may not be able to tell what these images are now, but they are all integral elements of our 4th of July theme and parade. You have to come and see for yourself!!!

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Countdown to July 4th: The origins of Afro-Bloc

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For our 2013 July 4th Spectacular, the EEDS bateria will be playing two arrangements: our 2013 samba-enredo, O Amanhã, as well as “Afro Bloc.” While Afro Bloc is based on samba-reggae rhythms from Bahia in northeastern Brazil, the arrangement is actually Irish: it was taught to us by our good friends and partners at the MaSamba Samba School of Dublin, Ireland and its director, Simeon Smith, when they visited EEDS in Chicago in October 2011. Since then, Afro Bloc has become one of our favorite pieces, featuring a heavy surdo section and some sophisticated breaks that make it a real crowd pleaser. You can watch Afro Bloc in action, featuring Simeon and MaSamba, here:

We’re happy to continue our transatlantic partnership with our Irish friends, and to feature this piece at our 4th of July Spectacular. And we wish them a huge congratulations at a major upcoming gig: performing for the President of Ireland on July 6!

EEDS, Masamba, ODS and friends

EEDS, MaSamba, ODS and friends

Countdown to July 4th: Introducing our Rainha da Bateria, Dill Costa!

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In the second part of our countdown to July 4th we’d like to introduce one of the most important roles in our parade – the Rainha da Bateria (Queen of the Percussion section) – the talented Dill Costa! You can learn more about Dill’s extensive experience and involvement in Rio de Janeiro Carnaval, and her new role as EEDS Head of Dance here. The Rainha da Bateria is one of the prominently featured dancers in a Carnaval parade, and dances in front of the percussion section (bateria). We are extremely pleased to have Dill leading the dancers and inspiring the percussionists in this role, as we can continue to bring the spirit of samba to Chicagoland. And of course, be sure to attend Evanston Escola de Samba’s July 4th parade and see Dill in action!

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Countdown to July 4th: All about the parade, and the first teaser photo

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Only 6 days until the 4th of July, and Evanston Escola de Samba’s 4th of July Spectacular! Our percussionists, dancers, friends, and volunteers have been working especially hard this year, and the result is going to be amazing. Here are the final details of the parade:

What: Evanston Escola de Samba’s 4th of July Spectacular
Where: The parade marches east from Central Park Avenue East on Central Street in Evanston to Ashland Avenue. More info on the parade route here.
When: The parade starts at 2PM (if you are participating in the parade you have an earlier call time)
Who’s Invited: Everyone! There’s still time to join the event as either a volunteer or as part of the parade (more info here). We now have a Facebook event page – RSVP if you are going to attend! We’d love to see you there.

As part of our countdown tradition, we will be revealing a series of teaser pics, each day leading up to the parade,  to give you a sample of what’s in store.

EEDS 4th of July teaser photo #1:

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Countdown to July 4th: Learn our Samba Enredo, “O Amanhã (Tomorrow)”

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Only 8 days until the 4th of July! Our parade is going to be the biggest and best it has ever been, so why not prep for the parade and learn our official song? Our 2013 Samba Enredo (Official Parade song) is “O Amanhã (Tomorrow)”, written by the Rio de Janeiro Samba School União da Ilha do Governador in 1978. We love it, and hope you will, too!

Here is a reference video of a subset of EEDS performing the song from 2012. If you would prefer an MP3 of the performance, you can listen to (and download) one on Sound Cloud.

If you want to learn how to sing along, here are lyrics in both Portuguese and English.

Portuguese Lyrics
A cigana leu o meu destino
Eu sonhei
Bola de cristal, Jogo de búzios,
Cartomante
Eu sempre perguntei
O que será o amanhã?
Como vai ser o meu destino?
Já desfolhei o mal-me-quer
Primeiro amor de um menino
E vai chegando o amanhecer
Leio a mensagem zodiacal
E o realejo diz
Que eu serei feliz
Como será o amanhã?
Responda quem puder?
O que irá me acontecer?
O meu destino será como Deus quiser		 English Lyrics
The gypsy read my fate
I dreamed
Crystal ball, Shell-reading,
Fortune-teller
I always asked
What will tomorrow be?
What is going to be my fate?
I already picked the love-me-not
First love of a child
And the dawn is coming
I read the zodiac sign
And the oracle says
That I will be happy
How will tomorrow be?
Who can answer?
What will happen to me?
My fate will be as God likes

Calling all friends, family and neighbors: participate and volunteer!

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VolunteersWanted

Only 10 days to go! The 4th of July is almost here. Even if you can’t register for class – you can still be an integral part of the EEDS 4th of July parade! We have 2 great new ways you can participate:

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First, in the “Ala of friends”:
Do you want to BE IN the parade – but can’t attend class? This option is for you. In the Carnaval Parade in Rio, each Samba Schools has a “Ala of Friends” that marches in the parade with the bateria and dancers. Come show your support for EEDS and join our parade. All participants in this group wear an EEDS T-shirt, white pants/skirt/shorts and walks in the parade!

Cost is $20 donation for the EEDS cotton T-shirt. You can contribute your “Ala of Friends” donation online (we accept Paypal and Credit Cards) 

Second, as a Parade Volunteer
Do you want to help support EEDS and help make the parade great? Are you a photo whiz? Do your friends, family and neighbors want to participate, but don’t know how? Volunteer!

  • 8 volunteers are needed to walk alongside the wings.
  • 2-3 videographers/photographers to record the event.
  • 2 volunteers are needed to distribute our fan handouts alongside the parade route.

Volunteers must attend the July 3rd Technical Rehearsal. Volunteers receive an EEDS cotton T-shirt for their participation!

How to Participate: Please contact Evanston Escola de Samba at evanstonsamba@gmail.com if you are interested in participating, either as a volunteer or as part of the “Ala of friends.” Everyone is welcome! 

Register for Summer 2013 Classes and participate in our 4th of July Parade

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Hey sambistas, it is time to register for Summer 2013 classes! Join the Evanston Escola de Samba for a summer of dance and percussion as we prepare for our major event of the year: The Evanston 4th of July Parade! This year we have some great things in store as we celebrate Evanston’s 150th anniversary, as well as EEDS’ 10th anniversary.

We have many different ways to participate in the parade this year – everyone can participate, young and old! You can register for our summer percussion and dance classes, but if you do not wish to take classes, you can also participate as a parade member or volunteer.

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Summer 2013 Session Classes

EEDS Dance Classes – with Dill Costa
Three Sessions:
June 2nd, 3-4:30pm at Levy Center in Evanston (300 Dodge Ave., Evanston IL 60202)
June 23rd, 11-1pm at MIC West Campus (2008 Dempster St., Evanston, IL 60202)
July 3rd Technical Rehearsal, 6-8pm at MIC West Campus.
Tuition: $40 ($25 for College Students with valid ID)

Uniforms/Costumes for the Parade: Dancers will be provided with costumes. A costume fee may be added, depending upon the costume worn and whether the costume is borrowed or kept afterwards. Costumes will include traditional passista costumes, and fun costumes made specifically for the parade.

EEDS Percussion Classes – with Reed Flygt 
Four Sessions:
June 12th, 19th, and 26th at MIC West Campus (2008 Dempster St., Evanston, IL 60202)
(6:00pm Beginners, 7:00pm Advanced)
July 3rd Technical Rehearsal, 6-8pm at MIC West Campus.
Tuition: $50 ($25 for College Students with valid ID)

Parade Uniform: All Percussionists must wear following:
  • EEDS Official Bateria Shirts ($20 donation – not included in tuition)
  • White Fedora Hats ($8 donation – not included in tuition)
  • White Pants, skirt or shorts (participants must provide their own)

All registered students are invited to participate in the parade, but their participation will be based on skill level. They will be assigned specific roles by Head of Percussion Reed Flygt or by Head of Dance Dill Costa.

How to Register:

Register for dance and percussion classes online on our registration site (we accept Paypal and Credit Cards) 

We encourage all participants not registered for classes to make a donation (suggested $15) to EEDS in support of this effort for which they will receive an EEDS cotton t-shirt.

Other Ways to Participate in the Parade

Even if you can’t register for class – you can still be in the EEDS 4th of July parade!

“Ala of friends”:  In the Carnaval Parade in Rio, each Samba Schools has a “Ala of Friends” that marches in the parade with the bateria and dancers. Come show your support for EEDS and join our parade. All participants in this group wear the Samba School shirt, white pants/skirt/shorts and hat.
Cost is $20 donation for the EEDS cotton T-shirt. 

Parade Volunteers: Volunteers must attend the July 3rd Technical Rehearsal.

  • 8 volunteers are needed to walk alongside the wings.
  • 2-3 videographers/photographers to record the event.
  • 2 volunteers are needed to distribute our fan handouts alongside the parade route.

Volunteers receive an EEDS cotton T-shirt for their participation!

How to Participate:

Please contact Evanston Escola de Samba at evanstonsamba@gmail.com if you are interested in participating, either as a volunteer or as part of the “Ala of friends.” Everyone is welcome! You can contribute your “Ala of Friends” donation online (we accept Paypal and Credit Cards)