Rehearsals and Performances
The band meet every Saturday for rehearsals at Willows School in Cardiff and at occasional weekend retreats, which focus on fun as well as musical development.
Each year we hold a ten week beginners access course. This is to introduce the basic skills and rhythms needed to join the band and give people the chance to try out different instruments. The courses are open to everyone - no previous musical knowledge or experience is necessary. Email us for more details
Samba Galêz play 20 to 30 performances each year, as well as Saturday afternoon busks in The Hayes area of Cardiff city centre when we can.
Performances have included high-profile events, such as Glastonbury Festival, Brecon Jazz Festival, WOMAD and Small Nations festival. The band has also played at major sporting events, such as the Rugby World Cup Final, the Wales v. Brazil football international and the Powergen Cup Semi-Finals, all played at the Millennium Stadium.
However, we also perform at local carnivals and smaller venues throughout the UK. These include Caerphilly Lantern Parade, Truro Carnival and gigs with the local Capoeira Club in Cardiff pubs.
Our Name?
Samba – Because we play the kind of drums and other percussion instruments found in a typical Brazilian samba batucada.
Galêz – A variation on the Portuguese for Wales (We were previously called Samba Galês).
