Bloco Pacifico
Once again, VamoLá is delighted to host Bloco Pacifico, the gathering of samba musicians & dancers from all over the West Coast, and beyond.
Our theme this year is Joy as Resistance. We're doing something new this year - we'll have a samba enredo, complete with singers & cavaquinho/guitar.
The parade is Saturday, June 21 @ ~1pm.
Drummer Program:
Workshops will be on Wednesdays 6:30-8:30pm and Sundays 5:30-7:30pm. You'll get emails and WhatsApp updates after you register.
Location: ADI Shoreline (Sundays), Seattle Gilbert & Sullivan (Wednesdays) or Gas Works Park (weather dependent). Updates via WhatsApp/email post-registration.
Donation: $50-$80 (sliding scale). Includes workshops, drummer costume, the Joy as Resistance t-shirt, and the parade after-party. We are a non-profit community organization, and your donation helps us put this event together. Scholarships are available, we don't want money to be a barrier. Email info@vamola.org if you need a scholarship.
Attendance: Full workshop attendance is encouraged. Out-of-town participants receive audio and video for the song and should attend the June 20th rehearsal.
Final Rehearsals: There are 2 final rehearsals, which everyone needs to attend:
- Friday, June 20 @ 5-9pm, at Gas Works Park. Costumes are handed out here for out-of-town folks. Pizzas and BYOB after.
- Saturday, June 21 @ 11am, at the parade start in Fremont. Come ready to march (in costume)
Dancer/Passista Program:
Workshops (3:30-5:30 pm): Apr 27, May 4, 18, Jun 1, 8. Workshops led by USA Samba Queen and VamoLa dance coach Deise Costa.
May 4th workshop: Guest Master instructor Rosangela Silvestre (topic - Oxossi movement).
2 rehearsals (including optional dress rehearsals): Jun 18 & 20 (time TBA).
Location: ADI Shoreline or Gas Works Park (weather dependent). Updates via WhatsApp/email post-registration.
Donation: $70-$150 (sliding scale). Includes Solstice workshops, May 4th Rosangela Silvestre workshop, rehearsals, and parade after-party. We are a non-profit community organization, and your donation helps us put this event together. We don't want money to be a barrier for joining us -- please don't hesitate to reach out if you need a scholarship.
Costume: Max $50. Scholarships available. Details in May.
Attendance: Full workshop attendance is encouraged. Out-of-town participants receive choreography videos and are encouraged to attend the June 20th rehearsal.
Baiana Program:
The Baiana is more than just a figure in Carnival—she is a symbol of the strength, resistance, and cultural preservation of Black women and Afro-Brazilian culture in Brazil. Through their distinctive clothing and vibrant participation in the festivities, Baianas embody the spirit of Bahia and serve as a bridge between the past and present, ensuring that the rich traditions of the African diaspora continue to thrive. Their presence in Carnival and beyond is a testament to the lasting legacy of the Afro-Brazilian community, their fight for freedom, and the ongoing importance of preserving Bahian and African traditions in Brazilian culture.
All bodies are welcome to parade with us as a Baiana. There will be 2 rehearsals (including dress rehearsal): Jun 18 & 20 (time TBA).
Location: ADI Shoreline or Gas Works Park (weather dependent). Updates via WhatsApp/email post-registration.
Donation: $10-$30 (sliding scale). Includes rehearsals, and parade after-party. We are a non-profit community organization, and your donation helps us put this event together. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need a scholarship.
Costume: Max $50. Scholarships available. Details in May.
Attendance: Both rehearsals are encouraged. Out-of-town participants receive choreography videos and are encouraged to attend the June 20th rehearsal.
Kids Program:
Kids are welcome to attend other workshops with the presence of an adult. We encourage kids who are parading to at least come to the rehearsals on June 18 and June 20th (time and locations TBA.
Location: ADI Shoreline or Gas Works Park (weather dependent). Updates via WhatsApp/email post-registration.
Donation: Free with another adult, $5-$15 kid only. Includes rehearsal, and parading with us. We are a non-profit community organization, and your donation helps us put this event together. We don't want money to be a barrier for joining us -- please don't hesitate to reach out if you need a scholarship.
Costume: Max $30. Scholarships available. Details in May.
Attendance: Both final rehearsals are encouraged. Out-of-town participants receive choreography videos and are encouraged to attend the June 20th rehearsal.
Out of Town Folks:
If you're traveling to Seattle, we're excited to have you! A couple things to know:
Lodging - If you’re looking for lodging, you’re in luck! Seattle sambistas have historically opened their homes to host folks from out of town. Contact Dev (info@vamola.org) if you need a place to stay.
Rides - People come from all over. If you need a ride, contact Dev (info@vamola.org) and he'll put you in touch with other folks coming from your area.