AKSamba - band for hire

Sambanui Part 2

Steve — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:26:04 +0000

I wasn’t sure what to expect at Sambanui, but I knew that with the awesome members of AKSamba by my side, it’d be at least a great weekend. As it turns out it was heaps better than that. Not only did I learn a lot (beats and stepping) from a very experienced, professional and easygoing teacher, but on return to AKSamba practise I felt much more confident too.

Sambanui wasn’t just about acquiring knowledge. I met a whole host of new like-minded people from around the country and, paradoxically, partied and chilled out in a world away from a typical weekend back home. Based in an outdoor camp that had no mobile signal away from towns and cities also meant there were no distractions from TXTs, email or Facebook. Total immersion in a positive way.

To perform on the last day in front of the public with the 70 or so band members and dancers from other baterias as one unit, and with all the information we had absorbed in the last three and half days, was amazing and awe-inspiring.

When I joined AK Samba, I never knew it would be as much fun and rewarding as this.

Sambanui

Darren — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:32:20 +0000

The rewards for being in AKSamba don’t come any greater than when we experience a full-immersion course in the capable hands of an international master percussionist. This time it was Leon Patel from Manchester teaching drums, while Adriana Rosso from Brazil taught dance to a separate group.

Providing pretty much the only reason you’d ever want to go to Wainuiomata (other than the second-hand record store), Sambanui was organised by our Wellington counterparts, Wellington Batucada. More than 70 drummers and 12 dancers from AKSamba, Wellington Batucada, Samba de Sol (Nelson), Tauranga Samba and Sambatron (Hamilton) made the pilgrimage.

Accommodation wasn’t that flash (Brookfield Scout Camp), but the attendees were 5-star. When the drumming stopped, the socialising and partying began. After four days, bodies aching, minds expanded, friendships strengthened and drumming skills honed, the AKSamba contingent returned to Auckland with new rhythms to perfect over winter.

We look forward to seeing you at one of our gigs so that you can also feel the benefit that we felt by being part of what was a spectacular drumming adventure.

Your chance to play our drums

Martin — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 19:20:14 +0000

We have one of our popular drumming workshops coming up, where you can have a go on our instruments and learn some Brazilian-inspired rhythms.

Check out the workshops page to register.

When: Saturday 4th May 2013
Time: 10am to 3pm

Here is a video of our last one:

AKSamba off the grid

Abby — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 21:07:57 +0000

We are looking forward to joining a range of percussionists at Earth Songs – a night “off the grid” world music celebration.

Earth Songs features high-energy percussive music from Tamashii Taiko Drummers, African Drummers, Dubtext (live electronica!) and of course AKSamba.

For those of us who can’t make it down to WOMAD, we bring a slice of world music to the beautiful Kawai Purapura Retreat Centre in Albany, just 20 minutes’ drive from Auckland’s CBD.

It will be a fun, family-friendly, alcohol-free evening celebrating dance music from all over the world. There will also be a twilight eco market featuring food and stalls focusing on ecological sustainability.

The whole evening will be “off the grid”, powered without electricity.

Presales are just $15 from www.kawaipurapura.co.nz or $20 cash on the gate. Children 12 and under come free. Bring your instrument if you want to join in the jam at the end!

The best of 2012

Martin — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 09:16:00 +0000

Last year was busy for AKSamba, with over 20 gigs. We have a VIDEO of the highlights.

Glowing for 10,000 people

Martin — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 20:04:57 +0000

AKSamba was asked to be part of Glow: Carols by Glowstic” at Vector Arena to play along with “Little Drummer Boy” and then burst into action with our samba style of drumming.

The crowd was buzzing at the end of our set and it proved to be one totally memorable gig for all the AKSamba team.

The experience of playing for ten thousand people was the icing on the cake of a very busy gig season for the band.

There are more photos here.

Carnaval for a cause

Abby — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 19:27:32 +0000

We are looking forward to playing at Carnaval, a Brazilian show and charity event in support of the outstanding work done by the Auckland City Mission. Artists include Matecito, Brazilian Divas, Au Capoeira and of course AKSamba. Have fun and make a difference in the world! Check our gigs page for details.

My first gig

KateH — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 22:43:01 +0000

I was feeling an energetic combination of nerves, anticipation and excitement when I arrived at the Roller Derby on Saturday night for my first gig with AKSamba. The girls in helmets playing rugby on roller blades spurred me on, as too did the other band members. We played an awesome set at half time. I was buzzing. The crowd was fantastic. So there we go – I survived my first performance (alongside 3 other newcomers). Bring on the next one…

Kate at the Roller Derby

Roller Derby Gig on Saturday, June 23rd

Martin — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 06:39:36 +0000

Once again we are getting dressed up to play at half time for the All Girls Roller Derby at the Auckland YMCA on Saturday, June 23rd.

Last year we had a blast and it went down as one of the best fun gigs of the year.

Come along to support us and watch the roller derby too, which is great entertainment!

Get your tickets here…………..Tickets

Workshop coming up!

Josie — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 04:54:23 +0000

Want to try out samba? We have a workshop coming up in April!
See our workshops page for more details and a sign-up form.

Here are a few quotes from previous workshops………

Once again . . really, really, really had a ball!!!!! The others who came with me loved it . . and the only complaint is that we didn’t want it to finish!!! PLEASE have more one-days and 4-weekers for us!!! We are all getting together in a few weeks (including a few others who were at the workshop) to have a DRUMMING DINNER!

I had an amazing time on this workshop!! The teachers were fabulous and it was such a great opportunity to meet new people. There was a perfect balance between teaching the rhythms and playing time! I felt that we had a good opportunity to try out all of the different instruments and the atmosphere was fantastic! The only negative would be that it is over now!!

just to let you know, it was a fabulous experience for me! I thought it was brilliantly run. The teachers were fun, clear and inspiring to follow. All the AK Samba people were wonderful instructors. I will be recommending the workshop to lots of people.