Samba Lago Profundo (SLaP) under the direction of Ben Johnson, enjoyed a full schedule of performance this summer. An up beat version of “Oh Canada” and the parade routine comprised of rhythms from many cultures were performed for Canada Day celebrations in Crawford Bay. Jon Wyngaard played the Clown and the horn, miming our leader and playing “Oh Canada.” The Samba band lead the parade at Starbelly Jam. A Parade Routine and some “stage” pieces contributed to the “standing parade” at Riondel Days. A highlight of this performance was an impromptu performance with the bagpipers for several pieces including “Scotland the Brave” to a bhangra beat! The pipers really grooved on the relationship and so the drummers! The stage show included children’s tunes “The Belly Button Song” and the Bear Song by Farley Cursons and an original song “Lazy Man”, written by member Dan Silakiewicz, sung by Ben Johnson to a Rio Samba beat . The season climaxed with a Stage Show and Parade at the “Bibbity Bobbity Boo” Children’s Festival in Fernie. We were shown great hospitality by Jay Ray who billeted many band members.
Funding assistance from the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance for the purpose of developing our repertoire was greatly appreciated and well utilized this past year. Our web site, http://sambalagoprofundo.ca greatly assists in keeping us connected and facilitating the learning process.
A new season has started and newcomers are welcome. Instruments and instruction are provided. We meet at the Crawford Bay School in the performance theatre, Tuesdays 7 – 9 pm. The first visit is free and you are welcome to come for a preview experience. Fees are $5 per week for adults, $3 for students 12 – 18.
The band is polishing the routines and learning some new Samba patterns which are symbolic of the music in various countries throughout the world. Ben is always seeking new ideas for the repertoire keeping the experience interesting and exciting.
For information call Ben at (250) 225-3423 or Shirley at (250) 225-3535 or just come to class for a visit.