About Us

Bloco Novo is a lively, exciting band of DRUMMERS, DANCERS

and COMMUNITY ARTISTS from EAST MANCHESTER.
Their vibrant and funky Afro-Latin and global grooves

have wowed audiences across the UK since 2004.

We offer a space for creativity and community spirit. A real alternative to the lack of opportunity we are faced with in society.
WE HAVE AN EXTENSIVE OUTREACH PROGRAMME and have participated in many community events, particularly at the GRANGE COMMUNITY CENTRE and “SUMMER IN THE PARKS” scheme…..

History of Bloco Novo

Bloco Novo began life on the 8th Sept 2004, after a series of outreach workshops in and around the public parks of Openshaw and Gorton.They were led by Zac Sargent, Eraldo Marques and Holly Prest.

THEIR FIRST SESSION was at the John Gilmour Centre, to an audience of five, three of who joined the band! Julian Tate of EAST MANCHESTER COMMUNITY FORUM became project organiser, raising funds, arranging venues and publicity, becoming the initial band manager.
2005 saw KELLY ALLEN take over as project organiser, replacing Julian Tait as EAST MANCHESTER COMMUNITY FORUM’s Arts and Events Manager.

THEIR FIRST GIG was at sunset in Gorton Park on 2nd October 2004, when the band got it’s name – they subsequently performed twice to rapturous applause at the Eastfeast “GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH” on 26th November, directed by SUSAN FERNER, who then joined as permanent leader alongside Zac.

THE BAND HAS GONE ON to become favourites for Community Arts Northwest “IN THE MIX” at the GREEN ROOM, Manchester International Art’s “GARDEN OF DELIGHTS” festival in Platt Fields,
several PEACE WALKS around Manchester, gigs at Stafford University and in 2006 were featured at the Greater Manchester Music Action’s event at the BRIDGEWATER HALL, playing to thousands!
IN AUGUST 2006 they were joined by ace Brazilian dancer ADRIANA ROSSO, who leads our new DANCE TEAM – their first performance was a four hour parade at Liverpool’s “BROUHAHA CARNIVAL!
They were a hit at “EXODUS FESTIVAL” in Hulme and at the “REFUGEE AWARENESS DAY” at the Grange.
PEGADA on May 3rd 2008 at Jabez Clegg saw Bloco step up a gear and performed a floor stomping set with vocalists, DJs, melody instruments and visuals.
July 2008 at the Zion Arts Centre surprised and delighted the audience at GLOBAL GROOVES 2 with guest dancer Alain Hernandez from Cuba.

THE BAND has appeared on CHANNEL M and the NEW DVD is OUT SOON – T-SHIRTS OUT NOW!!

Spirit, community, creativity, expression, fusion, dynamism, funkfied and accessible.

Quotes

“That’s amazing!”

“I was surprised and delighted!”

''That's the best night out I've ever had!"

“Wow! How do I join the band!”

"I was dancin' me socks off ..."

"...mmmmm..."

" I like the t shirts"

Contact the band here.

September 2008, Bloco Novo formed
as their own company,
away from East Feast.

December 2008, Sammie Ricketts,
our youth representative,
successfully applied for funding
from the Council for two projects.
One was for the costumes for Bloco Novo
which will be worn by both drummers
and dancers. The other project
was buying new sound equipment
so that the melody side of the band
could develop further.

Easter school holidays 2009,
the costume workshops took place.
Emily Wood, a costume designer,
came to Bloco Novo and taught
our young people
about sewing techniques, embroidery
and how to use a sewing machines.

April 2009 Bloco Novo held a gig,
to celebrate and showcase
their new costumes and
sound equipment, from the projects.
The night was a huge success!

Please have a look at our pictures.

Bloco Novo

percussion, dance and creative arts