Welcome to Samba Ottawa!

About Us

Formed in June 2000, Samba Ottawa is a community percussion group of about 20 musicians.

We play, sing and dance samba, maracatu, samba-reggae, and other Brazilian and Afro-Latin rhythms. Performance is a very important part of what we do.

We have played around 200 concerts and parades, with numerous TV appearances and workshops, and have probably been seen by more than 1,000,000 people!
News and Gigs
We're looking for a Horn Section!
We had a great time working with a small horn section earlier in the year. Now, we want to build a full-time horn section. The music is not challenging, but it's a lot of fun. You'd need to play some basic percussion as well (we'll teach you). See more details, with videos and links to give you an idea of what we're looking for. Then, if you like what you see & hear, either email Mike or give him a call on (613) 599-2747.
Samba Ottawa official external ensemble for Carleton University BMus program
Samba Ottawa is now an official external ensemble of Carleton University's BMus program. BMus students can earn credits by practicing and performing with Samba Ottawa. Contact Mike for more details.
Summer Practice Hours

Through July and August, we will practice every WEDNESDAY night at the Old Town Hall, 61 Main St.

(Corner of Main & Hawthorne) Ottawa, from 7pm to around 9:30 pm.
Book Us

We enjoy parties and gigs full of people with plenty of energy and willingness to dance the night away. We do parades and on-stage gigs; percussion-only or with our singers and instruments.

Contact our bookings person for more information.
Beginners' Nights

Next beginners' nights:

  • July 28
  • August 25
  • September 26

The last practice of every month is especially for beginners.

We welcome people of all abilities - you don't have to be a musician - and we have enough instruments for everyone. We only charge a minimal amount to cover the cost of the room.

Occasionally we do have gigs or other things (see News for announcements), so call Mike at (613) 599 2747 to check before turning up.
Samba Courses

Our next Introductory Samba Course:
Fall, 2010

Learn to play samba and Brazilian percussion rhythms. An introductory drumming course for people of all abilities. We supply the instruments. Minimum age is 15 years.

You will learn the basic skills on various instruments and by the end of the course you should be able to play a samba well enough to join Samba Ottawa in parade.

Takes place at: Old Town Hall, 61 Main St. (corner of Main & Hawthorne), Ottawa
See more details at the Ottawa East Community Activities Group website or Contact Mike via e-mail or at 613-599-2747.

Samba Ottawa, Canada Day 2009.

Jaques Cartier Park, Canada Day 2009