Modeled after the famous baterias of Rio de Janeiro’s
renowned samba schools, the UC Davis Samba School performs
high-energy music of Brazil’s Carnaval for audiences throughout
Northern California. The group was formed in 2004 and has since
become a vibrant force in campus life, performing at festivals,
fundraisers and community events across the region. A contingent
of 25 drummers muscle through traditional material taken from
Rio’s major samba schools as well as original music created by
the group.
Brian Rice is a highly acclaimed performer, educator, and
recording artist and one of the most versatile percussionists in
the Bay Area. Though best known as a specialist in Brazilian and
Cuban music, he can be heard playing a multitude of styles,
and his percussion playing graces over sixty recordings.
