SParky Samba

In Autumn 2022 we were approached by a member of the local Parkinson’s community with an idea.  We liked the idea and the story of SParky Samba began.

This short video explains that idea:

In English https://youtu.be/m-iMyRqGQEc

Yn y Gymraeg  https://youtu.be/cjotUW1Ftn8

In a little over 12 months the SParky Samba band has grown, developed a basic repertoire and has performed 5 times.  We are linked with Cardiff’s Community Samba Band, Barracwda, who help us out with the big performances like sending off the 250 Walkers for Parkinson’s in Bute Park last October.

We meet weekly on a Wednesday 12.15 for a 12.30 start, led by Sallie MacLennan Barracwda’s musical director we learn to play Samba.  It is not always easy, but we always have fun.  Come and try it out for yourself, most people who do, join.  There is a cuppa, cake and chat to follow the session.

e-mail SParky.samba@gmail.com to contact the Cardiff band

From April – Dec 2023 we were supported by the Arts Council of Wales Arts Health and Well-being Lottery fund, which helped us to get going.  Those who are band members will tell you how much it has helped them and we hope bands will set up around the country so that others can benefit too.

We will be doing what we can to support.

On Wednesday 15th May we will be in Llanelli at Ffwrness Fach, with People Speak Up to do a Samba taster session for anyone who is interested.  Our brilliant band leader Sallie will quickly get everybody drumming and those of you who say “I’ve got no sense of rhythm” may be surprised how much easier it is to catch the beat when you are all in it together.
To book a place please email 'info@peoplespeakup.co.uk'

Other performances and activities already planned:-

A taster at a local care home

A performance at the Llantrisant Folk club on June 5th 

We look forward to an exciting Brazilian Night with our good friends Barracwda Samba!

And the Samba summer hasn’t really got going yet!   Lots of good exercise and lots of fun still to come.

e-mail infosparky2024@gmail.com if you want to know more about Samba for Parkinson’s