Monobloco came to Norwich for the second time in 2008 allowing us to experience the spirit of Brazil

Superior rhythms, strong melodies and hot samba funk. If you love being part of the energy of the music you must experience the infectious sounds of Monobloco.

One of Brazil's best carnival bands headed to Britain for a 12-date tour in July that culminated with a performance at world music festival Womad.

Monobloco are so popular at home that Rio de Janeiro City Council makes them perform their post carnival parade at breakfast time - in the vain hope of drawing smaller crowds! The tactic failed again in 2008 however, with more than 150,000 people thronging the streets of Copacabana to see the band in action.

The group will be played at the Norwich Arts Centre on the 10th July 2008. Like 2007's sell out performance this was a mixture of traditional Brazilian party music, or Ôpagode', and their high energy show. The year befores audience was blown away by the band and we are expecting nothing less this year. Book early to avoid disappointment.

You could also see the results of three days of workshops with young people from four Norwich Schools, in their mass performance on Millennium Plane, outside the Forum, at 6.30pm on Weds 9th July 2008. Up to 150 young people played with the band. This was been funded by a Clore Performance Award and was a free event.

Largely unknown in this country, Monobloco's thrilling fusion of styles is rapidly earning them a worldwide profile and an army of fans from Seattle to Sydney. Drawing on some of the best musicians in Rio, they serve up a unique mix of traditional rhythms such as coco, ciranda, marcha, xote, samba-charme, samba-rock and funk. Their impressive repertoire ranges from traditional sambas to classics of Brazilian pop. Onstage they have been joined legendary Brazilian artists like Lenine, Fernanda Abreu, MC's Jœnior and Leonardo and Pedro Quental.