Our Story
For over a decade, Brian Potts, affectionately known as Bira, has been a bridge between the vibrant cultures of Rio de Janeiro and Miami. With a Doctorate in Musical Arts focused on Pandeiro from The University of Miami, Bira's passion for Brazilian music blossomed into a mission. In 2016, alongside talented percussionists, he formed PRD Mais, a group that celebrates Brazilian percussion. Their debut album, Rittenhouse, released in 2017, marked a significant milestone, leading to performances at the GroundUp Music festival in Miami Beach.
With roots in the historic Bateria de Salgueiro samba school, Miamibloco was born to foster a community of musicians dedicated to samba culture. Under the guidance of Mestres Gustavo and Guilherme Oliveira, and with the leadership of Gabriel Policarpo, Miamibloco aims to teach the art of samba while promoting teamwork and collaboration among musicians. SuOm Francis, now the Director of Community Operations, has further expanded Miamibloco's vision, emphasizing the importance of human connections through music.