About Us

About Us

Established in 2011, Garden City Samba is a Letchworth based percussion group led by nationally-renowned percussionist and educationalist Ravin ‘Raz’ Jayasuriya.

We meet every Tuesday evening at Jackman’s Community Centre to work on our repertoire, add new material and rehearse for performances.

We are a family-friendly organisation with an age range of 12 to 88. We are committee-run, offering further opportunities for members to volunteer their skills and take on different roles of responsibility within the group.

GCS drummers parade through a sunny park wearing yellow t-shirts, white trousers, and silver sequined hats with blue and red feathers attached. They are playing a variety of instruments. A man directs the group from the front facing towards them, his arms raised mid-signal.

GCS performances can feature up to 35 performers playing a range of percussion and drums including surdos, congas, caixas, agogos, repiques, timbas, chocalhos and tamborims. 

GCS drummers performing a gig on a tall outdoor stage with a rounded arch cover. Band members wearing yellow t-shirts and white trousers, playing various instruments.
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Ravin 'Raz' Jayasuriya

Ravin Jayasuriya, a South Asian man, smiles while playing congas on an indoor stage with GCS members behind him holding instruments. All performers are wearing black with sequined GCS logos on the front.
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Raz is an accomplished all-round percussionist specialising in traditional Afro-Cuban and AfroBrazilian music, with over 30 years of expertise in Brazilian and Cuban percussion focusing on authentic traditional styles. 

His credentials include multiple research and study trips to Cuba and Brazil, and collaborations with distinguished UK and international artists including Amelia Pedroso, Arturo Martinez, Santiago Garzon Rill, Leonardo Pancha Clara (members of Clave y Guaguanco), Marta Gallaraga and Reynaldo Lopez. He currently plays congas with Charanga del Norte.

To find out more about Raz’s work click HERE.

Join Us!

We are always looking for new members!

If you would like to come along for a free trial, contact info@gardencitysamba.com to find out when the next free taster session is taking place.

Smiling group photo of GCS before a gig. Wearing yellow t-shirts and white trousers, plus silver sequined hats with red and blue feathers attached.