São Paulo may be the most populated city in Brazil, but Rio de Janeiro is party central. Among the many joyful events Rio has to offer, none is more cherished—or better embodies Brazilian culture—than the roda de choro. Loved by everyone, from families with children to musicians of all backgrounds, both locals and visitors alike, it’s a celebration unlike any other.
This vibrant musical “circle” is all about creating live, spontaneous, and improvised music. Visiting singers and instrumentalists bring whatever instruments they have on hand and join the afternoon jam session. What makes the roda de choro even more special is its relaxed and casual atmosphere—often unfolding in informal settings where everyone contributes to a potluck-style feast.
Percussionist Gregg Mervine and pianist Rob Curto — co-founders of the Philadelphia-based Afro-Brazilian ensemble Ernesto’s Club — fellow rhythm-maker Mark Stehiel and Rio-born vocalist Fernanda Bravo have experienced the roda de choro in Brazil first hand, and knew Fishtown would fall in love with it too, if given the chance.
So, on the first Sunday of each month, starting at 3 p.m., Philly Roda de Samba e Choro takes over the small backroom of Sarah Street’s Black Squirrel for a sweet circle of food and music, filling the space with over 200 of their friends and new acquaintances.
Mervine and Stehiel both note that there was a “collective need” for such a jam session as nothing else in Philadelphia celebrates their culture in such a glorious fashion.
“We already had a few basic principles as to how this would play out – like a true Roda de Samba e Choro, we wanted three hours of continuous music,” explains Stehiel, a local musician who has played Brazilian fusion with PhillyBloco, the bossa nova trio Os Humanos, and now performs with Som Bacana alongside singer Fernanda Bravo. “We achieve this by inviting participation from the audience, be it percussionists or someone singing a song. But, we have also had guitarists, accordionists and horn players joining into our musical celebration.”
The next Philly Roda de Samba e Choro jam session is Feb. 2 — bring your voice, noise-makers, appetite and thirst for joy. And for children in the crowd, its creator-curators bring a traveling library of children’s books written in Portuguese, as well as board games for all. As for special guests to the party this Sunday, expect native Brazilian musician Cesar Garabini to join the fun and frolic.
Together with his wife, Ariadne Costa da Mata, Mervine co-created this Sunday afternoon soiree to replicate the great and familial times they shared in the backyards of Rio.
“My son was born in Paraiba, and I feel guilty that I am depriving him of the experience of growing up within Brazilian culture,” says Mervine, whose family speaks Portuguese in their home, and maintains a dining menu particular to Brazilian households. “At our event, people gather round to sing, dance, joke, flirt, connect with family and friends, and be together for a communal, spiritual experience. As for the music, weekend afternoons are a classic time for such parties, although – traditionally – samba parties like this can last until sunrise. This is just the way that this native music was meant to be played and enjoyed.”
