Renfrewshire Samba Band
A street band bursting with Brazilian carnival energy in the heart of Renfrewshire. Based in Lochwinnoch serving Paisley, Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and Ayrshire.
Why Us
Magnetism
The unmistakable sound of carnival in the air. Samba rhythms grab attention and captivate like nothing else.
Authenticity
Our sound has the true essence of authentic Brazilian samba, rooted in African traditions.
Effect
Samba is organic dance music, mobile and free flowing. It gets feet stomping and hips swaying.
See and hear us in action
Pride South Lanarkshire
Paisley Halloween
Kelburn Garden Party
Image Gallery
Bloco Winnoch, Govan 2025
Bloco Winnoch, Pride South Lanarkshire 2025
Bloco Winnoch, Pride South Lanarkshire 2025
Bloco Winnoch, Lochwinnoch 2025
Bloco Winnoch, Feelgood Festival 2025
Bloco Winnoch, Kelburn 2025
Doug
Doug is a samba teacher and director at Bloco Winnoch with lots of playing, teaching and directing experience. He has learned from leading samba practitioners across the UK, Europe and Brazil and has played in the Rio Carnaval, the pan-European samba phenomenon, Bloco X, and countless other outlets of Brazilian music including play a central role playing, directing and teaching at Glasgow's SambaYaBamba for 20+ years. A percussionist and samba singer (puxador), he teaches all samba percussion instruments, leading adult workshops that are authentic, welcoming and always great fun.
Damo
Damo is a multi-intrumentalist with 30 years drumming experience who writes for, teaches and directs Bloco Winnoch. He spent many years touring with SambaYaBamba all over the UK and Europe, playing different instruments and directing the band before becoming Musical Director. His style of writing draws not just from samba but also brings together rhythms from drum and bass, funk, hip hop and techno along with other afro beats and fusions. As a drummer, guitarist, songwriter, singer and bassist, his passion for music is infectious.
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Give it a bash!
We run regular come & try sessions where you can road test your percussion skills. Next one: 4 week mini-course in samba drumming. Thursday evenings 23 July - 13 August 7.30-9.30. £25 for the block.
Health & Wellbeing
Samba is a physical activity and a collective endeavour that brings people together, creating a rich social network with a sense of autonomy, mastery and purpose — and provides a resource to bring joy to community events.
How to book
Send us an email telling us about your event. Be sure to include the date and times. We will give you a quote or call you back.
What is Pica Pau?
Pica Pau is the bateria’s nickname. It means woodpecker in portuguese — and like us, they are often to be seen in rural Renfrewshire relentlessly hammering on resonant objects.