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BRAZILIAN EVENTS PRODUCED

CARLOS FERREIRA

MelSamba (Melbourne Samba School – G.R.E.S. Unidos de Melbourme) is Australia’s first Samba School, founded in 1988 by Master Drummer Carlos Ferreira.  Born into the heart of Samba in Vila Isabel, Rio de Janeiro, Carlos Ferreira, is a passionate and inspiring musician and teacher – bringing to life Brazilian culture through music and dance around the globe.

MelSamba is turning 35 this year and we are proud to have contributed to the promotion of Brazilian culture over these many years and look forward to the next years to come!

We are now accepting registration for both our ALL HANDS ONONLINE 101 BRAZILIAN PERCUSSION & DRUMKIT CLASSES 2025.
Contact us for more information on our Classes and Workshops.

What We Offer

BRAZILIAN PERCUSSION WORKSHOPS

BRAZILIAN PERCUSSION WORKSHOPS

Learn how to play Brazilian percussion in an authentic samba school environment. Suitable for all levels and ages. Individual master classes are also available for those wanting to further their skills.

DANCE2DRUMS – BRAZILIAN DANCE CLASSES

DANCE2DRUMS – BRAZILIAN DANCE CLASSES

Dance Samba like a star and a range of cool Brazilian dance styles led by our experienced guest teachers. No skill required. Classes are fun and a great way to work out improving fitness and wellbeing.

BRAZILIAN PARTIES

BRAZILIAN PARTIES

Join the Melsamba crew at our amazing Brazilian Parties. Hosted at some of Melbourne’s top venues such as Max Watt’s, Transit Lounge, 24 Moons, Bear Brass, Bobby McGees and The Night Cat our parties are renowned for their energy and fun.

CORPORATE EVENTS

CORPORATE EVENTS

Bring a little spice and fun to your next corporate event – whether team building, product launch, special event or social function – MelSamba will work with you and your business to meet your corporate needs.

SCHOOL WORKSHOPS

SCHOOL WORKSHOPS

MelSamba has extensive experience working within schools settings across age groups and skill levels. Our program is designed to provide students and teachers with the opportunity to experience and learn about the unique dance styles and musical rhythms of Brazil. Group classes and one-on-one tuition available.

PRIVATE EVENTS

PRIVATE EVENTS

Make your special gathering one to remember with the sights and sounds of Brazil. MelSamba has extensive experience working with a diverse range private clients to ensure your event is a memorable one. Birthdays, celebrations – large or small – your event will be one to remember!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Testimonials

Thanks Carlos. Was a fantastic night all around.
Will definitely look at doing some more of your events in the future.
Sold plenty of caipirinhas.
Will keep the slots open for the knock out stages.
Thanks for hosting a great event!

World Cup Samba – Imperial Hotel

World Cup Samba – Imperial Hotel

Dear Carlos, thank you for your recent contribution with our team building exercise. It is important for us to not only use active listening skills in the workplace but also to find creative and simple ways to respond to complex IT requirements. Your vibrant Brazilian drumming workshop certainly challenged everyone to think laterally and work together! Not only were we surprised by what we could achieve but everyone was able to forget their official titles and just work together to have a wonderful experience. We were also able to … Read more…

Beacon

Beacon

Carlos, thanks for your effort and patience to organise all the performers and PA. People loved my party and the brilliant Carnival performance. It was an amazing event and everything your band and performers did was professional and very enjoyable and entertaining for my guests. I was really thrilled to have this as a part of my party. I wanted to share a gift with my guests… Read more…
Regards, Tania Stott, Private birthday party

Tania Stott

Tania Stott

Hi Carlos, I just wanted to say thank you so much for the incredible performance at our wedding reception last weekend. The drums and dancing was amazing and they really got the whole crowd and dance floor going! Everyone loved it and was talking about it for days! 🙂 Please thank the team and performers from MelSamba  as we did not get a chance to thank them in person on the night… Read more…
Evan Ho, Wedding Performance – Luminare Sth Melbourne – 2013

Evan Ho

Evan Ho

The Australia-Brazil Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) and Karoon Gas Australia hosted on 5th August 2011 the ABCC Gala Dinner and Dance at Crown Cassino in Melbourne. The theme was A NIGHT IN RIO.
The highlight of the evening was MelSamba and its Samba girls, drummers and martial arts show (capoeira) which delighted the guests and made the evening very special… Read more…
Cristina Talacko, President, Australia-Brazil Chamber of Commerce

Cristina Talacko

Cristina Talacko

Hello Possums,
I love Melbourne and I love Brazil and now thanks to Carlos Ferreira, Brazil and its fabulous music has come to Melbourne. I adore Carlos, and his fabulous band which brought the carnival of Rio to Johnson Street, Fitzroy on a memorable Tuesday night. Much love and thanks to you and your loved one.”
Dame Edna Everage

Barry Humphries – “MegaStar of the Millennium”

Barry Humphries – “MegaStar of the Millennium”

MelSamba played at the launch of our new product MAP Coffee. One of our coffees being made of 100% Brazilian Arabica beans, inspired the theme of our evening and with the unbelievable talents of Carlos Ferreira and his twenty percussionists the night was a huge success and is still on the lips of those who attended. MelSamba I must say not only know their music but really know how to work a crowd and add an incredible energy of “life” to a function. I would highly recommend. Tottie Goldsmith, Actress – MAP Coffee Product Launch

Tottie Goldsmith

Tottie Goldsmith

Dear Carlos and everyone at MelSamba,
We would like to thank you for the wonderful atmosphere you created by playing
at our wedding. All we wanted for our wedding was for it to be fun, and for there
to be lots of dancing. Well, thanks to you guys, we certainly had that! I don’t think… Read more… 
Amy and Andrew O’Keeffe, Private Function

Amy and Andrew O’Keeffe

Amy and Andrew O’Keeffe

Oi Carlos, eu estava presente no seu show em Brisbane sabado passado
(12 May), so’ queria lhe dizer que foi excelente. Você e sua banda tocam
muito bem e possuem um repertório digno de um bom Brasileiro.
Parabéns pelo excelente trabalho. Abraço
Valério Rezende, Guest – Rio, Red & Black Carnival Party 2007 – Brisbane, Queensland

Valério Rezende

Valério Rezende

Dear Carlos,
having spent much time organising our LaTrobe University Business Students’
Association Ball 2006 , I was terrified that the members of our club would not
share my enthusiasm for a Samba performance . To be honest, I had received… Read more…
Jim Savage, President, LaTrobe University, Business Students’ Association

Jim Savage

Jim Savage

Dear Carlos, thank you very much for the magnificent workshop MelSamba held for us at the
National Institute of Clinical Studies. My fellow colleagues are still talking about it and keep
asking when the next session will be. We thoroughly enjoyed it; the different instruments,
different rhythms and the smiles and laughter that were had gave all of us a buzz… Read more…
Zoe Kelly, Project Officer, National Institute of Clinical Studies

Zoe Kelly

Zoe Kelly

Dear Carlos, I would like to thank you for your fabulous contribution to the staff
Well-being Day, at Monash Medical Centre, as part of our Mental Health Week.
Your contribution made this day a major success. The staff… Read more…
George Osman, Service Manager, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Program
Southern Health, Monash Medical Centre

George Osman

George Osman

Dear Carlos,
I would like to thank you on behalf the agency. We really enjoyed your
Team Building Workshop, and would have no hesitation in using you again.
Regards,
Paul Nicholson-Smythe, Victoria Legal Aid

Paul Nicholson-Smythe

Paul Nicholson-Smythe

Dear Carlos, thank you for your recent contribution with our team building exercise. It
is important for us to not only use active listening skills in the workplace
but also to find creative and simple ways to respond to complex IT requirements.
Your vibrant Brazilian drumming workshop certainly challenged everyone to think… Read more…
Ruth Bowler, Project Director, Beacon IT – Government Solutions

Ruth Bowler

Ruth Bowler

Dear Carlos,
Thank you for your brilliant participation in the 2006 Monash Multicultural Week.
Kind regards ,
Andreia Marques
Events Manager, Multicultural Week, Monash Universtity Caulfield Campus

Andreia Marques

Andreia Marques

Dear Carlos,
thankyou for your contribution to making the Mornington Festival 2006 such a great day.
We weathered the weather-just. Still the sun shone for most of it and you were fabuluous
troopers. Thanks again,
Evelyn Krape, Mornington Festival 2006 Co-ordinator

Evelyn Krape

Evelyn Krape

Hi Carlos, I just wanted to comment on todays performance: it was fantastic! I honestly haven’t
seen something like that before and it was great! I really enjoyed it and hope you and your
MelSamba team did as well. I couldn’t get over your performance, and as for those who couldn’t
come to the event, they definitely missed out on some awesome fun! So I would like to thank
you again ! We really appreciate it! Thanks again and hope to keep in touch! Adriana Vaskoski – NMIT

Adriana Vaskoski

Adriana Vaskoski

Dear Carlos, thank you for the brilliant performance of MelSamba at the “Rhythm Of The Drums” dinner dance on 2nd July 2005 at the Malvern Town Hall. I wish to commend you personally for handling the logistics of the performance with such a professional approach. It was a delight to work with you during the lead up to the event. The lively Bateria of MelSamba and the fabulous dancers made a real impact to our… Read more…
Suraj Jayawickrama, President, RCOBAA Incorporated in Victoria

Suraj Jayawickrama

Suraj Jayawickrama

Hi Carlos, Thank you so much for performing at the event in aid of Child Wise. Your music
and energy were inspirational. You brought energy, colour and life to our event and we really
appreciate your support towards our work to protect children across the world. I will definitely
be seeking out MelSamba in the future so I can continue learning how to Samba dance… Read more…
Sonya Tufnell. Child Wise

Sonya Tufnell

Sonya Tufnell

Dear Carlos, MelSamba was fantastic, we have received such a positive feedback
of your performance especially from Sonya Tufnell who is the ChildWise representative.
The project management team would just like to say Thankyou once again for all your help.
Sienna Deano
Project Manager, William Angliss Institute of TAFE

Sienna Deano

Sienna Deano

Hello Carlos, many thanks for the great performances last night at the Lumiere
Cinema for the opening night of Brazil’s Madame Satã. The 9pm one really shook
the building! Great news! Many Thanks again Carlos for your support of the film.
Kind Regards,
Paul Tonta, Film Booking Coordinator, Madman Cinema

Paul Tonta

Paul Tonta

Captivating Brazilian rhythms and alluring dancers were just the antidote for the cool sea
winds at the inaugural Dockfest on February 7. Melsamba brought excitement, life, warmth and
spirit to our event and people are still talking about the performance. Thanks Carlos and
Melsamba for being a star attraction at our festival. You were a knockout! Cheers,”
Peter Crowley, Project Manager Community & Cultural Activities, Docklands Authority

Peter Crowley

Peter Crowley

Rio Carnival comes to Docklands! Congratulations MelSamba on your wonderful performance at our
inaugural Dockfest. The music was intoxicating, the dancers captivating and the overall Brazilian experience…exhilarating! If there was ever a band to get our event jumping Melsamba was it. Thanks
for being such an integral part of Dockfest 2003. Looking forward to next year,
Nicqui Merlino, Project Manager – Public Relations, Docklands Authority

Nicqui Merlino

Nicqui Merlino

Dear Carlos, a HUGE belated thankyou for your wonderful performance at
Churchill Island MarkART!!!!!! Everyone raved about your performance, we
just loved it.I hope that you can come down again for classes or an
event very soon – we will all be there with bells on. Cheers!!
Maria Reed, Events Co-ordinator, Churchill Island MarkART

Maria Reed

Maria Reed

Hi Carlos, I wanted to say a big “thank you” to you and your team for putting on a fantastic
show for our Rio Carnival New Year’s Eve event. The feedback from our customers was great,
in fact the whole crowd on the Southbank promenade were straining to get a look inside
BearBrass which is obviously great promotion for the venue! Warm regards,
Annette Verhoeff, General Manager, Bear Brass Riverside Bar, Southbank, Melbourne, Australia

Annette Verhoeff

Annette Verhoeff

We are very grateful for MelSamba’s participation in our event.
Carlos and his amazing group brought Brazilian rhythms, colour, energy,
excitment and fun to our festival. They proved that “ Dancing Samba” is
an art which can be enjoyed by all community members (not only Brazilians)!
Lots of people enjoyed this authentic and most entertaining… Read more…

Helena Ferreira

Helena Ferreira

Apreciado Carlos, your music, your players and your dancer were just magic at
our AAPT Cellular One Christmas Party! You could feel the Brazilian passion
coming out of those drums! I never thought I would see my Asian dealers get
up and dance to the rhythm of Samba! FANTASTICO! I loved it so much,
that I have recommended MelSamba to entertain the…. Read more…

Eleonora Quijada Cervoni

Eleonora Quijada Cervoni

Dear Carlos, just wanted to say THANK YOU for a sensational evening. I can’t stop telling
people about it! My partner and I had never heard of you guys until I read your ad in The
Age that morning, and I am so delighted that we came to the Carnival – it was a brilliant
evening. I have subscribed to your newsletter, and look forward to more nights of samba music and dance.”
Paula Todd, Guest – Rio, Red & Black Carnival Party

Paula Todd

Paula Todd

Dear Carlos, Australia Day 2004 was an enormous success. Thousands of people
attended the Australia Day March. Your participation was instrumental in the
success of this event. THANKYOU! Thankyou for your time and effort in the
lead up to Australia Day and on the day itself. We hope to see you again next year.”
Liz Pain, Manager, Australia Day Celebrations 2004

Australia Day Parade

Australia Day Parade

Dear Carlos, on behalf of Moomba Waterfest I would like to extend my gratitude
for your involvement in this year’s Moomba Parade. Once again, thank you for
your contribution to making Moomba Parade and Moomba Waterfest such a success.
Yours sincerely
Jenny Ford, Manager Moomba Waterfest, Melbourne, Australia

Moomba Waterfest

Moomba Waterfest

Hi Carlos!
Its been a pleasure! I admire your skills, my friend, and Beleza has been
enriched with “Carlos” rhythms! Valeu!
Michael Boase, Beleza Samba School Music Director
Fremantle, WA, Australia

Michael Boase

Michael Boase

Hi Carlos, here are some of the feedback we have received about your workshop:
“Excellent!” , “It was great fun!”, “Great for all ages”, “Loved it!!”,
“It was pretty cool!”, “Facilitator entertaining!”, “Workshop was enjoyable”,
People really liked it!
Regards, Ben Grounds, City of Darebin, Victoria, Australia

City of Darebin

City of Darebin

Over just a few hours Carlos dropped us straight into the Quadras of Rio and
then led us on a awesome tour of Bahia. In between we danced ourselves
silly at the Rio, Red and Black Carnival Party. We tasted Brazil – albeit too briefly.
See you soon Carlos
Richy Glasgow, Sambanistas Music Director, Perth, WA, Australia

Richy Glasgow

Richy Glasgow

Hi Carlos, I was amazed at how quickly you got a whole group to play fast, complex,
Brazilian rhythms together and in such a short time! I found the vocal
language of Brazilian beats great to understand and the comparisons of… Read more…
Maria Daniels
Sambanistas Bookings Manager, Perth, WA, Australia

Maria Daniels

Maria Daniels

Dear Carlos & Mandy,
Thank you for coming and teaching us some Brazilian Beats. We really enjoyed it !!
From all at the Care Centre
Margaret Tavolaro
Royal Women’s Hospital Child Care Centre, Melbourne, Australia

The Royal Women’s Hospital

The Royal Women’s Hospital

Hi Carlos , I attended both your workshops at City Farm on the weekend, and I want to say THANKYOU!!
They were wonderful! For me, I guess the most wonderful thing – and the most surprising
thing – was hearing someone talking in music (and being able to understand it !!!).
They were fun, inspiring and I learned heaps !! Thanks again!
Michelle Kirwan, Perth, WA, Australia

Michelle Kirwan

Michelle Kirwan

Hey Carlos, thanks very much for sharing your passion with us last weekend.
I thoroughly enjoyed the workshops and the party. Your enthusiasm and style
of teaching ensured we all got something from the workshops, and we all had
plenty of fun too. I sure look forward to future workshops, parades and gigs.
Obrigado, Rambo Ramdianee, Perth, WA, Australia

Rambo Ramdianee

Rambo Ramdianee

Hi Carlos, I had a great time at both your workshops in Perth last weekend, and the
Red and Black gig too. It was a great vibe jamming with sambistas from all of Perth’s
samba groups, and it was a great experience for us to get a fresh burst of new rhythms
injected into our veins! Please come again soon – let’s do a parade! Thanks again,
Matt Price, Sambanistas, Perth, WA, Australia

Sambanistas

Sambanistas

Hi Carlos, I just want to thank you again for putting on the workshops and the Red and Black Carnival night..
I mainly really want to let you know that I found your workshops to be truly amazing! Your Energy , TALENT, and very warm and funny teaching and communication with the group made the workshops an unforgettable… Read more…
Ally Kadmos, a dedicated Agogo player from Sambanistas
Perth, WA, Australia

Ally Kadmo

Ally Kadmo

Dear Carlos, here are a few comments from emails after the event:
“Highlights: Voice improvisation workshop with Carlos…..”
“Carlos the samba drummerman was fantastic” … Read more…
Heidi Hughes,
Director, Jambalaya – New Zealand Festival of Latin Rhythm and Dance

Jambalaya Festival – New Zealand

Jambalaya Festival – New Zealand

Meu querido Carlos,
Que prazer imenso foi a sua vinda a WA!
Fiquei muito feliz em ter a oportunidade de presenciar mais uma vez seu infinito carisma e sua maravilhosa energia. Parabens meu irmao de terra, mereces todo o sucesso que estas encontrando, pois sempre… Read more… 
Elizabeth Deserbelles, Perth, WA,  Australia

Elizabeth Deserbelles

Elizabeth Deserbelles

The first New Zealand Festival of Latin Rhythm and Dance was held in Taupo in Easter Weekend 2003 and involved three days of percussion and dance workshops and performance, over 80 workshops in all.
Carlos Ferreira of the Melbourne Samba School was our headline teacher for Samba percussion. Carlos taught workshops in all levels of Samba during the festival, including vocal… Read more …
Heidi Hughes, Director, Jambalaya – New Zealand Festival of Latin Rhythm and Dance.

Jambalaya Festival – New Zealand

Jambalaya Festival – New Zealand

Hi Carlos,
I would like to thank you for your wonderful Brazilian Percussion workshop at Kew High School.
The students said that the two periods went really quickly and that they had lots of fun. They liked learning the different rhythms and playing instruments that they had not …  Read more …
Judy Bartosy, Kew High School

Kew High School

Kew High School

In the three years that I have been with the Melbourne Samba School, I have been
extremely lucky to have been taught the tips & tricks of REAL SAMBA percussion by Mestre Carlos.
I can recommend his classes to everyone, even if you have never played an instrument before!
Muito obrigado Carlos!”
Remko Wallach, Music Director, G.R.E.S. Primavera, Brisbane, Australia

G.R.E.S. Primavera

G.R.E.S. Primavera

Carlos, Huge THANKS from the Auckland Samba Crew!!!!!!!
Thanks for a weekend of pure inspiration, energy and amazing samba happpenings..
The seeds have been planted in NZ and we all look forward to playing with you again soon..
Take care and come back soon.
Kelvin Aris, Auckland Samba, New Zealand

AKSAMBA

AKSAMBA

Dear Carlos,
Ray and I would like to thank you again for being such a fabulous teacher and for
making Jambalaya very special for us. Hopefully we will see you in Melbourne soon.
Janie Sheridan
Auckland Samba, New Zealand

AKSAMBA

AKSAMBA

Hi Carlos, I just want to say thank you so much. You can not imagine how much I appreciate all the energy and work you put into teaching us, it was amazing and inspiring, it is the first time that I started to understand and feel what Samba really is. Thanks a loooooooooot. I hope to see you very soon again.
All the best for you and your school. Muito axe and heaps of sunshine!
Ron, Wellington Batucada Crew, New Zealand

Wellington Batucada

Wellington Batucada

“….. somehow Carlos was able to involve all 400 students as well as some very ‘noteable’ teachers in performing a Samba together. Some of us clapped, some of us sang and some of us were lucky enough to play the Brazilian instruments. It was amazing to hear how each small part worked together to create a tremendous sound. This is teamwork at its best!”
Darren Wicks
Caulfield Grammar School – Melbourne

CGS

CGS

To Carlos, Ngä mihi nui ki a koe, mö tö tautoko me tö
mätauranga me tö,mahi nunui.
He mihi aroha mai !

Wellington Batucada Crew, New Zealand

Wellington Batucada

Wellington Batucada

Viva voice improvisation!!! Kia ora Carlos,
I just want to let you know how much I am looking forward to do another
voice impro workshop with you… and how much fun the voice impro was…
Can’t wait!! See you there!!
Ilse Erl, Jambalaya Festival student, New Zealand

Ilse Erl

Ilse Erl

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Contact Us

CONTACT INFO

  • MelSamba.com/contact-us
  • Melbourne, Australia

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