SambAsia is a San Francisco based community music and dance ensemble. Our unique escola de samba (samba school) blends together music and dance traditions from Brazil and Asia. Our music creates a bridge across cultural and generational lines.

Classes in Percussion and Dance are offered weekly at the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC).

Brazilian Percussion classes take place Saturdays 1:00 – 3:30 pm.

All levels of participation are welcome and no prior experience is necessary. For more information, click here. SambAsia won several first place awards at the 2004, 2005 and 2006 San Francisco Carnaval Grand Parade, including excellence in music, dance, costume, visual presentation and originality in the World Contemporary Fusion category.

We have performed for many community events and gatherings including The Chinatown Lunar New Year Street Festival, Cherry Blossom Festival, Pistahan Pilipino Parade and the Nihonmachi Street Fair. SambAsia has been a featured performer at San Francisco City Hall, the Asian Art Museum, Yerba Buena / Zeum Centers for the Arts and the SomArts Cultural Center.

SambAsia teaches youth music and dance programs at Jean Parker Elementary, Gordon J. Lau Elementary, Francisco Middle School and at the JCCCNC. Our educational programs are supported in part by the Chinatown Beacon Center, Asian Improv aRts and the San Francisco Arts Commission.