This was MB’s third visit to Ireland in two years, so the guys knew what to expect and were looking forward to meeting up with some old friends.

The mini tour started in Dublin at a venue called the Sugar Club, which is a converted cinema which used to be used by the censor’s office! Things there are a little more relaxed now, and the Monobloco team soon had the place rocking and steaming hot!

The Saturday was the longest day, with an early start to get to Sligo in the North West. Luckily, the lads had a comfortable bus and an interpid driver in the form of Larry! Larry had actually visited Rio in the past, and got on famously with the Monobloco team.

In Sligo, Monobloco delivered an excellent four hour workshop with samba percussionists, some of whom had travelled serious distances to take part!

After the workshop, there was time for a quick soundcheck, and then some well-needed rest for the team, as they weren’t on stage until midnight. This show was another huge success and the band were joined by the workshop team for the last couple of songs – there must have been seventy drummer banging away at the end of the show!

Sunday, the band travelled even further into the West, to an area called Belmullet in Co. Mayo, which is one of the most rural areas in Europe. The band only had an evening gig to worry about and took a leisurely cruise from Sligo, stopping at Strandhill Beach and the famous Musical Bridge on the way.

The gig in Belmullet was very small, but the audience was delighted to have a chance to see a band from Rio on their doorstep! We even had a visitor in the form of Mary Smith from Toque Tambor! Mary has family in the area and decided to use co-ordinate a visit home with the Monobloco show, that’s dedication for you! - Simeon Smith

Photos from Ireland

Many Thanks to Peter Crann, Stephanie Pawuli, Tony Conway, Jennifer Egan, MaSamba Samba School and everyone else who helped out with the Irish dates.