History

Samba Olywa is the product of two confluences:  The Procession of the Species and The Evergreen State College.  In 1995, Evergreen faculty member Terry Setter acquired a set of Brazilian percussion instruments through a “Points of Light” grant and offered an academic program where students could learn the joyful music of Carnaval, Brazilian samba. 

Around that same time, a motley group of Olympia artists and activists conceived the idea of a Procession of the Species: a community celebration of the natural world through art.  Eli Sterling, an original organizer, felt that music would round out the celebration and give it staying power.  It was a logical step for the samba instruments and players from Evergreen to “seed” a new band in the Olympia area: Samba Olywa.  Musical and organizational leadership was also provided by Geoff Johns, John Ridgway, Becky Liebman, and Scott Saunders. 

2018 Procession Hyacinth Macaws

Our Mission Statement

Samba Olywa is an amateur percussion and dance group dedicated to building community through the learning and sharing of Samba and other rhythms. We provide the opportunity for anyone, regardless of experience, to join us as we take our spirited and joyous energy to the streets and to the stage.