Samba Llamas Norb Andy’s Sat., Dec. 12. 9pm-12am

Samba Llamas

Talk about diverse styles in the Springfield music scene should include the Samba Llamas, who move and groove within a class of diversity all alone. The many-piece group focuses on the rhythms of Brazil and performs songs of samba, bossa nova, pagode and other regional styles created by the convergence of African, European and Native American cultures. Originally conceived by Harris “Buzz” Hatcher in 1997 as a marching percussion ensemble playing the street sounds of Brazilian Carnival music, the Samba Llamas roster evolved into a full-fledged group with vocals and tonal instruments containing a who’s who of local musicians including Chas Blythe, guitar; John Blythe, bass; Ronnie Engel, percussion; Harris Hatcher, percussion; Hank Helton, guitar, bass, vocals; Lou Humphrey, percussion; Theresa O’Hare, flute; Nat Radwine, percussion; Troy Roark, percussion and Angela Starr, vocals. The band continually wanders freely into improvisation, walking the line between songs and jams, always keeping the bounce of Brazil beneath the beat while strolling down the streets and kicking in the clubs of central Illinois.