Innovative and inclusive music and arts in Cumbria and NE

BJamba – Our Samba Band

A community samba/fusion band based in Penrith, Cumbria


About Us

BJamba are a popular community samba band based in Penrith, Cumbria. Led by Josh Jackson, the group come together once a week to play drums, learn beats, practice moving and playing at the same time, which prepares us for busy seasons of performances all over Cumbria and beyond. Band members range from 0-80 years with many whole families taking part.

BJamba have performed at events such as the Winter Droving, Solfest, Penrith May Day Parade, Penrith Halloween, Kendal Torchlight, Ulverston Lantern Festival, and many other local village events and festivals.

BJamba rehearsals are on Tuesdays from 6-7:30pm. At the moment (January 2024), we have a couple of places for new players. We also have a sister band BlueJam Street Beats, who rehearse on Tuesdays at BlueJam Arts Space 5.30-7pm. This band is quieter and also has melody instruments and is suitable for people who prefer a less physical band as they don’t parade.

Please get in touch if you would like to join the waiting list for BJamba.

History of BJamba!

BlueJam’s first Samba band was formed in 2003 and its first performance was at Kendal Torchlight Festival, playing djembe drums with straps, other small percussion and wearing white headbands with BlueJam written on them. We quickly realised we needed louder drums and gradually built up a stock of surdos, reps, snares and tambs. Our biggest band ever I think was at MayDay when we had over 80 people of all ages playing plus Beaconside school dancing!

We have had a long list of amazing leaders – all young people except for Jilly – and all bringing their own unique approach.

How To Book Us

We love coming to perform at festivals, fairs, celebrations and all sorts of other events. 

We have variable rates depending on the size of the event and how many players we are bringing.

Please get in touch to discuss fees, availability and what you would like us to do. We can parade, do a static show, do workshops or a mix of performance/workshop – whatever suits your event best.

BlueJam also delivers drumming sessions for schools as well as youth and community groups. Do drop us a line if you are interested in us coming to teach drumming with you.