Mestre Jorge Alabê is the foremost Brazilian samba and Candomblê percussionist in the U.S. Born in Rio de Janeiro into the Afro-Brazilian sacred traditions of Candomblê and immersed in samba, his titles, signifies the highest level of skill and authority in the rhythms, songs, and rituals of candomble (Alabê) and samba (Mestre). In Rio, Jorge became a world-renowned samba percussionist, known as one of the top reinique players of all time. He was also the rhythm director of Minas Gerias Samba School in Brazil and recorded with internationally known artists Milton Nascimento and Martinho da Vila. As the percussion director of Oba Oba, he performed globally for 15 years, settling in the US to share samba and Candomblê. His leadership at the California Brazil Camp and workshops around the county have been an invaluable influence to generations of percussionists. His influence is so widespread nearly every U.S. percussionist who plays Brazilian music can trace their lineage to him.

Carl Dixon serves as Assistant Teaching Professor of percussion at the University of Colorado-Boulder, where he directs the Brazilian Bateria Directors Symposium. He is also Musical Director of the Boulder Samba School and the founder of Virada Drums.