Ty Hammes has lived in Brazil on and off since 1997. He has travelled throughout the majority of Brazil playing and studying music with countless groups including Olodum, Unidos da Tijuca, Orlando Costa (percussionist of Marisa Monte and others), Gustavo da Dalva (percussionist for Gilberto Gil), Maracatu Estrela Brilhante, Jongo da Serrinha, Beth da Oxum, Junhior da Mangueira, and Marcos Suzano. In carnaval 2002, he was invited to participate as the only non-Brazilian in the 350+ person ensemble of the four largest afro blocos in Salvador and was a member of Olodum. He has lived and worked in Salvador and Rio for a combined 3 1/2 years and speaks fluent portuguese. He is the founder of the company Joia Botanicals and uses this business to work with communities and ecology in Brazil, and he is also the founder of the Colorado based Brazilian group Sambadendę. When not working or playing music, he trains capoeira, coaches basketball, and plays outside near his home in Boulder, CO.

Erika Anderson is an experienced world traveler and will be your concierge for the trip. She has spent many months exploring the nooks and crannies of Latin America and is especially passionate about Brazilian music and dance. She will be graduating this August with her Master's degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and will be a practicing Acupuncturist soon after. When Erika is not working with Joia Tours or in school studying, you can find her Samba dancing with the Boulder based Brazilian dance troupe SambaSol da Liberdade or playing outside in the mountains of Colorado. Erika will be able to answer any questions you have regarding your health concerns while abroad, getting your visa and travel plans and any special requests regarding dietary needs and accomodation.