Olayá
At lunchtime, the traditional lunchtime concert takes an exciting new direction! We are delighted to welcome Olayá back to Leeds, showcasing music from their upcoming EP. With their authentic sound, boundless energy and rhythm, and rich harmonies, the first half will feature Olayá’s original music and arrangements influenced and inspired by music of North-East Brazil. After a short interval, Olayá will perform well-loved music from the Forró tradition. You’re invited to listen closely, feel the grooves and discover what this music was truly made for – dancing. Audience members are welcome to join Rafaela Marino to move with the music as these two art forms intertwine, creating an immersive celebration of Brazilian rhythm, connection and joy.
‘Olayá are a joyous, sunny, explosion of positive energy. Authentically Brazilian and authentically funky!’- Olly Keen, Curator & Organiser of Jaminaround Festival
Olayá is a flute and percussion band inspired by Northeastern Brazilian Bandas de Pifanos (bamboo flutes), with the elemental force of flutes, rich vocal harmonies, driving percussion and bass. Olayá’s music is heavily rhythmic and contagiously fun, a fresh take on a traditional Brazilian sound never before heard in the UK.
United by their passion for Brazilian music and exploring sounds, Olayá formed in 2022. After their sold-out debut gig in May 2023, they were quickly approached by bookers across the country and have since headlined at festivals including Jaminaround, Basket of Light, the Magpie’s Nest & Leeds Summer Festival as well as selling out multiple London gigs and being snapped up by Latin music promoter Movimientos. Their sets contain danceable rootsy Brazilian forró tunes as well as lush contemplative numbers, moving audiences in every way.
Olayá’s musicians have long been at the forefront of London’s Brazilian music scene. They have played in festivals and venues internationally with a plethora of artists including Gal Costa, Gilberto Gil, Alvorada and Antonio Forcione and have appeared on BBC Radio 3, Jazz FM, Worldwide FM and the West End stage.
‘Olayá are probably the most fun band I’ve ever seen, but more than that, they’re incredible musicians, and definitely one of the most exciting bands playing Brazilian music in the UK! Their sound and repertoire is super unique and they will make you dance until your feet fall off!’ – Dr Gabrielle Messeder – Lecturer & researcher in Brazilian Music
More Events
Will Duerden and Svitlana Kosenko
6th March 2026 - 6th March 2026
Will Duerden (double bass) Svitlana Kosenko (piano) Max Bruch – Kol Nidrei Vilmos Montag – Sonata in E minor for Double Bass and Piano Gabriel…
Forró Dance Workshop
13th February 2026 - 13th February 2026
Begin the morning by stepping into the joyful world of forró dancing with acclaimed practitioner Rafaela Marino. Whether you’ve danced before or not, you’ll be…
The Golden Thread: Music for Gamelan
13th March 2026 - 13th March 2026
The University of Leeds Gamelan Ensemble will perform a collection of tradition music, contemporary repertoire and new pieces on the School of Music’s Javanese Gamelan.…
Come and Play: Gamelan
13th March 2026 - 13th March 2026
Join us in playing the bronze gongs and metallophones of the School of Music’s Javanese Gamelan and discover the joy of making music as an…
Fibonacci Quartet
20th March 2026 - 20th March 2026
Kryštof Kohout (violin) Luna de Mol (violin) Elliot Kempton (viola) Findlay Spence (cello) Joseph Haydn – String Quartet in D major, op 64, no 5…
Taff Rapids
20th March 2026 - 20th March 2026
Darren Eedens (banjo) Sion Russell Jones (guitar) David Grubb (fiddle) Clem Saynor (double bass) “In terms of dazzling instrumental expertise, Taff Rapids can stand alongside…
Explore The Neighbourhood
Jazz Sabbath
Jazz Sabbath is a jazz trio from Great Britain that plays new jazz arrangements of Black Sabbath songs. Although, the band presents itself as a…
Learn MoreThe Ballad of Johnny and June
Love is a burning thing, and no one burned brighter than Johnny Cash and June Carter. He was a small-town musician and storyteller with a…
Learn MoreChris Brain
Chris Brain is a Yorkshire-based folk singer-songwriter whose work sits firmly in the British pastoral tradition, shaped by close attention to place, memory and emotional…
Learn MoreBlackbeard’s Tea Party
Blackbeard’s Tea Party have been playing folk-rock together for over ten years. The band started out busking on the streets, but Blackbeard’s Tea Party are…
Learn MoreA Tale of Two Cities: A Sketch Walk on the History of Wealth Inequality in Leeds
Gather with Leeds Sanctuary and local artist and historian, Clifford Stead, to explore the history of wealth inequality in Leeds, and how it continues today.…
Learn MoreHistory Wardrobe: Mary Quant – Fashion Icon
Lucy Ridley browses the rails of History Wardrobe’s Quant collection, exploring key trends of the era and showcasing fabulous fashions, including frocks, tights, boots, make-up…
Learn MoreArchie’s Bar & Kitchen
Stylish locale with wood & brick decor featuring pub eats, cocktails, coffee & sports on TV.
Learn MoreAagrah Leeds
“Authentic award winning Kashmiri cuisine with a modern twist. First class hospitality in comfortable surroundings, our team of chefs continually aim to provide healthy nutritious…
Learn MoreThe Grove Inn
A relaxed charming city pub with a warm and friendly atmosphere. When you come into the Grove Inn you are sure to receive a warm…
Learn MoreArchive Leeds
Archive is a coffee house, cafeteria, bar and event space based in the site of a former TV archive in Leeds.
Learn MoreThe Domino Club
After what started as us putting on 8 local jazz bands a month in a hidden drinking den quickly quickly crept up to us being…
Learn MoreThe Barn Coffee Shop
One of the inspirations behind Acoustic Nights @ The Barn in Meanwood, Leeds is to introduce high-quality music reaching out to the local lively community.…
Learn MoreNorthern School of Contemporary Dance
Northern School of Contemporary Dance is a unique dance training institution offering a select group of students the opportunity to develop and excel as dance…
Learn MoreOulton Institute
Built on land donated to the people of Oulton and Woodlesford by Edmund Calverley of Oulton Hall, the Institute stands proudly at the heart of…
Learn MoreTCV Hollybush
Hollybush in Kirkstall is an environmental volunteering centre that has been running for over 45 years. Our volunteers help to manage green spaces across Leeds…
Learn MoreArdsley and Tingley Library
Don’t take it as read! Leeds libraries offer a wide range of books, CDs and DVDs for all.
Learn MoreInkwell Arts
Inkwell Arts is a creative wellbeing service from Leeds Mind. Linking creativity and mental wellbeing.
Learn MoreBurmantofts Community Hub and Library
Join for free and borrow books, eBooks, eAudio and more. We also provide help for people to get online and run events and activities for…
Learn MoreStitch-Up Craft School
Stitch-Up is a modern craft school with a social purpose. Learn a new skill, feel good and support others. Stitch-Up CIC is a social enterprise…
Learn MoreProject House
What do you get when you bring together some of the greatest names in the worlds of music, culture, food and drink in Leeds? Project…
Learn MoreAll Hallows Church
All Hallows is an inclusive Christian community in inner-city Leeds exploring the meaning of faith in the 21st Century. Whoever you are, you will be…
Learn MoreBurmantofts Community Hub and Library
Join for free and borrow books, eBooks, eAudio and more. We also provide help for people to get online and run events and activities for…
Learn MoreThe Stables
Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) is a way of working with people and communities that starts with what is STRONG not what is WRONG.
Learn MoreWetherby Sports Association
WSA provides a community hub for sports clubs and societies in Wetherby that would otherwise struggle to fund a place of their own.
Learn More