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Alma to Soul lit up Coogee Steps with a sunset Brazilian soul session that felt less like a gig and more like a seaside block party for the whole community. A few hundred people turned the rainbow stairs into a natural amphitheatre, dancing barefoot as the sky shifted through pastel colours and the band rode that energy all the way into the night.

Alma to Soul rolled in as a four-piece stripped-back live band, blending Brazilian soul, reggae and roots with a mix of originals and reimagined covers that felt tailor-made for the beach. Acoustic guitars, percussion and rich harmonies wrapped around the crowd, giving the whole set an intimate, street-party feel even as the steps filled up.

From the first tune, people were up; kids, families, dancers, locals walking past who just had to stop, all moving together on the steps as the rhythm locked in. The band’s dynamic shifts, from mellow sunset grooves to late-evening carnival energy, meant there was always another wave to catch on the dance floor.

Alma to Soul’s Energy

Kristine and Andre’s experience as both musical performers and professional dancers showed in every moment, with seamless interplay between live vocals, percussion and dance that pulled the crowd in rather than performing at a distance. Their musical project has been honed over more than 25 years of Brazilian and Latin music and dance culture, fusing traditional rhythms, soulful world music, reggae, roots and party classics into one living, breathing experience.

That depth means they can slide effortlessly from forro and samba vibes into soul-infused pop and rootsy reggae, keeping things accessible for first-timers while still giving the heads plenty to love. It is entertainment designed to connect, soul to soul, with every tune set up as an invitation to move, smile and share space.

This show was part of Randwick Council’s Amplify activations, turning everyday public spaces into stages, with Coogee’s steps transformed into an open-air dancefloor for the evening. As the sun went down, the combination of ocean breeze, live Brazilian grooves and families sprawled across the steps created a wholesome, low-key magic you rarely get from traditional venues.

Community does not just happen on its own; it needs intention, support and space. Massive respect to the Amplify and Randwick events team for backing this kind of grassroots cultural activation and trusting collectives like like Alma to Soul to bring the people together.

For Soul of Sydney, this set was a powerful way to kick off 2026, a promise to keep pushing music into different kinds of spaces, away from the usual late-night club format and into family-friendly, open-air environments where everyone is welcome. Seeing a few hundred people, from seasoned dancers to kids copying the steps, share the same rhythms on the Coogee steps was a reminder of why these community days mean so much.

There was a tangible sense of shared joy and cultural exchange: Brazilian & Latin rhythms meeting Sydney’s coastline, locals connecting with artists who’ve been performing everywhere from Rio carnival to Pacific festivals, all distilled into one free neighbourhood session. It was the kind of wholesome, heart-full energy that lingers long after the last chord fades.

Alma to Soul continue to bring their blend of live band, dancers and tropical soul flavours to festivals, council events, weddings, club shows and their own Baile Alma to Soul nights around Sydney. Follow them on Instagram and keep an eye on their upcoming baile and live band shows if you want more of those Brazilian rhythms for your soul and your feet.

Soul of Sydney will keep championing these kinds of community jams, pop-up parties and cultural activations across the city, from beach steps to parks, courtyards and beyond. Stay tuned for more & for the next chance to dance.

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FOLLOW ALMA TO SOUL for update’s on their next event.
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