Bloco GNV will be offering free Afro-Brazilian percussion classes on Tuesdays and Fridays throughout July.

The free classes will run from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays starting July 8 at Depot Park (874 SE 4^th St. in Gainesville) on top of the hill or behind Cade Museum, if raining.

The Friday classes will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Rosa B. Williams Community Center (524 NW 1^st St. in Gainesville) starting July 11.

Drums are available to borrow and no musical experience is required.

Starting in August, Bloco GNV will offer $10 per class or $30 per month. Sign-up at www.blocognv.com.

“We believe that music has the power to bring people together,” says organizer Cody Case in a press release. “Whether you’ve never touched a drum or you’ve been playing for years, there’s a place for you in Bloco GNV.”

In addition to weekly classes, Bloco GNV performs at local festivals, community events, and collaborative showcases with other community performance groups.