Nation Beat West Coast Tour

BRAZILIAN MARACATU GETS
FRESH SPIN FROM BROOKLYN ENSEMBLE

“Nation Beat specializes in Brazilian [maracatu] and New Orleans second-line funk… the obvious affection for their sources and sheer moxie they bring make Nation Beat’s sound near addictive.” -Time Out Chicago

“… a Latin percussion fest and a North American porch-stomper.” -The Onion

From March 7 – 12, Brooklyn-based Nation Beat brings their Brazil-meets-New Orleans sound to the West Coast, introducing an unprecedented mix of northeastern Brazil’s maracatu and the sounds of the deep American South. Nation Beat artistic director/founder Scott Kettner follows the path of such Brazilian luminaries as Lenine and Chico Science, offering yet another anomalous contemporary interpretation of the traditional 19th century Pernambuco-born rhythm.

Their music also mixes in elements of Appalachian-inspired bluegrass music, funk, rock, and country-blues. As illustrated on their debut album, Maracatuniversal, Nation Beat moves with audacious energy, and seamlessly bridges folkloric Brazilian rhythms with classic American roots music. As of late, rising Brazilian star Liliana Araujo fronts the ensemble with her soaring powerhouse vocals. Nation Beat is unusual in that maracatu is not a style that’s been combined with contemporary sounds (as is salsa, for example). They’re the first American maracatu ensemble to ever record with a traditional Brazilian maracatu group (Estrela Percussivos based in Recife) and the first American group to march in Brazil’s Carnival parade.

Nation Beat Tour Dates
Friday, March 7, 2008 – Portugalia – San Diego, CA
Saturday, March 8, 2008 – Elbo Room – San Francisco, CA *
Sunday, March 9, 2008 – Moe’s Alley – Santa Cruz, CA
Tuesday, March 11, 2008 – The Mobius – Ashland, OR
Wednesday, March 12, 2008 – Nectar’s – Seattle, WA
* w/ Boca do Rio