Nation Beat February 25, 2009

Inspired by the Afro-Brazilian rhythms of maracatu, the foremost diasporic band of the Mangue Bit movement of Northeast Brazil, NATION BEAT has created an incredible, fresh new sound. Which nation, and which beat? What makes this group special is that it offers no simple answers. They are rhythm gatherers, harvesting the fruit of 500 years of cultural cross-breeding, which is why the sounds of the northeast of Brazil and the southern United States blend together so seamlessly; NPR music writer Banning Eyre calls them "the most original and alluring fusion group I have heard in years." In 2005, Nation Beat became the first North American group to collaborate and record with an authentic maracatu "nation," the legendary Estrela Brilhante of Recife led by Mestre Walter and rhythm master Jorge Martins.

At their high-energy live shows, musical director/drummer and US Latin Jazz Ambassador Scott Kettner keeps the rhythms sizzling. Meanwhile, lead singer Liliana Araújo of Fortaleza, Brazil's soaring, enchanting vocals have been stunning audiences since her starring role on "Fama," Brazil's "American Idol." Nation Beat recently stole the show at GlobalFEST, 2008 in New York City winning them the praise of concert presenters around the world.

Official Website: http://yoshis.com/sanfrancisco