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(Brazil/US – Brazilian Big Beat)

Inspired by the Afro-Brazilian rhythms of maracatu from Northeast Brazil, NATION BEAT has created an incredible, fresh new sound. That sound is a totally original 21st century fusion between thunderous Brazilian drumming and Appalachian-inspired bluegrass music, funk, rock, and country-blues. Their explosive live show -- which is frequently known to burst into crowd-wide Carnaval-style drumming and singing -- is attracting music fans from a wide demographic: bluegrass and country music fans, Brazilian music lovers, outdoor festival-goers, and pretty much anyone who loves to dance and loves great music.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.