From Colin O’Connor ’15:
Nationally acclaimed band Nation Beat, a combination of Brazilian percussion and New Orleans funk, is coming to Wes in a combination lecture-concert event.
The band–described as, “a deliciously original 21st century fusion between thunderous Brazilian maracatu drumming and New Orleans second line rhythms”– merges two festival cultures that both rely on, “booming, swinging, danceable percussion and call-and-response chants that celebrate history and survival” and their, “explosive live show,” is known to break into, “crowd-wide Carnival-style drumming and singing.”
Willie Nelson—after performing with them—called them, “just a fantastic group,” and NPR reviewer Banning Eyre, called Nation Beat the “the most original and alluring fusion group I have heard in years.” Among other publications, the band has also received praise from the NYT, BBC World Radio, and Afropop.
Opening is Don Froot, an eclectic, rag-tag group of cultured individuals whose music will envelop you in a soft, warm blanket of jazzy feel good riffs.Lecture, 4:30 p.m.
Scott Kettner, author of “Maracatu For Drum Set & Percussion”, and faculty member at The New School University, will be giving a lecture behind the scenes photos and historical information about Maracatu music and culture. It also explores the connections between Recife, Brazil and New Orleans and how Nation Beat goes about mixing these styles.
Concert, 9:30 p.m
9:30 p.m. Don Froot
10:30 p.m. Nation Beat
Date: Today
Time: Lecture 4:30 PM; Concert 9:30 PM
Place: Alpha Delt