SU’s Pulse to present Brooklyn-based Maracatu rhythm group Nation Beat in free concert Oct. 11

SU’s Pulse to present Brooklyn-based Maracatu rhythm group Nation Beat in free concert Oct. 11September 27, 2007Jaime Winne Alvarezjlwinne@syr.edu

As part of the 2007-08 season of Syracuse University’s Pulse performing arts series, Brooklyn-based Maracatu rhythm group Nation Beat will perform a free concert on Thursday, Oct. 11, at 4 p.m. in the Rose and Jules R. Setnor Auditorium, Crouse College. The SU Brazilian Ensemble and the Nottingham High School World Drumming Ensemble will also perform.

No tickets are required for the performance, which takes place during SU’s Homecoming+Reunion four-day weekend. Discounted public parking is available in the Irving Garage. Patrons should alert the attendant that they are attending the Nation Beat concert.

Composed of six musicians, Nation Beat melds Afro-Brazilian rhythms of Maracatu with New Orleans funk and jazz, and makes “21st-century music for one nation under a groove.” The name Nation Beat is derived from the Portuguese words nac?o (nation) and baque (beat). All traditional Maracatu groups from Recife, Brazil, are considered a “nac?o” — in reference to the African nations from which they come. The name of the Maracatu group always starts with Nac?o and ends with the name of the group. The traditional style of Maracatu that Nation Beat plays is called Maracatu de Baque Virado (Maracatu of the Flipping Beat). Hence, the group is titled with the name Nation Beat.

Nation Beat effortlessly swings from gritty “‘Nawlins funk” to jazzed-up new songs to traditional tunes, all set to the sound of a Brazilian bateria (drum). The group transcends musical and literal borders — it is the first American group to record in Brazil with legendary Maracatu group Nacao Estrela Brilhante (Brilliant Star), led by Mestre Walter and rhythm master Jorge Martins.

“The Pulse arts program intentionally chooses artists like Nation Beat to perform for students, faculty, staff and community members,” says Barry L. Wells, senior vice president and dean of student affairs. “Syracuse University is deeply committed to educating people about the diverse influences driving our rapidly globalizing world — and this commitment extends not just to business and scholarly pursuits, but to music and the arts as well.”

Pulse provides SU students and the local community opportunities to attend and participate in programs, performances, exhibitions and events in the visual and performing arts. It is a collaborative project of SU’s College of Visual and Performing Arts and Division of Student Affairs. For more information, visit http://students.syr.edu/pulse.