A Weekend of Curiosity and Wonder for Families at Symphony Space 3/4 -5

This NYC based and internationally touring American-Brazilian collective performs a "dangerously funky" (Village Voice) and "groundbreaking" (CMJ) mixture of Brazilian maracatu drumming, New Orleans second line rhythms, funk and swamp-rock blues. They're the first American group to record in Brazil with the legendary Mestre Walter & Maracatu Nação Estrela Brilhante, and the first Brazilian band to perform with Willie Nelson who called Nation Beat "just a fantastic group."

Multiculturalism isn't another bland buzz word in the hands of Nation Beat. Borrowing, mixing and adapting musical traditions is at the very heart of their work. Dancing and audience participation are expected at Nation Beat's rousing shows.

Master percussionist, bandleader and educator Scott Kettner is the guiding force behind Nation Beat, a band whose teeming, vibrant rhythms find common ground in the primal maracatu rhythm of Brazil's northeastern region, the Big Easy's funky, hypnotic second-line and strolling Mardi Gras Indians, and the unfettered freedom of big-city downtown jazz.

Tickets ($17, $14 for members) are available online now. The show is appropriate for all ages. Find out more about Nation Beat at nationbeat.com.