Brazilian Beats, led by award-winning Brazilian-Canadian musician Marco Castillo, is a powerhouse ensemble that fuses the infectious rhythms of samba, bossa nova, and MPB with the energy of jazz and funk. Since their debut at the Winnipeg Jazz Festival in 2008, the group has helped shape the festival’s Latin Night, becoming a crowd favorite for their authenticity, groove, and ever-evolving sound.

Each performance features a fresh repertoire, inventive arrangements, and vibrant instrumentation. The driving rhythm section delivers deep Brazilian swing, while the horns add fiery harmonies and flair. For 2026, the band highlights the return of the guitarra baiana, a distinctive Brazilian electric instrument featured in exhilarating frevo pieces.

Castillo has released three albums and several singles, and was a finalist at the Viña del Mar International Song Festival in Chile, performing before an audience of 20,000 and millions of viewers worldwide.