New Drummer / Percussionist

Luiz Coutinho (a.k.a. KB, Koutobeat, and/or The Batikum) is a musician, drummer, and percussionist from Brazil, born into a family and culture of music and spirituality. While a young boy growing up in Brazil, Coutinho participated in several samba schools - blocos, afros, and afoxes - collaborating with other musicians and studies, traveling all over Brazil, studying Brazillian culture from north to south.

In 1993 he arrived in the U.S.A.. settling in Austin, Texas, "The Live Music Capitol of the World" in an effort to broaden his love and knowledge of music. Coutinho currently has initiated his own interpretation of world music and dancing with "The Batikum" using his Brazillian influence with many different styles from Africa, South America, Central America, the Middle East, and Europe. And now, in collaboration with "VICTORIA & ZETA FIVE", "THE BATIKUM" incorporates American blues, rhythm and blues, rock, and jazz fusion, to create a new platform for dancing. Their first track, "Quiet Storm / New Americas" (written by Victoria and Edward T Hammill) was recorded by Tim Dolbear at Eclectica Studios, Austin, Texas, and debuted at the Fall 2009 South / Midwest Tour.

Beginning March 14, 2010, from 1p - 3p, VICTORIA & ZETA FIVE and THE BATIKUM CONNECT for Sunday Brunch from 1p - 3p at Juniors Grill & Icehouse, Round Rock, Texas, offering an opportunity for family and friends of all ages to enjoy, as well as sign up for a Brazillian Gafierra dance workshop. Click HERE for more details.

Brazillian repetoire at live music venues typically includes, Sem Magaos (No Resentment), Quiet Storm / New Americas, Its A Lazy Morning Rain, Theme of The Batikum, Maputo, The Girl From Ipanema, Recado, Samba Do Aviao, Madelena, Once Again, Magnolia, O Numerado de Viuva, Sorri Pra Bahia, Samba da Abencao, as well as other afro / latin influenced songs from Sanatana, The Los Lonely Boys, and more.

In addition to dance workshops and performances at live music venues, VICTORIA & ZETA FIVE and THE BATIKUM CONNECTS to provide cross cultural workshops in a variety of settings, such as; schools, community centers, churches, expos, festivals, etc.

The cross-cultural workshop includes a 1 - 2 hour discussion about the cultural / geographical history of the development of music in North and South America, with particular emphasis on Brazillian and American cultures, followed by a demonstration of the signature percussive / rhythmic sounds specific to different geographical areas, with an opportunity for all ages to learn and apply techniques on percussive instruments.

For more information and/or booking in regards to the "VICTORIA & ZETA FIVE and THE BATIKUM CONNECT" show, dance workshop, and/or cross-cultural workshop, contact Luiz Coutinho (512-487-6775 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 512-487-6775 end_of_the_skype_highlighting), or Victoria Hammill (512-547-2071 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 512-547-2071 end_of_the_skype_highlighting).