Feel & Play

24 Feb 2026

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With accessible language, the workshop proposes a practical introduction to Brazilian rhythms such as bossa nova, samba, ijexá and baião. Participants will be guided to explore the Brazilian guitar not through fixed patterns or formulas, but through the sense of listening and touch, as a complete rhythm section in which the instrument and the body's swing, the groove and the cadence of the Portuguese language are inseparable.

Bakuna will show how subtleties of tempo, dynamics and right-hand balance create swing and intimacy. Instead of memorising rhythms, the emphasis will be placed on developing "feel"; understanding how Brazilian grooves breathe, how silence creates space and how simplicity can carry rhythmic depth.

Open to music students of all levels, the workshop is also aimed at non-students, offering a broad behind-the-scenes view of the preparation that sustains musical art and a rare glimpse into how groove, touch and intention are shaped long before the music reaches the stage.

 

Dynamics:
• Internalisation of the groove through listening, singing and movement
• Experiencing rhythm as a conversation
• Developing right-hand independence based on natural hand movement
• Understanding the guitar as a rhythm section

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Mario Bakuna is a Brazilian composer, arranger, singer and guitarist, with over 25 years of artistic career. He currently lives in London, United Kingdom. Widely recognised for his deep exploration of traditional Brazilian rhythms, such as samba, jazz and bossa nova, Mario captures the spirit of Brazilian swing, merging it with refined jazz colours, both in his original compositions and in new arrangements of works by iconic artists such as Tom Jobim, Dorival Caymmi, Paulo Moura and João Donato. Since moving to Europe to further his artistic research, Mario has become a prominent figure on the Brazilian jazz scene in the UK and beyond. His performances have taken him on tours through more than 20 European countries, as well as Brazil, Canada, Madagascar, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Kaliningrad and Taiwan, performing for audiences in intimate jazz clubs and at major festivals. From performing for 3,000 people in Azerbaijan and 7,000 in Kaliningrad to a record audience of 150,000 people at the Taichung Jazz Festival in Taiwan, Mario has achieved milestones that reflect the universal appeal and depth of his performances. He has collaborated with artists such as Jean Toussaint, Alain Jean-Marie, Liam Noble, Edmundo Carneiro, Guinga, Cacau Queiroz, Ricardo dos Santos, Daniel Jobim, Nelson Ayres, Robertinho Silva and Filó Machado. His acclaimed albums Where Rio de Janeiro Meets Bahia and Brazilian Landscapes showcase his ability to unite traditional roots with a contemporary musical sensibility. 

 

Information

Feel & Play. By Mario Bakuna
Supported by No Black Tie
Date: Tuesday, 24 February
Time: 10:30 am – 1:00 pm
Registration: info@kefoundation.eu
Registration fee: 25 € (general public) / 15 € (students)
Subject to capacity
Rua de Santa Catarina, 9 - third floor