Bando Celta

Bando Celta formed in 1996 in Lisbon, a group of friends drawn to traditional Celtic music from Ireland, Scotland, and Galicia. Their name simply means "Celtic Band," which gives you a sense of their straightforward approach. They started playing with a mix of traditional melodies and modern instrumentation, which didn't sit well with everyone at first, some purists questioned how authentic their sound really was.

Their debut album "Terra Celta" came out in those early years, and it established them as one of the few Portuguese groups working in this style. They've put out over a dozen albums since then, including "Festim Pagão" and "A Viagem das Ondas." Songs like "Festim Pagão" and "O Coração do Cão Negro" show their blend of Celtic folk with accessible arrangements.

The band's lineup has included founding members like Pedro Calhau on vocals and guitar, Fernando Girão on vocals and guitar, and Filipe Correia on vocals and accordion. They've kept at it without much fanfare, playing spirited shows and sticking to their vision of bringing Celtic music to Portuguese audiences.