Kilt wearing, seafaring, soul-baring Celts who happened to be born in South America, Banda Taverna is Brazil’s premiere Celtic band. Playing iconic Celtic tunes and powered by rocket fuel, Banda Taverna impacts the crowd with high-energy stage dynamics, captivating 4-voice harmonies, and original arrangements that show incredible mastery of each of their instruments. Their rocking party session brings audiences of all ages to their feet and singing along.
Romulo Salobreña
Fiddle, Hurdy Gurdy, Vocals
Roma’s training began with classical guitar and Madrigal choir, moving to viola in college, and culminating in violin workshops with Kevin Burke. He is a co-founder of Banda Taverna and brings a rock-n-roll vibe to their Celtic music.
Rafael Salobreña
Bodhran, Kazoo, Vocals
Rafael started music school at age 13, and performed on drums with numerous folk and metal bands before co-founding Taverna as the bodhran player. He’s known for his high energy on stage, jumping to the beat and revving up the crowd!
Gustavo “Fofão”
Guitars, Bouzouki, Vocals
Fofão has studied guitar under many great names in the Brazilian and World scene, as well as Celtic masters Jason O’Rourke, Claire McGreevy, Jamie McKeogh, Patsy O’Brien, and Ciarán Bolger. Best known in Brazil as a fingerstyle artist and online guitar instructor, he mixes Folk, Jazz, Latin, Brazilian and Bluegrass spices into the band’s recipe.
João Gabriel
Mandolin, Banjo, Flutes
Uilleann Pipe, Vocals
Joao started guitar lessons at age 12, but went on to master the silver flute, tin whistles, Uillean pipes, banjo and mandolin by himself—although he was thrilled to be part of a weeklong Piping Workshop with Cillian Vallely in 2019. He adds texture and variety to Taverna, playing a different instrument on nearly every song!