Get ready for a high-energy fusion of tradition and innovation as Gadan brings its signature “Celtgrass” to the Ca d’Zan House Concerts in Cambridge, Illinois, on Thursday, August 21st. The Italian powerhouse melds Irish, Appalachian, and bluegrass with Mediterranean spirit, creating a string-fueled spectacle featuring banjos, fiddle, mandolin, and more. Arrive at 6 PM for a potluck and community hour, then settle in for the show at 7 PM on the lawn—don’t forget a chair or blanket. All ages are welcome, with a suggested donation of $20–$30 supporting the artists. Details at xroadscc.org/events.
Gadan, the electrifying Italian-rooted ensemble, has taken the folk scene by storm with a transatlantic sound that defies easy categorization. Blending Irish traditional drive, bluegrass speed, Appalachian soul, and an unmistakable dash of Italian style, the group features a powerhouse lineup: three banjos—both tenor and clawhammer—fiddle, mandolin, bouzouki, and guitar. Since forming in 2024, they’ve added bluegrass veteran Eric Long, deepening the band’s rhythmic complexity. With five coast-to-coast U.S. tours, Gadan’s dynamic, all-strings performances captivate both critics and audiences, earning them comparisons to contemporary acts while forging a singular musical identity.
