A few months back I had another opportunity to watch this great band, and I didn’t want to miss it. This time they would be playing at Calçadas – A Music and Crafts fair in the Old Town in São Brás
I encouraged a friend of mine to come along too. He didn’t seem too keen at first, as the band would be starting at about 10:30 in the evening, a time when most of us are off to bed, but I knew this was going to be worth it.
I also wanted to see the expression on his face!
The magic started!
The band started and in no time at all the upbeat Irish melodies filled the air and the crowd danced vigorously. The fiddle communicated through the melodies like the spirited conversation of an old friend telling us his tales of the wild, emerald landscapes of Ireland – the rolling hills, the rugged cliffs, and the mystical forests.
My friend was blown over. Being a musician himself, he could fully appreciate this band and the ease at which they perform. We both stayed right up until it ended at 1:30am in the morning, afraid to leave in case we missed something.
Performance Masters
This energetic, highly professional band has to be one of the best I have ever seen, in Portugal. The energy in their performance is so contagious that it has people dancing from start to finish. If you don’t dance, you will tap your foot for sure!
They exude an electrifying stage presence that beckons the audience to dance or simply stand in awe. At the helm is Dário, our charismatic frontman, a masterful showman who ignites the stage with boundless energy, captivating every heart and soul in the audience. The virtuosic musicians effortlessly wield their instruments, as if they were extensions of their very beings.
Together, they command the audience’s attention, transcending borders and nationalities. Their music is the universal language that unites diverse souls, creating an unforgettable, harmonious experience.
It looks like these guys inherited the traces of a Celtic past.
Do you know who I talking about yet?
I am talking about Six Irish Men – who incidentally are not Irish at all.
I was so impressed with their performance that the next day I contacted the vocalist and asked him if I could do a short interview via FB.
This is how it went.
Interview with Dário
I started off by telling the Dário that I had enjoyed the show very much and how his boundless energy, along with the entire band’s incredible talent, had left an indelible impression on me.
Dario: We really enjoy it. Especially on a stage, on a stage it is always different. If the crowd is not enjoying themselves then something is wrong. We have been playing for a long time in Quinta do Lago and Vilamoura. We do weddings and parties. All that we can.
Me: When did the Six Irish Men project start?
Dário: If I am not mistaken it started in 2008.
Me. That is a few years. You can see it in your confidence on stage, it is phenomenal.
Dário: Yes, we are used to performing
Me: What made you decide to play Irish music? Does anybody have any Irish background?
Dário: No, none of us are Irish. We saw that people like this type of music and nobody else was doing it.
Me: was the Irish theme there from day one?
Dário: Yes, it was always there, then we started to add other songs too. To be more Eclectic and please the audience.
Me: How did you all meet? Have you all been friends for a long time?
Dário: some of us were part of the Tunas* at the University, and after that continued to play. It just happened.
Me: have you always had the same band members or have there been changes?
Dário: There have been some changes over the years, but it is essentially the same. Bands change.
Me: You all sing so well. Did you have to practice a lot to get the harmonies right?
Dário: It was just a habit. Adding voices and seeing how it sounded.
Me: how old were you when you started to sing?
Dário: I don’t remember not singing. I have always sang. I have always listened to music. But serious singing started with this band.
Me. What is your greatest musical influence?
Dário: I can’t define it, I listen to all kinds of music. REM, U2, nirvana, George Michael, Sinéad O’Connor. Not that I sing like any of them, but they have influenced me. Prince, Robbie WIlliams.
Me. I can see there are a lot! Are you all from Faro?
Dário: Most of us live in Faro now, yes.
Me: I have to ask something that I am sure everybody asks you. Where do you get all your energy from?
Dário: Yes, everybody asks me that. I think there is no better sensation than performing on a stage. There is nothing better.
Me: A natural high!
Dário: Yes! That is it.
Me: As a band you communicate very well on stage.
Dário: Yes it is. It is very important for live shows.
ME: Last night, even when the electricity went off you still managed to keep the crowd!
Dário: Yes the drum still made a noise. Our drummer put it to good use! 🤣
Me: And he carried on right until the end of the song. It was amazing!
Okay Dário. I think I have enough now. Thank you so much.
If you have not yet had a chance to see this band, I can assure you that you will not be disappointed!
Portuguese in six week is not just about learning the Portuguese language but also about integrating in the community and supporting local artists and businesses.
Six Irish Men are available for gigs. If you would like to book them contact: sixirishmen@gmail.com.
You will not regret it! Check their Facebook page to see when they are playing next. Six Irish Men
Meet the guys!
Dário – vocals
José – guitar
Rogério – bandolim, banjo & whistle
Duarte – bass & vocals,
Diogo – violin & vocals
Ricardo on Drums
*A tuna is a group of university students in traditional university dress who play traditional instruments and sing serenades. The tradition originated in Spain and Portugal in the 13th century as a means of students to earn money or food.