Gadan is a storming new band, blending the drive of Irish traditional music and bluegrass with the heart and soul of folk and Appalachian music. Then, they spice this intoxicating musical blend with an Italian seasoning for extra flair!
Gadan is a fresh project created by seasoned Italian musicians from the Irish trad and European folk/rock scene. Additionally, each member has years of experience performing at major traditional and alternative music festivals across Europe and the US. The band originally featured four members, all Italian, bringing remarkable skill and passion to Irish traditional music and old-time American styles. Here, this created a distinctive, memorable combination. Lorenzo Testa and Jacopo Ventura are both founding members, longtime performers on international stages.
Then, Enda Scahill joined in 2024, a tenor banjo master, award-winner, All-Ireland champion, and founder of We Banjo 3. Together, Gadan and Enda performed at all the major Irish festivals across the U.S.
Their high-energy repertoire has a powerful live appeal, recalling new-trad acts, but with a unique identity. With three banjos—tenor and clawhammer—fiddle, mandolin, and guitar, they create a unique “strings-only” sound. Then, they enhance this with subtle electronics and a powerful rhythmic pulse.
The band completed its line-up in 2025 with the addition of Eric Long, a gifted clawhammer banjoist and singer-songwriter. Moreover, Long hails from the mountainous heart of Pennsylvania, a region deeply rooted in Appalachian tradition. He brings a raw, authentic American folk soul to the group’s transatlantic sound, further expanding their dynamic, diverse musical identity.
Here, Gadan’s performances build momentum, sweeping the audience into ecstasy with their refreshing yet deeply rooted traditional sound.
Recommended for fans of We Banjo 3, Skerryvore, BeauSoleil and Cassie & Maggie.
