Two Decades of Music, Community and Dancing Feet
For over 20 years, Banda Bacana has been proud to be part of the vibrant and diverse live music scene across North Wales and beyond. What started as a small musical collaboration in Bangor has grown into one of North Wales’ most recognisable live world music bands, performing everywhere from village halls and community events to major festivals, theatres, weddings, parties, and international stages.
Looking back over the last two decades, we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us, shared a stage with us, danced to our music, organised events, and helped keep live music thriving throughout Wales.
How It All Started
Banda Bacana began its journey in the early 2000s through the local samba band in Bangor. It was there that Kate met bass player John, who was contributing to Samba Bangor’s album, and Zé, an incredibly talented multi-instrumentalist and producer from Recife, Brazil. At the time, Kate was learning bossa nova guitar and the idea of playing music together simply grew from a shared love of rhythm, groove, and world music.
Although Zé eventually returned to Brazil, the musical journey continued. Over the years, musicians have come and gone, the line-up has evolved, and the band has taken on various forms. Through it all, Banda Bacana has continued to grow while staying true to its roots.
A Unique Sound Built Over 20 Years
Today, the band usually consists of between seven and nine musicians, depending on availability, with many members also contributing to other bands and musical projects across North Wales.
Together, the current and former members bring a combined musical experience of well over 300 years, with backgrounds including afrobeat, latin, funk, reggae, ska, jazz, folk, blues, world music… These influences combine to create the energetic, groove-driven sound that has become synonymous with Banda Bacana.
After releasing our first album, Danza Negra, in 2009 and Stop the Plant in 2018, we’ve continued to perform regularly while developing new music and exploring new opportunities.
Supporting the North Wales Music Scene
Throughout our journey we have been privileged to perform alongside many talented musicians, bands, organisers, venues, and promoters who have helped build the rich musical culture that exists across Wales today. Over the years we have performed at venues and events including:
Conwy Feast, Galeri Caernarfon, Dragon Theatre Barmouth, Hendre Hall, The Heights in Llanberis, Trefriw Village Hall, Beatherder Festival, Kaya Festival, Ymuno Festival, Gwyl Arall, Sheep Music Festival.
We’ve also been fortunate enough to share stages with some incredible artists including: Maroon Town, Geraint Jarman, and Riot Jazz Brass Band. One of our proudest moments was supporting Cuban legends Sierra Maestra at Pontio in Bangor, while another unforgettable experience was performing on the S4C stage at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.
Every venue, promoter, volunteer, audience member, and fellow musician has contributed to the story of Banda Bacana and to the wider Welsh music scene that continues to inspire us.
One of the things we’ve always loved about being part of the North Wales music scene is the sense of community that exists between venues, promoters, artists, volunteers, technicians, and audiences. From village halls and community spaces to festivals and theatres, we’ve been lucky enough to perform in some fantastic places and meet some incredible people along the way. It’s those connections and shared experiences that have helped keep live music thriving across the region for so many years.
A Huge Thank You to Event Organisers, Volunteers and Support Teams
Live events simply wouldn’t happen without the dedication of organisers, volunteers, venue staff, sound engineers, technicians, promoters, and the many people working behind the scenes.
As musicians, we know how much effort goes into creating safe, welcoming, and successful events. While performers may be on stage, there is always a large team working in the background to make sure everything runs smoothly for audiences and artists alike.
Supporting Safe and Successful Events
We’ve also had the opportunity to work alongside Castell Security Ltd at a number of events across North Wales in recent years. Founded by our wonderful lead singer Ceri and her hubby Marco, their professional event security and stewarding teams have become a familiar presence at festivals, concerts, and community events, working behind the scenes to help organisers deliver safe and successful events. While audiences are enjoying the music and having a good time, security staff are often the people quietly helping everything run smoothly, allowing performers, organisers, and attendees to focus on the event itself.
Looking Ahead
Twenty years is a long time in music, but it somehow feels like we’re only just getting started. With a new album on the horizon, exciting performances planned, and plenty more opportunities to share our music, we’re looking forward to the next chapter.
To everyone who has supported Banda Bacana over the last two decades—musicians, audiences, venues, promoters, volunteers, organisers, friends, and family—thank you.
Here’s to the next 20 years!