Attention all lovers of the most emotional singing in Portuguese history: there's no longer a need to travel to the capital to hear the art that captivates so many generations. Born in the hills of Lisbon's popular neighbourhoods, Fado spread and gained strength in Cascais in the mid-20th century.
In this century, Pedro Vaz and Miguel Caldeira Cabral join forces to put on a show. Pedro owns an event production company and has been passionate about the world of music since he was young. He has been collaborating with the Cascais City Council for 12 years, always delivering successful events. Miguel is an expert in event production and public relations and has recently expanded his horizons into the restaurant industry. Together, they realised that their great passions were even stronger when combined.
The song everyone loves to hear
Warm up the voices and prepare the stage, big news are coming. Cascais Fado Xperience brings concerts in the style of typical fado houses, offering everything and more. The meeting point is the restaurant O Rubro, in the Mercado da Vila, a prime location in Cascais.
Why O Rubro? Because the space has a rustic tavern atmosphere with the ideal refinement to provide the authenticity that a good Portuguese fado session demands. “The criteria are really about authenticity and the ability to recreate a traditional fado atmosphere”, says Miguel.
But it's not just the space that makes this experience unique. The prices will also tip the scales in favour of Cascais: the experience costs 25€, a much more attractive price than that of traditional fado houses. This includes a show, a glass of wine and a petisco.
The menu offers many options to extend the night and savour the atmosphere and the food. From fresh tuna "pica-pau" to Iberian pork pluma, not forgetting the pear crème brûlée to end on a high note, the menu is complete for a night where nothing is missing.
Within the four walls of O Rubro, some classics are promised in the repertoire: "Cheira bem, cheira a Lisboa" and "Lisboa, menina e moça", for example. The well-tuned singing will be performed by local artists, a concern the organisers have had from the start. They enumerate what will not be missing: "a guitarist with a Portuguese guitar, a viola, two singers who will each sing three or four fados, then a guitar solo, and to finish in style, a classic 'desgarrada' between the two." As long as they can sing fado well, the project is in good hands.
The Cascais Fado Xperience is, for now, set to occupy three days a week at O Rubro – from Thursday to Saturday – but there is the possibility of extending it to every day of the week and, who knows, twice a day. After all, who doesn't like to combine culture, art, gastronomy, and scenery? Pedro and Miguel promise "a unique experience, and one more reason to stay in Cascais." Or to visit, we might add.