Traditional Portuguese Music Finds a Home in Newark

What is fado?

For the Newarkers that made it out to El Pastor Restaurant Saturday night, that question is irrelevant. They are already very familiar.

For those who don't know, fado is a form of Portuguese music characterized by mournful guitars and sorrowful vocals and lyrics. This mix makes for a beautiful, uplifting blend.

"Fado is (literally) faith, destiny. In Portugal, people say fado is the 'alma dos povos.' It’s the 'soul of the people,'" said fado singer Fátima Santos. "Kind of the blues of Portugal."

Portuguese guitarist José Luis Iglésias described the sound as a cross between the music of the Mediterranean, with its guitars and singing from Southern Europe and North Africa, and a singing style of Spanish vocalists.

He explained that, with so few outlets for fado music, he and Santos felt the need to put together a show on their own.

“Not too many people have been performing fado," said Iglésias. "No Portuguese guitar, classical guitar. So we decided to organize an event just like in Portugal."

The event, held at El Pastor Restaurant on Market Street Saturday, began with a four-course meal for the packed house. Once the plates were cleared, Santos took the stage with Iglésias and classical guitarist Meliset Abreu. Santos' voice soared as her accompanists plucked gorgeously intricate melodies and rhythms.

After a short set Santos relinquished the stage to young male singer David Couto. Couto dedicated his set to Amelia Rodrigues, known as the "Queen of Fado."

Couto, who met Santos and Iglésias at a fado event at Rutgers University last December, discussed his inspiration for singing in his first live show.

"It's a beautiful, beautiful genre and I didn't want it to die off, at least within the Portuguese community outside of Portugal," Couto said.

Couto, who spent his childhood visiting his Portuguese grandmother, took the stage to a welcoming crowd. After his first song he was rewarded by enthusiastic and well-deserved applause.

Afterwards, Couto explained that being a part of the event was a way to remind the community of its shared heritage.

"We're here in honor of a music that defines our culture and our people," he said.

Santos, Couto, Abreu and Iglésias can be seen next at their concert "A Tribute to Amelia Rodrigues” on Oct. 8 at 8:30 p.m. The show will be at the LGBT Center at 208 West 13th St. in New York City.