F.B.A.

When people hear the name of Milan in northern Italy, they normally think of fashion or football. But the city and surrounding area are also home to a thriving folk music scene. Currently one of the most successful is Ferebandaperta, better known as FBA.

FBA was formed in 1993 by guitarist and songwriter Maurizio Feregalli and has recorded four albums since 1997. The repertoire is based on European folk and Celtic dances, together with many songs whose lyrics are written in Italian dialects and other languages (French, ancient Spanish, etc).

The band has toured France and England, has played in all the major Italian festivals, sharing the stage with luminaries such as Dervish (Ireland), Skolvan (Brittany), Capercaillie (Scotland) and Berroguetto (Galicia). The band was awarded "Best Italian Folk Band" in 2002 during Milan's "Samonios — Celtic New Year's Day." —Courtesy Calabash Music