Overview
Lak a Barh from Ploemel in Brittany sing of the sea and sailors—well-known standards, but also original compositions. Backed by years of experience, the group has developed a rich and high-quality musical style.
The group’s name, “Lak a Barh,” is a Breton expression that literally means “put it in.” “It’s got a double meaning,” explains singer and group founder Serge Le Bellego with a laugh: “It can mean ‘go for it’ or ‘fill up my glass’.”
The group sometimes performs at Serge’s home in Kérivin, Ploemel, in a barn built by his father, Eugène, in 1956. The barn is more than just a performance space—it’s a piece of family and village history. “It’s a big 300 m² room with high ceilings and beautiful acoustics,” Serge says. “We started singing here five or six years ago—it just felt right to bring life back into this special place.”
On festive nights, string lights and a small refreshment stand help create a warm, communal atmosphere. Local elders especially enjoy these gatherings, where they reconnect with the past—even spotting old slate boards still marked with the names of their cows. Serge also opens the barn to local associations and bands
A Band of Friends
At its core, Lak a Barh is a story of friendship—“and that’s why it’s lasted,” says Serge. While the group has seen changes over the years, it still counts 14 members today.
“It all started when a friend felt silly on vacation with some Italians—he only knew the first lines of the songs,” Serge recalls. “So we started learning lyrics properly, and then we went looking for musicians.” Accordionist Pierre Vay played a key role in shaping the group. “He taught us to sing in harmony, and he started writing music and lyrics. Before long, we had a small repertoire.”
Their first performance was at Fête de la Musique, at La Taverne café in Ploemel. That led to their first album of covers, a second album of original songs, and a long-running collaboration with storyteller Rémy Cochen. “We created two different shows, combining songs and stories on shared themes.”
Lak a Barh also has strong ties to the Musée des Thoniers in Étel, which sometimes screens historical films before their concerts.
Of course, the group’s lively host, Dédé, will be there to “provide the words” to the audience. “We hold up signs with the chorus of each song to get people singing along—and it works!” Something you’ll definitely want to experience for yourself.