Cisco Brewers hosts tribute to Cape Verdean music with Tavares brothers Tiny and Chubby
Seth ChitwoodNEW BEDFORD — Since Cisco Brewers Kitchen & Bar opened in May 2021, the entertainment hub has never held a major event, but that will change this week with a tribute to Cape Verdean music on June 30.
"This is our 50th year for the parade, and we hope to make it all bigger and better," said Al Monteiro, who heads the events/sponsorship board for the Cape Verdean Recognition Committee.
"We've been thinking bigger and out of the box," he added.
While seeking sponsors, Monteiro said he met with Cisco Brewers owner Steve Silverstein, who suggested using his space for the "The Recognition Music Festival" celebration.
"This was all his idea, he's been a big supporter to us," Monteiro said.
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The Cape Verdean Recognition Committee was established in 1972, under the name of the Cape Verdean Census Committee, according to the website.
"It's a way of putting out our culture so others can recognize, not just the talent, but the, the place that Cape Verdeans have in the city of New Bedford and our contributions," Monteiro added.
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Since its inception, the committee has held the Cape Verdean Recognition Parade during the first weekend in July.
"The Cape Verdean community is an integral part of this community," said Silverstein.
Silverstein said he is excited to offer Cisco to the Cape Verdean Recognition Committee as the venue's inaugural event. "The Cape Verdean community is an integral part of this community," said Silverstein.
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"We have this incredible waterfront property as sort of an asset of the community so this is a win-win, where we can do our business, celebrate and give back to the community," Silverstein added.
Sharing Cape Verdean culture
The event will feature music by Chubby and Tiny Tavares, Mike Antunes and Calu Bana, as well as other surprises. There will also be plenty of food with indoor and outdoor seating.
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"People should know that this isn't just for the Cape Verdean community, it's for the entire New Bedford community as a whole," said Diane M. Gomes, board member.
She hopes the event will be about sharing Cape Verdean culture and its history with newcomers.
"Cape Verdeans are welcoming people, and we're here to make the community a better place to live," Gomes added. "Not just for the Cape Verdean community, but for everyone."
Silverstein said he has offered the committee the venue for years to come. "We want to plan to have this annually there. It's something we're really looking forward to," Gomes said.
"Hopefully people will participate and want to see more of it."
Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com. Follow him on twitter: @ChitwoodReports. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.