Blues Icon James Montgomery Joins New Bedford's Cape Verdean Week

On Thursday, June 30, a festive musical blowout at Cisco Brewers Kitchen and Bar in New Bedford will feature nationally-renowned blues musician James Montgomery, and SouthCoast favorites like Chubby and Tiny Tavares of the Grammy-winning Tavares, Mike "Tunes" Antunes from Beaver Brown Band, Candida Rose and Calu Bana, popular Cape Verdean vocalists Kevin Gomes and Angella K of K G Express, and a first-time appearance for Simpatico, directed by Carlton Pina.

In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the celebration of Cape Verdean culture and independence, the show starts at 3 p.m. with Calu Bana and his band, and goes straight through until 9 p.m.

"This event is going to be first class, supporting our local Cape Verdean community and the recognition parade," Chubby Tavares said. "The response has been unbelievable from the fans and we look forward to having one of the greatest celebrations at Cisco Brewers. I just wish our brother Ralph could be there with my son, but they'll be watching over us from above."

Ralph Tavares passed away in December of 2021.

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Along with his storied lifetime achievements in music, James Montgomery made two documentaries during the COVID pandemic. One titled America You Kill Me is about his late brother Jeff Montgomery, a pioneer in LGBTQ advocacy. The other documentary, Bonnie Blue: James Cotton's Life in the Blues, is about his late, dearest friend, the blues harmonica player, singer, songwriter and bandleader James Henry Cotton, a.k.a. "Superharp."

Ivan Brito, President of the 2022 Cape Verdean Recognition Week festivities, announced that Dr. Patricia Andrade, a top surgeon and lifetime public health advocate who has helped enhance healthcare delivery on the South Coast and has participated in medical missions to Cabo Verde, will serve as Grand Marshall of the 50th Cape Verdean Recognition Parade. The parade is set for Saturday and steps off from Buttonwood Park at 11 a.m.

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