“A deliriously entertaining new musical comedy that brings down the house!” – New York Post

The national tour of the Tony-nominated musical Something Rotten! arrives at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, November 27, at 7:30 p.m. It’s an uproarious dose of pure Broadway fun and an irresistible ode to musicals. Tickets range from $47 to $67 and can be purchased by calling 508-994-2900, online at https://zeiterion.org/, or at the Zeiterion Box Office at 684 Purchase Street in New Bedford. Group sales of 10 tickets or more can be purchased by calling 508-997-5664 x123.

Nominated for 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Something Rotten was originally directed and choreographed on Broadway by Tony Award-winner Casey Nicholaw (Mean Girls, The Book of Mormon), with music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winner and Tony Award nominee Wayne Kirkpatrick and Golden Globe Award and Tony Award nominee Karey Kirkpatrick and a book by Tony Award nominees Karey Kirkpatrick and best-selling author John O’Farrell.

This hilarious new musical comedy tells the story of brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom, two playwrights stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star Will Shakespeare. When a soothsayer foretells the next big thing in theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, the Bottom brothers set out to write the world’s very first musical. With the most singing, the most dancing and the most gut-busting laughs on Broadway, it’s “the funniest musical comedy in at least 400 years” (Time Out New York).

With its heart on its ruffled sleeve and sequins in its soul, Something Rotten! is an uproarious dose of pure Broadway fun and an irresistible ode to musicals — those dazzling creations that entertain us, inspire us, and remind us that everything’s better with an exclamation point!

The award-winning design team of Broadway veterans includes Scott Pask (scenic design), Gregg Barnes (costume design), Jeff Croiter (lighting design), Peter Hylenski (sound design), Josh Marquette (hair design), Phil Reno (music supervision), Glen Kelly (arrangements), Larry Hochman (orchestrations), Steve Bebout (associate director), Brian P. Kennedy (associate music supervision) and casting by Wojcik | Seay Casting.

Something Rotten! was originally produced on Broadway by Kevin McCollum, Broadway Global Ventures, CMC, Mastro/Goodman, Jerry & Ronald Frankel, Morris Berchard, Kyodo Tokyo Inc., Wendy Federman, Barbara Freitag, Lams Productions, Winkler/DeSimone, Timothy Laczynski, Dan Markley, Harris/Karmazin, JAM Theatricals, Robert Greenblatt, Jujamcyn Theaters.

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The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to provide New Bedford and the region with performing arts programming of excellence that inspires, educates, engages and entertains. Tickets are available for purchase at www.zeiterion.org, by calling 508-994-2900, or in person at the box office at 684 Purchase Street, New Bedford, Mass. Zeiterion Box Office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and two hours before each performance.

Join Spinner Publications and South Coast Almanac on November 10, 2018 from 2-4 p.m. for a mile-long walk, and visit five spots described in the novel, Blue Collars, published by Spinner Publications and written by local author, Catherine McLaughlin. Blue Collars, tells the story of young Finn Kilroy’s childhood in New Bedford’s South End, as she navigates keeping a dark secret of abuse from her close and loving family. Many of the landmarks she chronicles are still present and will be visited on the walk.

South Coast Almanac is introducing the concept of walking book clubs to the area. Originating in the UK, walking book clubs are a way for people to talk about books while enjoying the outdoors and a bit of exercise. To kick off its series of walking book clubs, the Almanac is putting a decidedly local spin by choosing Blue Collars by local author Catherine McLaughlin in which 1950s and 60s New Bedford is vividly described.

The price of the walking tour includes the book, a treat from the New Bedford Baking Company & a tour led by Joe Thomas, Publisher of Spinner Publications and South Coast Almanac contributor Corey Nuffer. Thomas and Nuffer will read passages from the Blue Collars that relate to the sights and provide some historical background for the novel. Participants need not have previously read the book to enjoy the tour. Whether you’ve already finished reading Blue Collars, or are just starting it, the tour will provide a context for the novel’s setting and will enrich the reading experience.

The walking book club will take place on November 10, 2018 from 2-4 p.m. Rain date is November 11, 2018. $24.95 (Ticket price includes the book. If you already have Blue Collars, $10 will be deducted from the ticket price). The tour will meet at the entrance to the New Bedford Cove Walk on Cove Road. Parking is available at 1087 Cove Road, New Bedford. Call 781-475-4526 or email with any questions. Please reserve your space by emailing info@southcoastalmanac.com.

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About South Coast Almanac
South Coast Almanac is proud to call the South Coast home. Founded in 2016, its mission is to celebrate life here. Beginning in 2019, South Coast Almanac moved from an annual to a quarterly print-publication, which is available by subscription and on newsstands. For more information, go to southcoastalmanac.com

About Spinner Publications
Spinner Publications, is a non-profit publishing house in New Bedford whose mission is to record and promote the history, stories and culture of the cities and towns of southeastern New England. For more information visit www.spinnerpub.com.

The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center packs November with seven exciting performances, kicking off with two sold-out shows, Postmodern Jukebox and Boz Scaggs, and concluding with Christmas Wonderland Holiday Spectacular to launch the holiday season. Tickets can be purchased by calling 508-994-2900, online at https://zeiterion.org/, or at the Zeiterion Box Office at 684 Purchase Street in New Bedford. Group sales for select shows are available for 10 tickets or more, which can be purchased by calling 508-997-5664 x123.

The Zeiterion will celebrate Small Business Saturday on November 24 by waiving ticket fees to select performances.

The Zeiterion box office will offer extended holiday hours beginning on Black Friday. These hours are:

• Friday, November 23, and Saturday, November 24: 10 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Monday, November 26, to Saturday, December 15: 10 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Monday, December 17, to Saturday, December 22: 10 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Closed Sundays.

The full schedule of November performances is:

Postmodern Jukebox
Saturday, November 3, 8:00 p.m.

This multi-talented collective reimagines contemporary pop, rock and R&B hits in the style of various yesteryears, from swing to doo-wop, ragtime to Motown. Imagine marrying the 21st century party vibe of Miley Cyrus or the minimalist angst of Radiohead with the crackly warmth of a vintage 78 or the plunger-muted barrelhouse howl of a forgotten Kansas City jazzman.

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Boz Scaggs: Out of the Blues Tour
Friday, November 9, 8:00 p.m.

The voice who brought us “Lido Shuffle” and “Lowdown,” to name just a few. This tour supports Scaggs’ new album, Out of the Blues, which is appropriate since the blues is what first sparked his five-decade musical career.

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The New Chinese Acrobats
Saturday, November 10, 7:30 p.m.

Mixing new techniques and acts with ancient traditions, The New Chinese Acrobats present the opportunity to view the best of China’s ancient folk art, mixed with the style and virtuosity of today’s generation. With performers selected from across China for their high-level acrobatic skills and innovative staging, the show includes award-winning acts from prestigious circus festivals such as Monte Carlo Circus Festival and World Circus Festival of Paris.

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The Choir of Man
Sunday, November 18, 7:30 p.m.

The runaway hit of numerous music festivals is now on its first U.S. tour! Known across the globe as “the ultimate feel good show,” The Choir of Man is a party and a concert set in a working pub that combines hair-raising harmonies, high-energy dance, and live percussion with foot-stomping choreography. The multi-talented cast of nine handsome blokes sings everything – pub tunes, folk, Broadway, classic rock – all to roof-raising heights.

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Something Rotten! National Broadway Tour
Tuesday, November 27, 7:30 p.m.

Set in the 1590s, this hilarious smash tells the story of Nick and Nigel Bottom, two brothers who are desperate to write their own hit play while the “rock star” Shakespeare keeps getting all the hits. When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical.

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Future Rhythm Quartet at Stage Door Live
Thursday, November 29, 7:30 p.m.

The historic Zeiterion stage transforms into intimate concert club for Rhythm Future Quartet led by violinist Jason Anick and guitarist Olli Soikkeli. The group performs dynamic and lyrical arrangements of both Gypsy jazz standards and original compositions that draw upon diverse international rhythms and musical idioms.

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Christmas Wonderland Holiday Spectacular
Friday, November 30, 8:00 p.m.

Start Christmas in style as Santa and his merry helpers take you on an unforgettable journey featuring holiday favorites, including “White Christmas,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Chestnuts Roasting,” “Let it Snow,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “O Holy Night,” and many more.

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The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to provide New Bedford and the region with performing arts programming of excellence that inspires, educates, engages and entertains. Tickets are available for purchase at www.zeiterion.org, by calling 508-994-2900, or in person at the box office at 684 Purchase Street, New Bedford, Mass. Zeiterion Box Office regular hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and two hours before each performance.

The Zeiterion Theatre revealed to members the shows for the 2018/19 Season. Show list and tickets: https://zeiterion.org/all-shows/

Zeiterion Performing Arts Center will offer several dance-themed events as part of their Dance Discovery program in the 2018/2019 season, many of which are free and open to the public. The line-up kicks off with Tiny Dances, the work of 10 choreographers on one small stage, on September 13 outside the theater during AHA! night. Dance fans will also be able to immerse themselves in the world of movement with four Dance Barre events that are free. Two cultural road trips round out the schedule, one to Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker in December. Tickets can be purchased for the road trip and reservations for Dance Barre can be made by calling 508-994-2900, online at https://zeiterion.org/, or at the Zeiterion Box Office at 684 Purchase Street in New Bedford.

“Dance belongs to everyone, so The Z is committed to removing barriers to the art form with free events and, in the case of Tiny Dances, dance on the street,” said Rosemary Gill, Executive Director, Programming & Development. “Because dance isn’t as available as other performing arts genres like music, it’s our duty to keep trained dance in the public through our Dance Discovery program.”

The schedule of Dance Discovery events is as follows:

Tiny Dances
Thursday, September 13, 5:30 & 7:00 p.m.
Free

Ten choreographers present their work on one tiny stage outside the Zeiterion during AHA! night. Their performance is dedicated to New Bedford Ballet’s James Brown. No reservations needed.

Dance Barre – Jack of All Trades, Master of None
Wednesday, October 17, 7:00 p.m.
Free
Guest speaker: Shura Baryshnikov

Performers bring their entire world into every creative project. Their studies and training, joys and traumas, and spiritual and contemplative practices are all present every time they step on stage or enter a creative space. Shura Baryshnikov asks, is it possible to dispel our idealization of specialization in performing arts to disrupt the binary of dance and theater? Can versatility and range as dancers and actors begin to transform stage work? What possibilities await us for stagecraft if this becomes the case? Whether or not you’re a performer, this discussion will be inspiration for the jack of all trades in any profession.

Cultural Road Trip to Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Sunday, December 16, 2018, 11:30 a.m.
Tickets: $169 / $159 Z Member

Come aboard a motor coach to Boston Opera House for the world-class Boston Ballet performing the holiday classic “The Nutcracker.” Package includes round-trip transportation between the Zeiterion and The Boston Opera House, a box lunch, tickets to The Nutcracker, and the special backstage tour.

Dance Barre – Kicking and Screening: New England Choreographers Showcase
Wednesday, February 27, 7:00 p.m.
Free

Join us for a film presentation of short experimental dances created specifically for the camera. The films collected here represent a diversity of cultural backgrounds and artistic languages; and though all are concerned with the capture of the moving body within the moving frame, each does so in its own unique way – crafting worlds that range from the narrative and familiar, to the abstract and alien.

Dance Barre – Can Dancers Save the World?
Wednesday, March 27, 7:00 p.m.
Free
Guest speaker: Jose Mateo

Dance tangos with social impact! Cuban born Jose Mateo explores the ways dance artists are creating deliberate social change. While the arts have always had an impact on the way social order is perceived, many artists in today’s highly-connected global culture openly declare their intended commitment to “save the world” through their work. Experiments seem to proliferate in dance circles because the medium is so well suited to community building. How much impact do these artists really have and is their work done at the expense of artistic excellence and innovation?

This Dance Barre enhances the experience of the Ballet Hispánico mainstage performance on Friday, April 12.

Dance Barre – Aroundtown Glimpse into Dance Creation
Wednesday, April 24, 7:00 p.m.
Free
Guest speaker: David Dorfman

Join David Dorfman for an inside glimpse into the process he and his company of dancers and musicians used to create Aroundtown. You’ll be drawn into this highly imaginative world where audience members, sitting together in a dark theater, seek a way in to tenderness and then out into the world again. You’ll learn how Dorfman engages highly athletic dance with personal narrative and song to create a world where for one evening, we all belong. A world where everything will be ok. It’s not easy. Hope is not easy. Love is not easy. But Dorfman dares to lead the charge and spread the idea that together we will persist.

This Dance Barre enhances the experience of the David Dorfman Dance mainstage performance on Saturday, May 11.

Cultural Road Trip to Jacob’s Pillow
Summer 2019
Price TBD

Join fellow dance lovers on a day-long excursion to the Berkshires, home of America’s longest-running international dance festival.

The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to provide New Bedford and the region with performing arts programming of excellence that inspires, educates, engages and entertains. Tickets are available for purchase at www.zeiterion.org, by calling 508-994-2900, or in person at the box office at 684 Purchase Street, New Bedford, Mass. Zeiterion Box Office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and two hours before each performance.

The New Bedford Feast of the Blessed Sacrament, a.k.a. the Portuguese Feast, a.k.a. Madeira Feast is the largest event New Bedford has every year. More than that, it is the largest Portuguese feast in the world and the largest ethnic festival in New England. The feast was founded in 1915 by four Madeiran immigrants who wanted to recreate the festivities of their home island.

Here is an overview of the feast which has become a major attraction for visitors from all over who come to celebrate the Portuguese culture through food, drink, and entertainment.

1. Location & Schedule of Events

The “feast” is a four-day event, officially kicking off at 5:30 PM on Thursday, August 2nd with the assembly of the Festeiros (Feast Committee Members) at the intersection of Earle Street and Acushnet Avenue.

Led by the Feast President, the Festeiros march in a special procession down Earle Street to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church which is located at the corner of Earle Street and Madeira Avenue. At the church, Father Daniel O. Reis celebrates a special Benediction to the Blessed Sacrament.

Each evening the feast grounds will close at 11:45pm and open the next day at noon.

On Saturday, however the 5K road race will begin at 10:00am with a check-in time of 8:30am. The course goes through the historic north end and finishes through the famous arches at Madeira Field. The first 250 entrants get a free t-shirt, but all participants are treated to food and drink. The top three male and female winners will receive medals and cash prizes of $250.00 for 1st place, $150.00 for 2nd place and $75.00 for 3rd place. The age categories are 14 and under, 15-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over.

The road race is followed by Fun & Family Day from NOON-4:00pm. A ton of fun events and activities are planned including face painting, a traveling science museum, music by the Toe Jam Puppet Band, carnival rides, a free book, flash mob and routine by Dance Xtreme, and more.

The last day of the feast is Sunday and will feature a parade at 2:00pm.

Want to win some prizes like a trip to the Azores and Madeira with hotel and airfare, tickets to a Patriots, Red Sox or Celtics game, bicycles, a scooter, a golf package or up to $1,000 in gift certificates to your favorite local restaurants? Simply buy some raffle tickets for a donation of $2 or $5 will get you a book of 5.

2. Costs

There is no charge for admission and the entertainment is free thanks to the hard work of the committee members who comprise the 2018 Feast of the Blessed Sacrament Committee.  Feast members come from all over the country to plan the feast each year, some as far away as California and Florida.  Some of the members will be traveling from across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and South Africa to attend the feast, but in the meantime, they have had family members representing them at the committee meetings.

While admission is free to walk around and watch the entertainment or visit the Museum of Madeiran Heritage there are also many vendors on the grounds selling everything from handmade Madeiran souvenirs to cigars.  Of course, food, carnival rides, and beverages are also an additional cost.

Prices of food are kept reasonable, and there is a great deal of variety to choose from. Tickets cost a dollar each and can be purchased at many machines located throughout the grounds by placing a five, ten or twenty dollar bill inside. Tickets are non-refundable. There are also stands with employees who sell the tickets.

To give you a general idea of the prices of items at the feast, a full meal is 12 tickets, most sandwiches are around four tickets, and a soda or a water goes for one ticket. If you’re over 21, an impressive selection of alcoholic beverages is available to choose from.

On Family Fun Day – which is Saturday – food is FREE food for kids under 12: burgers, hot doga, French fries and a soda from noon-4:00pm. Also on Saturday in the same time frame, seniors get a choice-of-menu dinner at a 50% discount. Choices include roast beef, chicken, fish, cacoila, and the somewhat more exotic roast goat or rabbit, traditional Portuguese favorites.

3. Food

One of the greatest features of the feast is the delicious Portuguese fare. There are many food stands located throughout Madeira Field that serve your favorites from the simple delights of linguica and cacoila sandwiches to full on Portuguese cuisine plates of chicken, beef, goat or tuna with potatoes, rice, and vegetables.

Another major culinary draw is the Carne de Espeto, a massive, 40-foot barbecue pit where beef sirloin cubes can be cooked over an open flame on massive skewers. This is hard to miss since the aroma is absolutely mouthwatering. Visitors are able to buy the meat for eight tickets a pound and a delicious aromatic salt is provided to cook with.

Visitors are then able to roast their own dinner over the gas-fired lava rock grill. Mr. Camara, (who has been a part of the organization since 1982) advised me that if someone tells you to pour Madeira wine on the meat it is not advisable (it does not help the flavor and causes the meat to burn faster!)

Other items that will be featured at the feast include Milho Frito, fried cornmeal, garlic and finely shredded kale make this the perfect treat to go with Carne de Espeto, pasteis de Bacalau (codfish cakes), atum, cabra, favas, coelho, carne de vinho e alhos, malassadas, tremocos and other Portuguese classics. There will also be ice-cold fresh fruit cups, the perfect way to cool down for health-conscious attendees.

In case you are not accustomed to the flavorful cooking style of Portuguese cuisine, go to the Food & Drink page of the Portuguese Feast website for definitions of some of the food you might expect to see.

4. Drink

One of the draws of the feast is the consumption of Madeira wine, which is a central part of the festivities as it is part of a long tradition. Madeira wine is a sweet, fortified red wine. Genuine Madeira wine is made on the island of Madeira, and exportation of actual barrels are restricted due to regulations. However, thanks to a special agreement made between feast officials and the President of Madeira, casks are able to be delivered to New Bedford and served for the weekend, making this a very rare treat for those who attend.

For those who don’t find that the taste of Madeira wine suits their pallet, there are a great variety of additional options including a full liquor bar for mix drinks and frozen drinks. Alcohol stands also serve sangria and white wine and Budweiser beer is on tap.

If you wish to partake in the consumption of alcoholic beverages, you will need to have your ID scanned when you enter the feast grounds in order to receive a wristband that proves you are legally old enough to be served.

There will be additional ID stations at this year’s feast due to the anticipated increase in numbers of attendees.

5. Entertainment

There is a great deal of quality free entertainment at the feast each year from Portuguese and American cultures. There are four separate stages of entertainment on the main grounds and a “Fado” stage at the Museum of Madeiran Heritage Courtyard Venue – these performances will be featuring a Portuguese genre of music that can be traced back to the 1820s but is believed to be even older than that.

One of the cultural acts that you may see take the stage at Madeira field is Groupo Folclorico Clube Madeirense S.S. Sacramento. This group of dancers presents traditional dancing performances to authentic Madeiran music and in traditional clothing. These performances are always very spirited and interesting to see.

There will be many bands on the smaller stages during the feast, but the largest stage is reserved for a special performance at 10:00 each night by a headliner band. For those old school metal heads, you will be excited to know that Queensryche will be headlining this year!

For more information on when and where events will be taking place, go to the Portuguese Feast Entertainment Schedule.

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Time, Act and Stage

6:30pm-7:30pm: D’Alma (2)
7:00pm-10:00pm: Freeze Pops (3)
7:00pm-10:00pm: Somethin’ Else (4)
7:45pm-8:45pm: Grupo Folclorico do Clube Madeirense S.S. Sacramento (1)
8:45pm-9:45pm: D’Alma (2)
10:00pm-11:30pm: Queensryche (1)

Time, Act and Stage

1:00pm-3:00pm: Radio Honey (1)
1:00pm-3:00pm: Business Time (4)
3:00pm-5:00pm: No Way Out (2)
4:00pm-7:00pm: Shattered (3)
4:00pm-6:30pm: Ralph Kingsley (4)
5:00pm-7:00pm: Back In The Day (1)
7:00pm-8:00pm: Edge (2)
7:00pm-10:00pm: LIKK (3)
7:00pm-10:00pm: Craig Demello (4)
8:00pm-9:00pm: Grupo Folclorico do Clube Madeirense S.S. Sacramento (1)
9:00pm-10:00pm: Edge (2)
10:00pm-11:30pm: Wild Nites (1)

Time, Act and Stage

12:00pm-4:00pm: Family Fun Day (Kid’s Day)
12:00pm-1:00pm: Toe Jam Puppet Band (1)
1:00pm-2:00pm: Cool Banana Wig (1)
1:00pm-4:00pm: Breanna Pacheco (4)
3:00pm-5:00pm: Morissey Blvd (2)
4:00pm-7:00pm: Real Deal (3)
4:30pm-6:30pm: Giulianna Amaral (4)
5:00-7:00pm: Jammin’ (Bob Marley Tribute Band) (1)
7:00pm-8:00pm: Dead Til Friday (2)
7:00pm-10:00pm: Judas Rising (3)
7:00pm-10:00pm: Grace Morrison (4)
8:00pm-9:00pm: Grupo Folclorico do Clube Madeirense S.S. Sacramento (1)
9:00pm-9:30pm: Dead Til Friday (2)
9:30pm-11:30pm: Eratoxica (1)

Time, Act and Stage

12:30pm-2:30pm: Steddie (2)
1:00pm-4:00pm: Bettty (4)
2:00pm: Parade
3:00pm-6:00pm: Whiskey Affliction (3)
4:00pm-7:00pm: Matt Silva (4)
5:00pm-6:30pm: D’Alma (1)
6:30pm-7:30pm: Get Lucky (2)
7:00pm-10:00pm: Ageless (3)
7:00pm-9:30pm: Carson (4)
7:30pm-8:30pm: Grupo Folclorico do Clube Madeirense S.S. Sacramento (1)
8:30pm-9:30pm: Get Lucky (2)
9:30pm-11:30pm: Ultimate Queen Celebration (1)

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Thursday, August 2, 2018 (8:00pm–11:30pm)
• Sonya Bettencourt, Fado Singer
• Jeremias Macedo, Fado Singer
• Viriato Ferreira, Viola Classica
• Manuel Leite, Guitarra Portuguesa

Friday, August 3, 2018 (7:30pm–11:30pm)
• Ana Vinagre, Fado Singer
• Viriato Ferreira, Viola Classica
• Manuel Leite, Guitarra Portuguesa

Saturday, August 4, 2018 (7:30pm–11:30pm)
• Sonya Bettencourt, Fado Singer
• Carlos Furtado, Fado Singer
• Viriato Ferreira, Viola Classica
• Manuel Leite, Guitarra Portuguesa

Sunday, August 5, 2018
4:00pm-7:00pm: Rebecca Correia (Singer-songwriter & guitarist)
7:30pm-10:30pm: Jordan Paiva (Josh Groban)

To see more and keep abreast of changes, check out the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament’s entertainment schedule page.

6. Families

Since the Madeira feast involves alcohol consumption, some readers may be wondering if it is a family-appropriate event. You will be glad to know that family values are integral to the foundation of the feast. While it is probably not advisable to bring young children later in the night due to large crowds and loud music, it should be mentioned that there are many features of the feast that children will love. Also, the feast takes great measures to prohibit underage drinking. All who wish to consume alcoholic beverages are required to undergo a license verification process in order to receive a specially printed wristband.

Additional security precautions are always taken due to its size and significance. Few people realize this, but the Feast grounds are wired with such advanced cameras that all feast goers are on at least two cameras at any given time.

A cool part of the feast is that it features carnival rides and games all weekend. Saturday is probably the best day for families with young children thanks to Fun & Family Day which follows the annual 5k road race. Fun & Family Day kicks off at noon and ends at four, featuring special live entertainment for children, face painting, traveling science museum, Flash Mob, and routine by Dance Xtreme, Toe Jam Puppet Band, and more. Kids under twelve can also receive a free hot dog or hamburger, French fries, and a soda.

For senior citizens in the community, there is “Senior Citizen Afternoon” which also takes place on Saturday from noon to 4 pm. During this time a shuttle is being offered (courtesy of the City of New Bedford) from the parking lot of Lincoln Elementary on Saturday so that seniors can attend the event without having to worry about parking. On this day they are also offered a special deal of choice-of-menu dinner at a 50% discount! Menu choices include roast beef, chicken, fish, cacoila, and the somewhat more exotic roast goat or rabbit – traditional Portuguese favorites. Only 6 dollars instead of 12 (eat in only). Special entertainment is featured as well.

7. History

The Feast of the Blessed Sacrament gains its roots from the island of Madeira which is located 390 miles off the coast of Morocco. Traditionally, each Roman Catholic parish in Madeira would observe a festival to celebrate their patron saint. A committee of four men called festeiros would be responsible for preparing the village for the celebration by decorating the streets, contracting entertainment (often in the form of a brass band and fireworks) and holding a ceremonial meal after mass on Sunday.

There are many versions of the tale of why the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament was first begun in New Bedford over 100 years ago. What is certain, however, is that the feast was initiated as a means of preserving basic values of the Madeiran culture. Of course, since it was first begun the feast has changed in many ways to accommodate thousands of eager participants and modern elements of celebration.

While there have been many changes in the feast, many aspects still remain central to the celebration. The tradition of Madeira wine is a very old one, dating back to the 15th Century when the Malvasia vine was planted on the island of Madeira to see it would yield an alternative supply of wine for England. When growth was successful Madeira wine quickly took to the market, but did not become a major export until many years later. It wasn’t until the 16th Century that the flavor we know of today was created when they discovered that the flavor of the wine was actually improved by being repeatedly heated up. Follow the link for more information on the history of Madeira wine.

The religious aspect of the feast also remains a part of proceedings. As it did in 1915, the feast still takes place near Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, which is located on the corner of Earle and Madeira Street in New Bedford. The Portuguese feast pays homage to its religious traditions by beginning the weekend festivities with a procession to the church where Father Daniel O. Reis gives a Benediction to the Blessed Sacrament. The last day of the feast starts with Sunday Mass at Our Lady of Immaculate Conception and “the Festeiros, Club Madeirense S. S. Sacramento, Inc. members, and all of the many volunteers receive the blessings of the church for their many hours of work devoted to achieving a successful Feast and for being respectful of its religious origins”. Throughout the weekend the church also hosts a wonderful musical series of organ music and vocalists. The details of this schedule are still being finalized.

8. Madeira Field

Most of the events take place at Madeira Field, which is a permanent location in New Bedford’s north end, which comes to life one weekend a year for the festivities. The address of Madeira Field is 50 Madeira Avenue, New Bedford, MA (88 Tinkham Street on your GPS). Parking can be a bit tricky, you may have to plan to search a bit to find a spot and walk a few blocks, or pay to park in a nearby private lot.

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The grounds on which the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament takes place are quite expansive and easy to lose people in. Be sure you have a plan for finding lost party members whether it be by cell phone or a designated area to meet up at.

When entering the feast you will need to get in line for a wristband if you wish to purchase alcoholic beverages. One of the most prominent features you will notice upon entering the festival grounds is the Santana House. The house is designed after the colorful architectural styles of the homes in the village Santana, Madeira and is where the Madeira wine is served from.

Across from the Santana House is Stage One, which is massive and where the main attractions will be hosted throughout the weekend. There are also two other smaller stages, one that is inside the gates and the other which is outside and amongst the souvenir vendors. You will also see many food and drink stands throughout the grounds, and towards the back, you will find the barbecue pits for Carne de Espeto (or just follow your nose).

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Feast of the Blessed Sacrament

50 Madeira Avenue
New Bedford, MA

Website: feastoftheblessedsacrament.com
Facebook: facebook.com/FeastOfTheBlessedSacrament/

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By Sean McCarthy.

If you ask anyone who has experienced the New Bedford Folk Festival why they return they will likely give the same reason.

“The magic.”

The New Bedford Folk Festival isn’t just a group of individual concerts – a majority of the performances take place in events called “workshops” where artists are paired together for spontaneous jam sessions, creating music based upon pre-established themes. These performances are referred to as “the place where the magic happens,” resulting in unique once-in-a-lifetime performances.

Produced and presented by the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center since 2016, The New Bedford Folk Festival has become a mammoth event. The Zeiterion was approached by the city to keep the festival alive upon the retirement of its founders, Alan and Helene Korolenko, who are now the Artistic Directors, booking all of the entertainment for the event. The festival has become an opportunity to not only discover a new performer but an entirely new genre, an opportunity to enjoy a gourmet food court and beer garden and browse through a six-block marketplace of varied vendors, an opportunity that the Boston Globe has described as one of “New England’s Greatest Celebrations.”

Saturday, July 7, and Sunday, July 8, an 11-block section of historic downtown New Bedford and the Whaling National Historic District will be transformed into a city within a city with the sounds, sights and smells that can only come with summertime.

There are a variety of ticket options. A Premium Pass that costs $125 includes two full days of exceptional music, a Premium Pass lanyard, a 2018 New Bedford Folk Festival t-shirt, access to a fully air-conditioned lounge with private restrooms, guaranteed priority seating at all Zeiterion Theatre and Whaling Museum performances, and discounts at several of the food vendors in the Food Court and Beer Garden.

A weekend pass is $30 and a single day pass is $22.50. Children under 12 are admitted free. Each day will entertain from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

People throughout America look forward to the New Bedford Folk Festival, which, in the past 23 years, has established itself as one of New England’s most popular and respected music festivals. It is an opportunity for musicians to showcase their skills in a setting that every player longs for – an appreciative audience in an alluring setting.

So when the streets of downtown New Bedford teem with music fans the New Bedford Folk Festival will again fill its stages with their established recipe – storied world-class performers juxtaposed with fresh new talent keeping visitors enticed with the diverse opportunities available within the folk music world.

Pete Kennedy knows the magic well. He will perform at the festival with his wife Maura for the 15th time.

“The audience expects the unexpected and that prompts the performers to come up with fresh creative ideas that they might not do in a typical show,” he says. “The audience loves to see something that’s only going to happen once, it’s something that makes it different from other festivals – you get a lot of performers who have never played together before. You’re playing with someone you don’t know with no rehearsal but it opens the door for great things to happen that you couldn’t have done yourself. The audience can sense the musician’s excitement.”

“A lot of thought goes into who is going to be matched together, it’s a nice challenge,” says John Gorka, a nationally-renown singer/songwriter who will be playing at the festival for the eighth time. “The workshops always pair people together from different genres that you wouldn’t expect otherwise. It’s something that takes you out of your comfort zone but it always seems to work.”

“The workshops are a chance for musicians to do things they wouldn’t ordinarily do onstage,” says Alan Korolenko. “The musicians inspire each other with the unpredictability and uniqueness, it’s not very structured so they can have some fun. We’ll get about 25 workshops this year with musicians who are flexible and aren’t bound to just doing their own songs. Our workshops are central to the festival. They take the theme that I give them and they go with it.”

“The interaction factor is much higher in New Bedford than any other playing situation,” Kennedy says. “The actual concept of the festival is for the musicians to play together whether they know each other or not, and that makes it completely unique, it all happens right there onstage.

“It’s all about the spontaneity.”

As always the festival will present homerun performances by artists with international followings including the legendary Tom Rush, Gorka and Cheryl Wheeler.

“I saw Tom Rush at the Zeiterion Theatre a couple of years ago and it was the best hour-long performance I’ve ever seen in my life,” says Art Tebbetts, host of the festival’s Main Stage and a 23-year veteran of the event. “It was just him and his guitar and he was brilliant and funny with a great voice. He told stories like it was the first time he’d ever told them. He made you feel like you were part of the process of him discovering this humor for the first time, he’s such a consummate performer.”
When Tebbetts talks about the seasoned songwriters at the festival he highlights the diversity of the performances.

“A good songwriter can hold an audience in the palm of their hand,” he says. “They can control the emotions of their audience, making you go one way or back another way. They’ll take you through all the different parts that go into a good performance – they can make you laugh with one song and break your heart with the next.”

Tebbetts mentions the wide ranging approaches of Gorka and Wheeler.

“John has a great way with an audience, he’s got a gentle demeanor that people love. He’s got a wonderful sense of humor but he also writes great ballads. You can tell that he cares about what he’s doing and works hard at it, and people admire him for that.

“Cheryl Wheeler is funny and witty and speaks her mind about what’s going on in the public discourse. She comes at her music from many different angles and she writes some beautiful songs. She’s fascinating to watch.”

Gorka claims that performers look forward to playing the festival for multiple reasons.

“One of the things that sets it apart from other places is the sense of history,” he says. “It’s unique to have music rooted in history being played in a historical setting. It also attracts people who are really there to listen to the music, they’re knowledgeable music fans. They come from all over the country and it’s nice to know you’re reaching new people. If you’ve played New Bedford before you look forward to returning.”

“We try to have at least a dozen performers or groups that haven’t been to the festival before,” Korolenko says. “We’re looking for something exciting, somebody that can take the stage and grab the attention of the audience.”

“There’s always someone who catches your ear that you’ve never heard before,” Gorka says.

And it’s also important for the festival to present a variety of genres under the folk umbrella. With more than 100 performers on eight stages, the festival will include traditional, bluegrass, singer/songwriter, Americana, blues, Celtic and more.
Grace Morrisson, a singer/songwriter from Wareham, will be playing the festival for the fifth time.

“This event isn’t a folk concert in the traditional sense,” she says. “The event embraces a wide variety of what the term ‘folk’ means. It’s got everything from traditional to modern, something for everybody. As a performer seeing such a variety of music is a learning experience, and the fans are very engaged in a way you can’t find at most venues.”

The festival will also include non-ticket areas available to the public. The Food Court and Beer Garden will span two blocks on Purchase St. in front of the Zeiterion Theatre, offering a variety of food vendors and a full bar while the sounds of local musicians will be coming from the nearby South Coast Stage.

Food vendors will include the Seafood Hut, Acushnet Creamery, Dorothy Cox’s Candies serving Del’s Lemonade, Fancheezical, Timi’s Greek and Middle Eastern Food, Wicked Good Kettle Corn, Big T’s Jerky, Teddy’s Lunchbox and Wursthaus III.

Local musicians will include The Jethros, Seamus Galligan, Chuck Williams, Fourteen Strings and others.

Other public offerings include The Family Music and Activities Park at Wings Court, featuring performances in family concerts, music sessions, sing-a-longs and hands-on activities. The festival also includes a major juried arts-and-crafts show featuring more than 80 artisans and craft makers lining the cobblestone streets between the performance tents and venues. They will include jewelers, instrument makers, tie dyers, local honey purveyors, ceramic artists and more, representing a rich culture of handmade wares from the South Coast and beyond.

“The sense of community is awesome,” Morrisson says of the event. “I’ve made a lot of friends over the years, not just musicians but vendors and audience members. The attitude is all about community and helping each other, they lift everybody up. From the top down people are very selfless.”

By Sean McCarthy for The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center

Description: The film follows two Iraq veterans, Tom Voss and Anthony Anderson, who struggle with depression upon returning home from service. Fearful of succumbing to the epidemic of veteran suicide, they seek a lifeline and embark on a 2,700-mile walk across America as a way to confront their inner pain. The film captures an intimate portrait of two friends suffering from the unseen wounds of war as they discover an unlikely treatment: the restorative power of silence and meditation.

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It began as a quest to resolve their inner demons, but what also transpired was a greater faith in humanity and a significant perpetuation of a movement that is becoming part of a national conversation – “Moral Injury.”

“Moral Injury” is the main idea being highlighted in the documentary, “Almost Sunrise,” the story of two Iraq War veterans who walked 2,700 miles from their homes in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Santa Monica, California – a trip that took 155 days. The trek featured Tom Voss and Anthony Anderson, a pair of veterans sensing that they were perilously close to ending their lives because of their combat experiences. The journey was a “last ditch effort” to help themselves, and it became a testament to the healing and restorative power of silence and meditation.

“Almost Sunrise” will be shown at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center on Friday, June 1’st at 7 p.m. It will be followed by a panel discussion and will culminate with a walking meditation. All of the events are free of charge.

The event is one part of the Zeiterion’s Veterans Experience series which uses the arts to highlight the veterans’ experience. The aim is communicating to citizens what it means to serve our country in war, instill a sense of empathy and appreciation throughout our community and provide pathways for both healing and understanding.

Through the power of the performing arts, the Zeiterion aims to convey the veterans’ experience to an audience of civilians and to demonstrate how the arts can help trauma for an audience of veterans.

“Moral Injury” is an affliction that affects people from all elements of society. Although it is foremostly associated with military veterans, “MI” has come to be recognized by many other social communities, affecting an array of victims who must deal with their personal behavior that has gone against their moral code, regardless of their position in society.

Largely because of social media, the two were welcomed and assisted throughout their trip by numerous strangers who offered emotional support as well as a roof over their heads, a warm meal and a warm shower. The trip also served as a fundraiser for a veterans service organization in Milwaukee, raising more than $100,000. Dry Hootch of America is devoted to creating safe and sober social situations for veterans to be together such as coffee houses.

“The walk was done out of necessity,” Voss says. “We were really in a position where we hadn’t dealt with what we experienced in war in over 10 years. The veterans’ experience is usually that you get out of the service and then you try to carry on with your life, get back into school and get a job – do all those things that you’re supposed to do but you don’t have the time to reflect and really process ‘What did I just experience?’

“Over 10 years I just got to the point where I was seriously considering taking my life. I didn’t know how to manage it or get back into my community – I didn’t have someone to connect with and share these experiences with. It was all on my shoulders. This was a last ditch effort – I had to give it a shot before I go down that path of taking my life.”

The documentary was filmed by Michael Collins.

“I didn’t want to perpetuate the stereotypes of the wounded soldier or even the homecoming hero,” Collins says. “Those portrayals aren’t doing anyone any favors. I wanted people to hear from the soldiers themselves and their families to understand the complexities. We need to see them as humans when they come back. What I wanted to portray was that these are complex human beings like the rest of us and you can’t describe them by one dimension of their character and that’s where the healing takes place.

“This film is not just a focus on PTSD – there are already many films about that. I wanted to take the conversation a little further and talk about “Moral Injury” and how it is associated with guilt and shame as opposed to trauma and shock to the nervous system.”

“This is the first film that really tackles the subject of “MI,” Voss says. “It’s getting the concept out there. All sorts of people are drawing connections from the concept of having a wounded soul participating in something that goes against their moral code. This is really starting to resonate in a bunch of different communities giving depth to trauma. This film shows that vets are not the only ones going through this thing – a lot of vets isolate themselves because they don’t have anyone to share their experience with. I think it shows that there are men and women going through the same thing they are.”

Collins talks about making human connections with others.

“When you feel a connection to someone from a different community there’s suddenly a feeling that they become part of your community, that there isn’t a separation anymore, there’s a feeling that we’re all from the same community. As much as they’re taking care of us it’s our responsibility to do the same for them when they get home. That’s why I love making character-driven films because it gives us a very human perspective of an experience we might not normally have access to in your daily lives.”

Collins says that the film proves that we have more bonds than barriers.

“For me the opportunity to go across the country and connect with people from different ends of the political spectrum and realizing that we all have so much in common – especially these days when the common narrative is that there’s such distinct camps that people fit into – I experienced meeting people from all different walks of life from this country and that we have a lot more in common than we do differences. I saw all of these people come out and open their homes and communities to Tom and Anthony to help them was further proof that when people are given the opportunity to do something good we’ll all come together to do it.”

A large lesson that Voss experienced from the walk was that nature can help in ways that chemical medications cannot.

“This film shows that there are ways other than pharmaceutical medications to treat trauma. Focusing on meditation, yoga and other holistic practices and nature-based therapies can have a positive impact in life without having to be on a cocktail of prescription medications and just end up numbing and keeping all of these things down. There’s a lot of value immersing yourself in nature that most people don’t put too much stock into. Being out in nature and being exposed to the elements, slowing down and taking your time being in the environment has a really positive effect on your mental health.

“This walk allowed me the space to process a lot of the things that I had experienced while deployed. It was invaluable,” Voss says.

“This has been one or the richest experiences of my life,” Collins says. “I was able to witness two men who were really seeking to take responsibility for their lives and for their healing who were not willing to give up even when they were running into what felt like dead ends with the Veterans Association and other groups.

“I knew that I wanted this film to be hopeful,” Collins says. “I wanted it to end in a place that would inspire progress – to move towards solutions. It was such a blessing that we saw such a transformation take place. I think it’s important to highlight problems in society – something that would inspire action, not only for vets and their families but there were other paths for healing that maybe people weren’t aware of before, that there is always hope.”

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The final installment of The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center’s

VETERANS EXPERIENCE PROGRAM

Almost Sunrise
Friday, June 1, 7:00 p.m.
FREE but tickets encouraged – Click Here
Funded by Mass Humanities

Post-show panel discussion with Dr. Bob Meagher featuring Tom Voss, the documentary subject, and Michael Collins, the film’s director.

Contemplative Walk and Guided Meditation
Saturday, June 2, 10:00 a.m.
FREE

Location: Friends Academy (1088 Tucker Road, North Dartmouth, MA 02747)
All are invited on a contemplative walk and guided meditation led by Tom Voss and Michael Collins of Almost Sunrise. Experience the restorative, soul-nourishing benefits of expending time in nature, concluding with a guided meditation and breath work. All ages welcome.

By Sean McCarthy

A few years ago a local business luncheon produced a winning idea – The Portuguese know how to throw a party so let’s do it like it hasn’t been done before.

And so “Viva Portugal” was launched.

This Saturday, May 5th, downtown New Bedford will be enlivened with the third annual celebration of “Viva Portugal,” a free four-block festival providing guests with the opportunity to indulge in the culture of a people whose influence on the region is like no other ethnic group.

And while Portuguese celebrations are proven commodities in the South Coast, the uniqueness of “Viva Portugal” is that it involves the contributions of a dozen local organizations devoted to Portuguese culture, coming together to create a wide spectrum of arts, food and entertainment.

Under the galvanizing direction of the Zeiterion Theatre, the local Portuguese community is being unified through its’ diversity.

From 12:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. the streets surrounding the Zeiterion will teem with a something-for-everyone atmosphere that will range from adult beverages to children’s play areas.

“The Portuguese still champion their cultural richness,” says Rosemary Gill, Co-Director at the Zeiterion. “This event shows what a strong social fabric this community has – they’ve truly embraced this festival and we’re proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them.”

“The Zeiterion is giving the Portuguese community the opportunity to do something that’s never been done in New Bedford,” says Joe Sousa, a current member of the Board of Directors for the Club Madeirense S.S. Sacramento which runs the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament, as well as the Chairman for the Committee that runs the Museum of Medeiran Heritage. “The Z is making cultural connections through the arts and entertainment.”

Whether it’s in “The Big Tent,” on the outdoor stage, or in the streets, Viva Portugual is a lively and perpetual celebration, a family-friendly event which pays homage to a culture both classical and contemporary. The outdoor atmosphere will include a Portuguese marching band, folkloric dancers from the Discovery Language Academy, an orchestra of ukulele players, the comedy of the Portuguese Kids, fado singer Sofia Ribeiro and a Madeiran folkloric group.

“The Big Tent” will house the Portugala Marketplace of Fall River which will showcase their specialty grocery store and café, offering housewares, tiles, ceramics, olive oils, and pre-packaged foods. Simultaneously there will be cooking demonstrations with celebrity Portuguese chefs who will create dishes and provide samples, as well as doing book signings. Tagus Press, a publisher affiliated with UMass-Dartmouth’s Center for Portuguese Studies and Culture, will allow guests to browse copies of their books while Manuela DaCosta, born in Terceira, Azores who immigrated to New Bedford as a young adult, will be doing readings from the book “Hawk Island.”

The streets of the event will feature floats devoted to different facets of Portuguese culture. The S.S. Brinquinho Float is a replica of Columbus’s Santa Maria will be on display along with a float dedicated to the traditional wine making of the island of Madeira, along with a float designed as a replica of Madeira itself. Other street sights will include the Santana House, provided by the Madeiran Feast, that is a replica of a small thatched triangular house found in the village of Santana or Madeira. There will also be a display of an Azorean Whaleboat presented by the Azorean Maritime Heritage Society. Whaleboat races will take place at 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4:30 p.m.

Another street treat will be the Three Cousins – a musical group which will be roaming the area playing traditional Portuguese music with two mandolins and an accordion.

“The Portuguese are very social and proud of their culture,” says Shelley Pires, Portuguese Consul to New Bedford. “We immensely enjoy sharing our heritage with others – it’s ingrained in the way we behave and in the way we communicate with others. This is a part of our way of life. This is who we genuinely are, we’re not pretending to have a good time. It’s in our souls and hearts – it’s something we want to share with others.”

Lelise Vicente is the Director of the Discovery Language Academy. She spent her first 12 years living on Pico Island in the Azores. She would frequent block parties that were only walking distance from her home.

“Viva Portugual reminds me of the kind of street parties we would enjoy back in the Old Country,” Vicente says. “There were these little festivals where people could hang out together. You could have something to eat or drink or partake in an activity. This is typical of smaller festivals in Portugal.”

“The Portuguese people are happy to help with the Zeiterion’s vision and work with other like-minded organizations,” Sousa says. “We get to show off some of our culture and be a part of the community. When you get to work with people doing the same thing you learn to appreciate each other.

“This event is about bringing people together.”

“The Z has made the Portuguese community stronger,” Vicente says.

The planners of “Viva Portugal” knew from the beginning that the success of the event would depend on the involvement of all of the regional organizations devoted to Portuguese culture. They were pleased to discover the enthusiasm of these groups.

“Right out of the gate we knew we had something,” Gill says. “These people know how to roll up their sleeves and get things done, they have strong connections and networks. Bringing these groups together has given us something greater than the sum of our parts.”

And the parts were being put together when Gill met with Pedro Carneiro, then Consul for the Portuguese Consulate in New Bedford, along with Mike Tavares, then President of the Prince Henry Society and a current member of the Zeiterion’s Board of Directors. Their conversation was about how the Zeiterion could take action to bring greater recognition to Portuguese culture in the city. The Zeiterion was scheduled to host a concert of Portuguese music, but there was the feeling that more could be done.

The gears began turning.

“Eventually we thought ‘What if we did something really amazing that brought the community together in a deeper way than just a performance? What if we had a party in front of the ‘Z’?’Gill says.

But they knew that the only way they could make it happen was to involve all of the Portuguese organizations in the community – something that had never been done in the region before.

“They loved the idea,” Gill says. “They welcomed the opportunity to do something together.”

And Viva Portugal will serve to further a burgeoning trend in local Portuguese pride. According to Vicente “it’s now cool to be Portuguese. It’s cool to have a second culture. They enjoy learning about things like dancing, food and music. They like learning about the lives of past generations. Learning the language is part of learning the culture.”

The school, located in the DeMello Center in downtown New Bedford, includes 150 students of all ages who learn how to speak Portuguese as well as being introduced to their culture. The organization introduces students to the celebration of Portuguese holidays along with customary American holidays.

Viva Portugal is one of seven Portuguese-oriented celebrations to be held in the region this summer, but is considered unique because of the fact that it has yet to be Americanized such as festivals that have been held in America for 50 to 100 years or more. Other festivals include the Day of Portugal (held in New Bedford and Fall River) in June, the Portuguese Festival in Provincetown in June, the internationally recognized Madeiran Feast in July, The Feast of the Holy Spirit in Fall River in August, and the Feast of the Holy Ghost in Westport in August.

All of the workers at Viva Portugal are volunteers.

“Nobody’s making any money but we’re having a great time doing it,” Sousa says.

“The Portuguese have shown that through the generations they still have a passion for their culture,” Gill says. “We’re happy to throw a party with them.”

The Celebration of Music on PBS is an all-new, inspiring series searching for exciting young talents across America and play host to them at local PBS studios nationwide! Contestants have a chance to win a guest spot performing locally and on television. They also have the opportunity to perform in the potentially life-changing winners showcase in Los Angeles.

Olivia Charest was chosen as one of only 23 finalists out of more than 500 who applied across our region. She is also the youngest contestant at only 8 years old.

If you didn’t get a chance to see the show on March 28th you can tune in again on Wednesday, April 4 at 1:00 pm or 8:00 pm on Rhode Island PBS and see these talented young artists perform! You can also see her audition video here:

As a viewer you get to vote for your favorite contestant and of course we hope that is Olivia. The winner is decided through online voting and announced live at the finale on April 28th at the Celebration of Music Live Concert on Rhode Island PBS.

Please help us support her by watching the show and voting for her online. To vote click here.