Get your tickets now for Tavares at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center
NEW BEDFORD — The tale of Tavares is one of poverty to prominence, a success story rooted in talent and devotion that would take them from Rhode Island nightclubs to sold-out venues around the world. The group’s enchanting harmonies would win them a Grammy Award and top the R&B and pop charts multiple times, as they became one of the world’s most popular music acts of the 1970s and 80s.
But they always remembered where they came from.
So when the music of Tavares fills the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center on Friday, May 12, it will make for an evening of musical memories and giving back to the local Cape Verdean community that was the foundation for their achievements.
Their performance is presented in partnership with the Cape Verdean Recognition Parade Committee, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the organization and its annual parade event.
The show will begin at 8 p.m. and tickets are $39, $49, and $59. They can be purchased by visiting the box office at 684 Purchase St., by calling 508-994-2900, or online at www.zeiterion.org.
“Our mother always told us two things — ‘Sing pretty for the people,’ and ‘as you get older and more successful, remember to give back,’” says Chubby Tavares, who will be performing that night with his brothers Tiny and Butch.
“We were poor, but we had music,” Chubby says. “We were introduced to music by my father 'Flash' Vieira Tavares, and my aunt Vicky Enos Tavares, and my mother Albina was always singing around the house. Our dad was a singer and guitarist who would occasionally invite me to sing with him at his local shows.”
Like many success stories, Tavares had humble beginnings.
As children 70 years ago, their brother John Baptiste taught them doo-wop harmonies in their Providence home. For years to follow, they travelled America in a 15-seat passenger van, towing a trailer full of instruments in an effort to make a name for themselves.
And their persistence paid off. Their first single, “Check It Out,” on Capitol Records, made it to the charts and their trajectory of fame had its start. They would soon find themselves on stages around the world, including Europe and Japan. Their careers would peak in the mid-to-late 1970’s with hits such as “Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel,” “Don’t Take Away the Music,” “She’s Gone,” and “It Only Takes A Minute.”
“I’m very proud of my Cape Verdean heritage,” the 78-year old Chubby says. “I learned how to speak the language by singing songs with my father. It’s important for me to preserve the legacy. It will be great to do a show for our people and help them.”
In the early years, the group was known as “Chubby & The Turnpikes,” but when they began playing in other parts of the world audiences didn’t know what a turnpike was so they changed their billing to Tavares.
Missing from the original Tavares lineup will be Pooch, who suffered a stroke last year, and Ralph, who passed away last December.
“We still enjoy performing,” Chubby says. “Whether it’s three people or 3,000, it’s still exciting. It’s a thrill to see people singing along with you, word for word. We love what we do.”
And a lot of people love what they do.
“It’s amazing that they came from here and reached the status that they did, and they’re still going strong after all these years,” says Diane Gomes, chairperson of the Cape Verdean Recognition Parade Committee. “A lot of people remember when the movie ‘Saturday Night Fever’ came out and their songs were on it. I heard one of their songs on the radio just the other day. This is a great event for this area because they’re a part of the community and this is the place they consider home. People know their names and their families. You might work with one of their relatives or see them in the super market.”
“Tavares are the most well-known music artists to ever come from this area,” says Alfred Monteiro, chairperson of the Parade Committee’s Sponsorship and Events Committee, who was instrumental in arranging the concert. “Their music is internationally enjoyed, and their appeal goes beyond the Cape Verdean community. The entire area is excited about this concert.”
And so are the Tavares brothers.
“We had very little growing up, but we had guidance and wisdom from our mother,” Chubby says. “We were brought up learning to respect others. She was so proud of us, she was the heartbeat of our lives. I’m sure she’s watching us from heaven.”
But Chubby is aware that these shows are a unique moment in time, a passing of the musical torch to younger generations.
“We’re the elders, we have to step back and make room for those who are coming up,” he says. “There’s new talent and new sounds. Hip-hop and rap are the music of the times. It’s been an amazing ride and I thank the good Lord for every day I have. We can’t live forever, but the name Tavares will.”
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Tavares to perform at New Bedford's Zeiterion center in May
