#fado musician

[vinescreens]

Poor Things

[momo-de-avis]

My great uncle is in the fado museum and they have the wrong date of death, do you think it would be presumptuous of me to just casually walk in there and say, hey I'm this guy's great niece and yall have the wrong date of death

[bluesshoe]

Susana Maria Alfonso de Aguiar (18 de junho de 1955 – 27 de julho de 2024)

[adamharkus]

The Portuguese Guitar: A Melodic Journey through Lisbons Fado Culture

Nestled along the sun-kissed shores of the Tagus River, Lisbon beckons travellers with its rich tapestry of history culture and music. At the heart of this vibrant city lies a centuries-old tradition that captivates the soul of Fado music. Central to the haunting melodies of Fado is the enigmatic Portuguese guitar, a revered instrument that embodies the essence of Lisbon’s cultural heritage.…

[hooked-on-elvis]

Have you seen this picture of Elvis? I get so exited when I see an Italian connection to Elvis. For example today I discovered he owned several Beretta guns that explicitly say “Made in Italy”. 😍

This is not quite the same, but yeah: BRAZIL! 🇧🇷

OMG, YES! I'm crazy about that picture, I shared it here months ago. I totally have that feeling too! So cool you mentioned Elvis also collected Italian guns. I know just how you feel about it, dear. 🥹

Well, on Elvis and Brazil, there's a few connections I'll never get over... they're so dear to me.

First, during the last of Elvis' appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show (January 6, 1957), EP performed on the same day as a Brazilian singer named Leny Eversong. They didn't performed together, but I was so happy they got a couple pictures taken that day, backstage. Leny was/is one of the greatest female Brazilian voices. ♥ I don't know if that's true or not, but some places say Elvis told her she reminded him of his momma. Cute.

January 6, 1957: Elvis backstage with Brazilian singer Leny Eversong and the host of the show, Ed Sullivan.

Another Elvis/Brazil connection took place during his Hollywood era. On my favorite Elvis movie "Live a Little, Love a Little" (1968) there's a song composed by the Brazilian musician, Luiz Bonfá. The song is "Almost In Love", a beautiful ballad which dreamy melody was borrowed from Luiz Bonfá's original 1965 song "Moonlight in Rio", while the lyrics Elvis sings was composed by Randy Starr. According to Luiz Bonfá, in 1968 he was working at MGM and someone (I won't remember who) told him Elvis needed a song for the soundtrack of this 1968 movie. That's when the Brazilian musician would lend his beautiful melody, an original composition, to what would become the song recorded by the King and featured in the 1968 movie "Live a Little, Love a Little" soundtrack.

Brazilian's Bossa Nova was very popular around the world in the 60s but, unfortunately, that was the only song composed by a Brazilian musician that the King ever recorded. Either way I'm so, so proud of it. ♥

Last but not least, years later, on November 30, 1972 Elvis attended Paul Anka and Brazilian musician Sergio Mendes's opening night at the Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, NV. They met backstage. Sergio Mendes is one of the greatest Brazilian musicians of all times. He was friends with Frank Sinatra (they toured in the 60s). About that night meeting the King, Sergio said Elvis went backstage to congratulate Paul and him for the concert, telling them he did enjoy the show.

Here's some pictures:

November 30, 1972: Elvis attended Sergio Mendes and Paul Anka's opening night at Caesar's Palace. The photos show Elvis backstage at Caesar's Palace, early on December 1st, with Sergio and Paul.

Sergio Mendes and Frank Sinatra toured together in 1968.

Those are the Brazilian connections to Elvis that I know of so far. I don't believe there's more but who knows?

According to Kathy Westemoreland on her Facebook page (as shared on this website), Elvis did enjoy the music of the Portuguese singer, Amalia Rodrigues, known as the "Queen of Fado". Brazilian Portuguese and the Portuguese from Portugal are not the same but they are similar, just like American English and British English, because Brazil was a Portugal colony when it was first "discovered" in 1500, that until 1822 when Brazil became an independent nation. That leaves me wondering if Elvis knew a little bit of Portuguese or not, having him listened to some songs in Portuguese (both from Portugal with the Fado music and from Brazil with our Bossa Nova). That would be so cool, but I've heard or seen nothing that could proved this yet.

Italian language, on the other side, Elvis knew at least one word: "Arrivederci" -- "Oh, no, that's Italian", he said after mistaken German for Italian during a press conference in Germany in 1958, giving us yet another cute moment of him to cherish.

Anyway. Thank you so much for being kind and reminding me of that Army Elvis picture with the Brazil showing in the map right behind him on the wall. I love that picture. It's so silly, but even the slightest connections of Elvis with our different nations thrills us, I know exactly how you feel about the Italian guns he collected. ♥

I bet you love the song "Heart of Rome" too, don't you? Or "It's Now or Never", an English version from an Italian song ("O Sole mio"). I think there's more connections of Elvis and Italy. I'd love to read all about it if you'd like to share, including pictures of the Italian guns Elvis had, if you have any of them.

Ohh, by the way, another cool thing I know connecting Elvis to Italy is that Elvis' suite at the former International Hotel then Hilton Hotel and now Westgate Hotel in Las Vegas, which unfortunately was remodeled and doesn't look like it was when Elvis was there, is named today after a region in central Italy! I've seen somewhere on Youtube that Elvis' actual penthouse suite, when remodeled, was split in two or three different villas. Well, one is named "Tuscany". SO COOL! ⚡🥹 ✨

WestGate Hotel, Las Vegas. That picture above was taken on October 2023 by an Elvis fan, Jill Stringham, shared on the Facebook group "Elvis in the 70s". Below there's a video inside the suite.

[beautiful-basque-country]

Kaixo!! I've neen listening to Basque musicians non-stop and many had duets with other music types fromother countries, which got me thinking. Do you know if there is any Basque musician who has working with any "fadistas", or sung fado in Basque?

Kaixo anon!

Don't know about any duet, but Basque singer Maria Berasarte is a renowned fadista 🙂

[chrisryanspeaks]

Beyond the Rodeo: Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter Unveils a New Frontier in Music

Rating 8/10 - GREAT Album Beyoncé's new album, Cowboy Carter, marks a significant evolution in her illustrious career, blending a rich tapestry of musical genres with country music at its core. Over five years in the making, Beyoncé embarked on the project in 2019, finding creative fervor during the COVID-19 pandemic. This album, which is a part of a trilogy aimed at exploring the Black roots of various musical genres, follows Renaissance (2022), a celebration of house and disco music. One of Beyoncé's inspirations for Cowboy Carter comes from the history of Black cowboys, an aspect of Western history and culture she felt was overlooked and deserved to be highlighted. This theme resonates with her personal experiences growing up in Houston and attending the Houston rodeo, reflecting a desire to reclaim and celebrate the place of Black performers in the narrative of the American West. Musically, Cowboy Carter is a country album that intricately weaves in elements of blues, soul, rock, R&B, zydeco, folk, bluegrass, opera, go-go, flamenco, and fado, showcasing Beyoncé's ability to blend genres seamlessly. The album also features a unique concept where it's presented as a broadcast from a fictional Texas radio station, with country legends like Dolly Parton, Linda Martell, and Willie Nelson acting as radio DJs. This innovative approach is complemented by collaborations with a range of artists, including rising country musicians and established stars like Stevie Wonder, Nile Rodgers, and Jon Batiste. One of the album's standout moments includes a cover of The Beatles “Blackbird” and Dolly Parton's "Jolene," a song Parton herself expressed a desire to hear Beyoncé perform. The inclusion of this cover, alongside original tracks that pay homage to the likes of Linda Martell, signifies Beyoncé's respect and acknowledgment of country music's heritage and its diverse influences. In terms of promotion, the album was teased during Super Bowl LVIII in a commercial that played with the idea of breaking the internet with increasingly extravagant stunts, culminating in the announcement of new music. This was followed by a visually striking teaser video directed by Nadia Lee Cohen, which paid homage to Paris, Texas and featured Chuck Berry's "Maybellene." Beyoncé has described Cowboy Carter as not just a country album but a "Beyoncé album," underscoring her intent to challenge genre limitations and create a body of work that transcends traditional musical boundaries. This ambition is reflected in the album's cyclical structure, echoing the endless loop of storytelling found in James Joyce's Finnegans Wake, and in Beyoncé's dedication to using her music to unite people and amplify important voices in musical history​. Check out “Blackbird” below: Read the full article

[writerchickmarie]

John Lloyd Young At The Space - Magical My Turn 10th Anniversary Celebration

If you are anything like me, you remember the first time you listened to John Lloyd Young's My Turn album.

Because this solo CD coincided with the release of the Jersey Boys movie in theaters, many of us discovered both at the same time as well. After seeing the movie for the first time, I got home and immediately had to find out more about those involved in the film, and especially about JLY after experiencing his brilliant portrayal of Frankie Valli. When I came across information about his solo album, I ordered it, and listened to it immediately when it arrived in the mail. As each song on My Turn played, I kept repeating "Oh my God" over and over again. That voice! As amazing as JLY's work as Frankie is, his own voice is even more incredible. He has a range like no other, and the ability to tug at your heartstrings with each and every word and note. This album showcases all of that - and I know we have all worn out several copies of the CD and gotten replacements so we can keep listening to this carefully curated collection of songs.

Since this is the 10th Anniversary of the movie, it is also been 10 years since My Turn was released. So JLY planned a special celebration concert at The Space, that was also livestreamed for those who couldn't be with us in person in Las Vegas, so that everyone who has supported this album could be a part of the event.

The energy was palpable throughout the room as JLY took the stage, backed by a stellar band, a cohesive group of Vegas musicians who also added impeccable harmonies. He began the evening with "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You", as a nod to the fact that this song appears both in the movie and on My Turn.

He also took us back to over 10 years ago, when he and Tommy Faragher were putting together this solo album. JLY mentioned that he was going to perform the songs in a different order than they originally appear on the CD, since he has gained more experience over the years in structuring a set. So next up was a fado-style "Hurt So Bad", complete with stories of meeting and singing with Little Anthony. He followed with "In The Still Of The Night", which shows off how beautifully and seamlessly he can switch from falsetto to baritone and back, several times throughout the same song.

JLY also talked about singing "Only You" for the United States Congress, and I can only imagine that they were as taken with his rendition as we all are. He also told the story of how he gave President Obama two copies of My Turn - one for him, and one for Mrs. Obama's mom. This led to JLY being appointed to the President's Committee On The Arts And Humanities, and his work with Michelle Obama's Turnaround Arts program. I'm sure the entire Obama family loved his interpretation of "Who's Lovin' You?", which he performed next, hitting all of those wondrous high notes with ease.

After a stunning version of "Since I Fell For You" (one of my personal favorites from day one), he came around the venue to greet all of us with "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me", which is still a thrill after 10 years, and always will be. He followed that with his hauntingly beautiful "Unchained Melody", more powerful than ever.

Next came the story of how Earl Shuman, the writer of "Hey There Lonely Girl", came to see JLY perform the song at Cafe Carlyle after reading about it in a New York Times review. He performed it tonight with the perfect emotional falsetto that touched everyone in the room.

The ever popular "My Prayer" was as gorgeous as ever, followed by the richness of "Ebb Tide". This one doesn't come out to play often in JLY's sets, and it was so good to hear it again.

We ventured over to Jersey Boys territory for a few minutes with "My Eyes Adored You", then back over to My Turn with "A House Is Not A Home". This is another one that we don't get to hear much, and hearing it again on this night stirred so many emotions for all of us. There are many versions of this song out in the world - but JLY's is special, head and shoulders above the rest.

JLY finished the evening with fan favorite "Show And Tell" (coming around the room again to all of us) and a rousing "Working My Way Back To You"...then invited four "Jersey Girls", vocal students from LA Tour Voice Studio in Las Vegas, to back him up on "Sherry". They were all fabulous, and it was a fun way to complete the celebration on stage. We also got to celebrate with JLY afterward at a lovely meet and greet, which added to the magic.

My Turn is an album that will continue to stand the test of time - not only because the songs are already classics, but also because John Lloyd Young's interpretations of them make them fresh and relevant every time he performs them. The first 10 years have been amazing, and I look forward to even more magic over the next several decades. As we celebrate the past and present with him, I look forward to what's next. I know it will be phenomenal!

[greatheartprince]

Enjoy a Musical Journey Through a Dinner Cruise in Goa

When you love fancy vacation plans then you must opt for Goa vacation. You can enjoy the cool beach time and the party cruise Goa and there’s much more that you can enjoy throughout your vacation plan. 

Taking your loved ones on a cruise is the most adorable date plan or just a leisure refreshment in Goa. 

Just imagine dinner at cruise in Goa, the musical night and the cool breeze makes a combination of  delightful things setting a lovely atmosphere. You must try this eventful experience at least once in your lifetime.

What to Expect in Goa Cruise Dinner?

Experiencing a musical journey through a dinner cruise in Goa is a unique and delightful way to enjoy the region's vibrant culture, scenic beauty, and delicious cuisine. Here's what you can expect in Goa cruise dinner:

1. Scenic Views

Sunset Experience: Most dinner cruises in Goa begin in the late afternoon, offering breathtaking views of the sunset over the Arabian Sea or the backwaters. The golden hues reflecting on the water create a mesmerizing ambiance.

Landmarks: As the cruise sails, you'll pass by iconic landmarks, such as the historic forts, beaches, and palm-fringed landscapes.

2. Musical Entertainment

Live Music: Many dinner cruises feature live performances by local musicians. You can expect a mix of traditional Goan music, with influences from Portuguese Fado, Konkani songs, and contemporary tunes.

DJ Sets: Some cruises offer a DJ who plays a selection of popular tracks, creating a lively atmosphere that encourages guests to dance.

Karaoke: On certain cruises, there might be karaoke sessions where you can showcase your singing talent.

3. Cuisine

Goan Delicacies: Dinner cruises typically serve a buffet or à la carte menu featuring Goan specialties like prawn curry, fish recheado, bebinca (a traditional dessert), and more.

International Dishes: Along with local flavors, there’s often a selection of international dishes to cater to diverse tastes.

Drinks: A variety of beverages, including cocktails, mocktails, and local favorites like Feni, are available. Many cruises offer a complimentary welcome drink.

4. Cultural Performances

Traditional Dances: Some cruises include cultural performances like the Dekhni dance, showcasing Goa’s rich heritage.

Fire Acts: You might also witness captivating fire shows, adding an element of thrill to the evening.

5. Romantic Ambiance

Intimate Setting: The gentle sway of the boat, soft lighting, and the sound of waves create a perfect setting for a romantic evening.

Private Cabins: Some luxury cruises offer private cabins or exclusive dining areas for couples, enhancing the intimate experience.

6. Interactive Experiences

Engage with the Crew: The friendly and hospitable crew often engages guests with stories about Goa, its history, and its culture.

Dance Floor: After dinner, many cruises open up a dance floor, where you can dance under the stars to the tunes of the live band or DJ.

7. Suitable for All Ages

Family-Friendly: Dinner cruises are often family-friendly, with entertainment that appeals to all ages, making it a great option for groups and families.

Solo Travelers: If you’re traveling solo, it’s a great way to meet other tourists and locals while enjoying the music and food.

8. Booking and Packages

Pre-Booking: It's advisable to book your dinner cruise in advance, especially during the peak tourist season (October to March).

Packages: Look for packages that include extras like hotel pick-up and drop-off, special seating, or themed nights for a more customized experience.

How to Book a Dinner Cruise Goa?

The dinner cruise Goa booking is very simple. You can check out the packages available currently on the websites and you check for complete details, can click on the “book now” option and you will receive the booking confirmation mail after successfully completing the transaction. 

Conclusion:

Once when you experience the dinner in cruise in Goa you will feel like making repeated plans for the Goa vacation. That’s the magic of a dinner cruise.

[vincentbarletta1]

Rhythm and the Genius of Bernardo Sassetti

Bernardo Sassetti, whose work continues to resonate within the world of jazz and contemporary classical music in Portugal, deserves much broader study and appreciation beyond his home country. His music, characterized by its sophisticated interplay of rhythm and melody, is highly innovative but also explores new intellectual ground. I’ve wanted to write on Sassetti since his premature death in 2012 (he was only 41), and this post is a kind of ice-breaker. My hope is to examine his contributions to art and music through an analytical lens that combines musicology with philosophical inquiry.

Early Life and Musical Foundations

Born in Lisbon in 1970 to a prominent Portuguese family, Sassetti began his formal music education at the age of nine. He studied classical piano under the tutelage of renowned Portuguese musicians and eventually moved to jazz by his teens.

Sassetti’s initial foray into jazz was marked by an intense study of seminal figures such as Bill Evans and Keith Jarrett. These influences are evident in his nuanced approach to harmony and rhythm. However, what sets Sassetti apart is his ability to synthesize these elements with a uniquely Iberian sensibility—an integration of fado’s melancholic undertones with the improvisational freedom of jazz. There are likely few jazz composers (including Miles Davis) who more fruitfully exploited the possibilities of silence.

Rhythmanalysis

One cannot discuss Sassetti without addressing his profound (if unspoken) engagement with rhythmanalysis—a concept originally formulated by Portuguese philosopher Lúcio Pinheiro dos Santos and further developed by Henri Lefebvre. Rhythmanalysis involves the study of rhythms as they manifest across different contexts: natural phenomena, urban life, and artistic expressions. In Sassetti’ s work, this manifests as a meticulous, even obsessive focus on temporal structures within his compositions.

For instance, in albums such as Unreal: Sidewalk Cartoon (2006) and Dúvida (2007), one observes a deliberate manipulation of rhythmic patterns that evoke both tension and resolution. These works are not merely collections of pieces but rather cohesive narratives where rhythm serves as both subject and medium. His use of polyrhythms—multiple contrasting rhythms played simultaneously—creates a complex auditory tapestry that challenges listeners to engage actively with the music. One finds a similar exploration of temporality and rhythm in his movie soundtracks, such as in Marco Martins’s 2005 film, Alice. His Timbuktu Solo Sessions from not long before his death are likewise a masterclass in rhythm and silence.

Another profound aspect of Sassetti’s work is his photography. He was photographing near the Praia do Abano (Cascais) when he fell to his death, and his commitment to visual art is unexpectedly tied to his focus on rhythm. His photographs often make their way to his album covers, and one can see some of this work at the Casa Bernardo Sassetti website. His "Passagem" series is a kind of musical composition in its own way. Watching/hearing him improvise alongside Carl Theodor Dreyer's 1928 film La passion de Jeanne d'Arc at the 2011 Arts Festival in Coimbra also provides a powerful way of appreciating his commitment to the interruption of flow in image and sound.

Sassetti’s genius lies not just in technical prowess or compositional skill but also in his ability to weave together disparate strands—from jazz improvisation to literary allusion—into coherent yet multifaceted works. His contributions extend beyond mere entertainment; they invite us into deeper contemplation about time, narrative structure, and creative potentiality.

If my 2020 book of rhythm looks mostly at Presocratic and more recent African ideas on rhythm as form, it may be that a focus on Sassetti and rhythmanalysis allows for a more focused examination of how rhythm conditions our lives.

[audiofuzz]

Beyond the Rodeo: Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter Unveils a New Frontier in Music

Rating 8/10 - GREAT Album Beyoncé's new album, Cowboy Carter, marks a significant evolution in her illustrious career, blending a rich tapestry of musical genres with country music at its core. Over five years in the making, Beyoncé embarked on the project in 2019, finding creative fervor during the COVID-19 pandemic. This album, which is a part of a trilogy aimed at exploring the Black roots of various musical genres, follows Renaissance (2022), a celebration of house and disco music. One of Beyoncé's inspirations for Cowboy Carter comes from the history of Black cowboys, an aspect of Western history and culture she felt was overlooked and deserved to be highlighted. This theme resonates with her personal experiences growing up in Houston and attending the Houston rodeo, reflecting a desire to reclaim and celebrate the place of Black performers in the narrative of the American West. Musically, Cowboy Carter is a country album that intricately weaves in elements of blues, soul, rock, R&B, zydeco, folk, bluegrass, opera, go-go, flamenco, and fado, showcasing Beyoncé's ability to blend genres seamlessly. The album also features a unique concept where it's presented as a broadcast from a fictional Texas radio station, with country legends like Dolly Parton, Linda Martell, and Willie Nelson acting as radio DJs. This innovative approach is complemented by collaborations with a range of artists, including rising country musicians and established stars like Stevie Wonder, Nile Rodgers, and Jon Batiste. One of the album's standout moments includes a cover of The Beatles “Blackbird” and Dolly Parton's "Jolene," a song Parton herself expressed a desire to hear Beyoncé perform. The inclusion of this cover, alongside original tracks that pay homage to the likes of Linda Martell, signifies Beyoncé's respect and acknowledgment of country music's heritage and its diverse influences. In terms of promotion, the album was teased during Super Bowl LVIII in a commercial that played with the idea of breaking the internet with increasingly extravagant stunts, culminating in the announcement of new music. This was followed by a visually striking teaser video directed by Nadia Lee Cohen, which paid homage to Paris, Texas and featured Chuck Berry's "Maybellene." Beyoncé has described Cowboy Carter as not just a country album but a "Beyoncé album," underscoring her intent to challenge genre limitations and create a body of work that transcends traditional musical boundaries. This ambition is reflected in the album's cyclical structure, echoing the endless loop of storytelling found in James Joyce's Finnegans Wake, and in Beyoncé's dedication to using her music to unite people and amplify important voices in musical history​. Check out “Blackbird” below: Read the full article

[momo-de-avis]

It pisses me off that my two great uncles were these huge portuguese guitar and fado musicians in the 1940s, one of which was constantly in fights and fell off the ferry he was so pissed, but I don’t know anything else about them, dead ass thinking about walking into the Fado Museum and asking them for information

[atypicalvagabond]

Lisbon After Dark: Unveiling the City's Hidden Nighttime Wonders! 🌙✨ by Atypical Vagabond Brace yourself for an electrifying journey as we dive into the vibrant nightlife of Lisbon, where the city truly comes alive after the sun sets! 🎉✨ In this video, I'll guide you to the hottest spots, secret gems, and unforgettable experiences that make Lisbon a nocturnal playground. 1. Rooftop Revelry: Elevate your night at one of Lisbon's dazzling rooftop bars. From panoramic cityscape views to craft cocktails that ignite the senses, discover the perfect vantage point to witness the city glittering beneath the moonlight. 2. Fado in the Alfama: Lose yourself in the soul-stirring melodies of Fado echoing through the narrow streets of Alfama. We'll uncover the coziest Fado houses where local musicians captivate your heart with Portugal's most emotional and timeless tunes. 3. Night Markets and Street Food: Join me as we explore the buzzing night markets, where the aroma of street food fills the air. Lisbon's nocturnal culinary scene is a feast for the senses, from traditional pastries to sizzling grilled seafood. 4. Illuminated Landmarks: Lisbon's iconic landmarks transform into mesmerizing spectacles after dark. Let's take a magical stroll through illuminated squares, historic monuments, and charming neighborhoods where the city's beauty is magnified by the glow of streetlights. 5. Secret Speakeasies: Uncover the hidden gems of Lisbon's nightlife—quirky speakeasies tucked away behind unassuming facades. We'll step into clandestine spaces where mixologists craft concoctions that will leave you craving more. 6. Twilight River Cruise: Embark on a romantic adventure along the Tagus River as we sail under the stars. Lisbon's skyline is breathtaking from the water, and the city's lights create a captivating backdrop for an unforgettable evening. Lisbon at night is a pulsating fusion of culture, cuisine, and captivating experiences. Get ready to witness the city's nocturnal magic like never before! Don't miss out on the secrets waiting to be unveiled in the heart of Lisbon after dark. Hit play and let the night unfold! #LisbonNights #NightlifeMagic #ExploreAfterDark" via YouTube https://youtu.be/MND-k1GfsZs

[ourtriptoportugal]

Porto - Day 2

Monday - 10/9

Another sunny day today with highs about 85 degrees. After breakfast MaryEllen and I decided to check out the swimming pool associated with our hotel in case we wanted to come back and relax in the afternoon. We talked to the person at the front desk and found out the pool is below the street level. We checked it out and I don’t think we will be spending any time there.

Today we did part 2 of Rick Steve’s walking tour of Porto.

Pictures of tiles inside Sao Bento Train Station.

Street art on the left below and ? on the right.

Stock Exchange Palace

Below is a picture of a statue of Henry the Navigator. Henry was famous for his expeditions which found new trade routes and connected various peoples. His voyages also began the process of European colonization and the transatlantic slave trade.

Most of the streets in Porto are cobblestone, and some are very narrow and have restricted access by cars. Only taxis and delivery vehicles are allowed to use them. On certain streets this is enforced by metal pillars that block access and can be lowered by a remote control device, that it appears taxis have.

The picture below is of Clérigos Church and its 75 meter bell tower (Igreja e Torre dos Clérigos). Out in front of it is the end of the line for Tram 18.

Pictures from the Ribeiro district, Porto’s riverfront. It is full of outdoor cafes, restaurants and street performers. On the other side of the Douro River is the town Vila Nova de Gaia, often referred to as just “Gaia”, which is considered the hub of the port wine industry. We walked across the lower bridge to explore Gaia.

We made a reservation for a Port winery tour at the Calem winery, which is located in Gaia.

We walked around Gaia. The picture on left below is more street art and on the right is a store that exclusively sells canned fish, primarily sardines.

For dinner we had two different pasta dishes at Pasta Amore e Fantasia.

We then headed off to the Calem Port Winery for a 6:30pm tour, port wine tasting and Fado show. On the tour we learned that Port wine comes from the Douro Valley, and not much more.

After the tour it was time for wine tasting. Since we have been going to so many churches in the last couple of weeks that we are starting to get halos.

And then the Fado show began.

I was not impressed by the wine tour or wine tasting Calem. They had a red and a white port wine already poured out and even though they have many varieties of Port they didn’t bother to tell us what we were drinking. And our tour guide was no where to be found.

Although I am no Fado expert, I do think the Fado musicians and singers at Calem were a quality act. It was a great, and relatively inexpensive way to get a taste of Fado music. I think I would have a better appreciation for it if I knew Portuguese and could understand what the singers were singing about.

After the Calem tour/wine tasting/Fado show we got gelatos and walked back to our hotel. It was a beautiful evening down by the river.

[thisislizheather]

Dad's 100th Birthday Part

This is a few months late of a post, but my dad turned 100 (!) in June and we had a giant party for him, which was incredible. And in helping plan the party, I did what I normally do when I need ideas for something - I went to different bookstores to peruse ideas for things that would be helpful in planning such an event. But here’s the thing: there is no book on how to celebrate a 100th birthday. There are ideas for kids birthday parties, weddings, showers, retirements but absolutely nothing specifically for a 100th birthday celebration. So that being said, I wanted to do a post about some of the things that we came up since it was all so fun to plan.

Tip #1: do not try to fit three numbered, helium-filled balloons in the trunk of your car. They will not fit. I popped the “one” almost immediately and thankfully we were still in the parking lot of Party City so I could get a replacement.

Above Photo: Toronto Star front page from June 5, 1923

Since we were having the party at a hall, we decided to decorate the guest entrance area with posters on easels from my dad’s past, like the front page of the Toronto Star from the day he was born (thanks to my dear friend Adele for getting a copy for us). We also displayed photos of his Dale Carnegie classes and students, his RCAF officer photos and medals, as well as an enlarged poster print from a Campbell’s tomato soup ad that he posed for when he was a kid. He also received birthday letters from the mayor of Mississauga, the governor general of Canada, the prime minister of Canada and the king of England, which were all on display. (I have a theory that since King Charles’ coronation took place on May 6th and my dad’s birthday was June 5th, then this could easily be the king’s very first 100th birthday letter that he’s sent as King of England… which is wild.)

Above Photo: Card luggage box

Dad insisted on cards only (no gifts), so I used this vintage luggage I bought years ago from the Toronto Vintage Clothing Show. The two red birds are from Michael’s and the lettering design was (perfectly) done by my sister-in-law Amanda with dollar store sticker letters, construction paper and twine.

Above Photo: 100th birthday matchbooks

I got party favour matchbooks made through Zazzle that turned out great.

Above Photo: Decade cookies

I don’t know what else to call these other than the decade cookies because each sugar cookie had a photo from each decade of his life. And they turned out so perfect, I’m grateful that Sweet Star Bakeshop took on the project and could create these for the day.

Above Photo: Mom & Dad

The balloon arch was put together by my sister-in-law Cindy, my brother Robbie, my niece Tianna and her boyfriend Liam and it looked spectacular, especially as a backdrop for photos. Cindy also had the genius idea to create two kids-only tables with colouring and craft supplies. Honestly every event with kids should do this.

Above Photo: The Heathers!

We bought flowers from the grocery store on the day of the event since that proved to be the cheapest/easiest route and we just brought vases from home for them. We got the “100” table decorations, the “100” banner and the guest book all from Amazon.

Above Photo: Birthday letter from King Charles

We had about 400 old photos shown on a slideshow that was displayed on a projection that played on a loop as well as a playlist of songs from the 40s-70s (no Beatles, he hates them). My brother Gary arranged to have some fado (a form of Portuguese singing) musicians play for a little bit since my Dad’s a big fan of it.

Above Photo: Dad & Mom with the cake

He insisted on using a sword to cut the cake (since that’s what the queen would’ve done) and somehow no one got hurt.

And finally we made gift bags that included some of the things that represent my dad: a bookmark (he loves to read), some UK chocolates (because of his English roots), an engraved 100th birthday pen, some wild flower seeds (ideally to be planted as a reminder of the party!) and a jar of homemade Stan jam (he loves strawberry jam) that my mom and I made.

Above Photo: Stan jam!

It couldn’t have gone better and everyone had such a great time. Truly a once in a lifetime kind of day. And just incase you’re interested at all, here’s some more about my dad.

Stanley Heather was born in 1923 in Toronto, Ontario. When he was 18 years old, he joined the RCAF in 1941 and fought in WWII (Ranks Held: AC2 - R118904, ACI, LAC, ACT. CORP SGT., FLIGHT SGT., PILOT OFFICER - J94389, FLYING OFFICER). Throughout his life, he’s had five children and countless grandchildren, he’s worked as an accountant with Hyland Motors and Chrysler, he was a sponsor of Dale Carnegie and taught the five Carnegie courses in the West Indies for fifteen years, he was the Chamber Of Commerce Manager in Brampton, the General Manager of The Mississauga City Board Of Trade and currently still co-owns and operates the daycare supplies company Heather Child Care Essentials in Mississauga with his wife of forty years (and my mom), Hassina. He continues to travel the world with Hassina.

You can see a reel of the celebration over here, if you're interested.