Flash Tavares said that he and his sister Vickie got their musical start performing at local churches and halls, specifically the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus. They performed sometimes at special Masses, including Christmas and Easter.
– Jeanine Mason
Vickie was known for having developed a style of interpreting Cape Verdean music with a jazz twist. Like her brother, Flash Tavares, Vickie cultivated her musical intuition without any formal vocal training. But music permeated her Fox Point neighborhood, and with an eager ear and beautifully melodic voice, Vickie became a popular and incredibly engaged figure in the local Cape Verdean community. At the age of 19, Vickie began singing with local bands, under the supervision of her brother Flash. Her first band performances debuted alongside“Cut” Cardoza (a fellow Fox Pointer) and once Flash took the lead, she became initiated as a full band member, often performing duets in either a traditional Cape Verdean vein or in an American jazz styling. While Flash toured the Bay area, Vickie finally took flight and toured the East coast, from Cape Cod to New York. As the premier heroine of American Cape Verdean music, Vickie joined the Skyliners band, recorded with Phil Barboza’s Orchestra, sang with the Duke Oliver Band, and consistently graced various Cape Verdean and folk festivals. After her successful career touring, Vickie returned to her Rhode Island roots and rejoined her sibling duet with Flash. Her musical legacy is cherished by the Foxpoint community and the greater Cape Verdean audience as she was featured in the 2006 Cape Verdean Hall of Fame by the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission. Vickie Tavares Vieira died January, 21, 2013, but will be remembered as the premier American Cape Verdean singer of her time. - Cheyenne Morrin & Jeanine Mason
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The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus is a Roman Catholic Church, originally instituted to serve approximately 500 families on Providence’s East Side. The 1st Mass was offered there by Father James Brennan on November 12, 1882, and a year later the building was completed. As the community experienced rapid growth, Holy Name expanded into another, larger building that was completed in 1900. Holy Name prides itself on its music ministry, particularly their Gospel Choir that was created to maintain ties to the African-American roots of much of their community members. The name “Holy Name” comes from the Latin, Et sanctum Nomen Ejus, meaning “and Holy is His Name”. - Jeanine
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