| The performances of the folkloric groups and the dance were held in the dance hall. Mr. Miguel do Canto e Castro served as Master of Ceremonies for this event as well as many others in the years that followed. The program of the Inauguration of the Lira Acoriana of Livingston, as it was originally published, is printed in the following pages. The president of the Livingston Pentecost Club at the time was Mr. Manuel Humberto Silveira. The list of the first Board of Directors was composed of the following individuals: Manuel Eduardo Vieira - President; Antonio Rosa - Vice President; Julio Almeida - Secretary; Jose Pascoal - Treasurer; Jose Rodrigues - Marshall; Egidio Almeida - Inside Guard; and Manuel Nascimento - Outside Guard. The members of the Lira at the first appearance were: Director Manuel Duarte Veiga; Musicians: Julio Almeida, Manuel Costa, Jose Pascoal, Ilidio Almeida, Manuel Nascimento, Joao Lopes, Julio Olegario Brasil, Marcelino Goncalves, Jose Miranda, Egidio Almeida, Julio Floriano, Luis Nascimento, Manuel Ribeiro, Aurelio Avila, Policarpo Godinho, Adao Bettencourt, Ricardo Vieira, Marcia Vieira, Carlos Vieira, Aida Pascoal, Dina Almeida, Gino Almeida, Gilbert Almeida, Antonio Brasil, Hernani Pacheco, Carlos Coderniz, Antonio Amorim, Antonio Rodrigues, Joao Silveira, Eugenio Silva, Joao Borges Coelho, Antonio Pedro, Manuel Pedro, Manuel Vaz, Manuel Cordeiro, Tony Caetano, Mateus Pereira, Celeste Pereira, Bernardete Pereira, Elcy Gois and Artur Gois. The flag girls were: Band - Gina Almeida, American - Margarete Caetano, and Portuguese - Vina Nascimento. We congratulate all the presidents and their spouses, the rest of the directors, and their families. We congratulate the band directors, their spouses, musicians and their families. We salute the many members and friends of our band that over the past 25 years have made enormous contributions to the enrichment of this institution with their work or donations. A special salute to the founding musicians, Mr. Manuel Costa, Mr. Julio Almeida, Mr. Marcelino Goncalves, Mr. Jose Miranda and Mr. Luis Nascimento whom, after 25 years, continue to set an example of dedication and love for music and the Lira Acoriana. We salute very affectionately all the youth that over the years have been extremely important to the continuity of our band. We remember all the musicians and members who were very dedicated, and made huge contributions to the organization but ar no longer amongst the living, especially the following individuals: Manuel Duarte Veiga, founding band Director, Manuel Nascimento, President in 1985, Joao Borges Coelho, the first founding musician to pass away. We also remember Joao Silveira, Antonio Amorim, Aurelio Avila, Antonio Rodrigues, Eduardo Vieira Tomas, Joao Bettencourt, Antonio Rosa, Vice-President in 1982 and 1983, Helio Avila, Joe Avila, Manuel Rodrigues, Jose Reis Avila, and Luis Mota. We pray for their eternal rest. We thank the Portuguese radio, independent programs, and Portuguese language newspapers who willingly and spontaneously publicized our activities without any financial rewards. To all the Portuguese Organizations, Holy Ghost Celebrations, and other entities, a sincere and heartfelt thank you for placing your confidence in the music of the Lira Acoriana from the beginning. |
| The First Sounds of the Lira Acoriana of Livingston Continued... |
| HISTORY |
| IMAGES OF THE PAST! ... REMEMBERING IS LIVING |
| The first musical composition to be rehearsed and presented to the public, a beautiful double step, was named "Heroes of Mucaba." The Livingston Chronicle was the first newspaper to publish news about the Lira in their May 12, 1982 issue. Under the headline "FILLING THE AIR WITH MUSIC," the Livingston newspaper reported on the inauguration and published a photograph of our marching band. The first performance of the Lira outside our area took place on May 16, 1982, at the Holy Ghost Celebration in the City of Lincoln. It was also the first of many bus trips with our musicians and families. The first of dozens of other bullfights the Lira energized was held in Orlando on June 26, 1982. The first anniversary of the band was held on April 10, 1983. In the words of Reverend Father Diniz da Costa, who for several years celebrated the Holy Mass at the Livingston Hall, it was a ceremony in the midst of splendor and circumstance. All of the Lira's anniversary celebrations were commemorated annually with splendor and circumstance. However, the Sixth Anniversary had more brilliance. It took place on April 10, 1988, with the first performance of the Lira Acoriana's Tuna under the direction of Mr. Manuel Goulart who was also a member of the marching band. The Lira performed in concert at the Livingston City Park on Sunday, September 25, 1983 by invitation of the Livingston Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, and those responsible for the "Sweet Potato Day Festival." The Band's first Christmas celebration took place on December 26, 1983, combined with the Livingston Pentecost Club and Turlock Council #75 of the Portuguese Union of the State of California. The reason for this partnership was due to the fact that the author of this paper was simultaneously president of all three organizations. From 1984 until 2003, the Christmas Celebrations always took place in partnership with the Lira Acoriana's families and those of the Livingston Pentecost Club. They were usually started with a pot-luck meal followed by a small concert performance by the Lira Acoriana interpreting music and songs allusive to the Christmas season. Live nativity scenes were displayed on some occasions followed by the grand entrance of Saint Nicholas for the joy of the little ones. Gifts were presented to the musicians and other distinguished guests followed by a dance and chamarritas. The first farewell celebration took place on August 8, 1986. It was a very deserving tribute to our first Band Conductor, Mr. Manuel Duarte Veiga. Besides the recognition and gratitude for the services he provided to our band, we also celebrated his 55 years of life as a musician. The celebration was held at the Livingston Pentecost Hall. Mr. Joao Lopes was the Lira's President at the time. The first concert of the band held in the modern and beautiful bandstand of the Livingston Pentecost Club took place on July 1, 2000, the Saturday of the annual Holy Ghost Celebration. The inaugural act of this beautiful platform, built by the Livingston Pentecost Club under the presidency of Mr. Joe Nunes, was celebrated on this occasion. During this magnificent cultural evening, our Band executed a marvelous musical performance. |