Prince Henry Society of Fall River

For many years, the Prince Henry Society of Fall River has raised funds to provide scholarships to academically talented Portuguese-American students from the Greater Fall River area. More than $400,000 in assistance has been provided by the group since it began.

In order to continue that good work, the group of business persons and professional individuals of Portuguese descent will be holding their annual Scholarship Fundraiser on June 18. Felicano Pedro Freitas chairs the committee.

“We wanted to do something different this year. Something that features some Portuguese music and a full meal,” he said.

Unlike previous years which featured a symphony orchestra concert and reception, the Society is gathering for a night of food, music and dance at the Venus de Milo Restaurant in Swansea. The buffet dinner and show starts at 6:00 p.m. The public is invited.

The event will feature Fadistas Catarina Avelar and Jared Macedo. They will be accompanied by Viriato Ferreira and Jose Silva, who are considered by many to be the best Fado guitarists in the United States.

Fado is a uniquely Portuguese genre of music that dates back at least to the 1820s, but probably much earlier. The music has been described as “mournful” and often reflect that feeling of longing for which the Portuguese use the word, “saudade.”

After the Portuguese entertainment, Chris Silva and the Mike Moran Band will continue the festivities with American music. The local musicians are well known in the area.

Tickets are $50 and may be obtained from any member of the Prince Henry Society or by calling 774-526-6257.