On May 3, 2026, the Portuguese Band of San Jose (PBSJ), under the direction of Maestro Joe Amaral, set a new bar for community engagement with their Spring Concert & Lunch. The event featured a delicious traditional lunch of fish soup, fried fish, dessert, and refreshments, including wine and soda, followed by a wonderful live concert performance by the PBSJ for a captivated audience. The band played exceptionally well throughout the afternoon, showcasing both musical talent and professionalism across a diverse selection of pieces.
A special treat of the afternoon was guest performer David Silveria Garcia, who sang the fado classic “Gaivota,” accompanied by the PBSJ. The piece was written by Alain Oulman, Alexandre O’Neill, and Raul Miro Fernandez.
The atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and very family-friendly, providing an opportunity to meet new friends and reconnect with old ones within the community.
Congratulations to the PBSJ for their ongoing work in bringing community together through culture and music.
Not to be outdone, another highlight of the afternoon came during the orchestra’s performance of selections from the score of Jaws by John Williams, when a flying shark made its way through the air to the famous staccato notes of the Jaws theme – delighting the crowd and adding a fun theatrical touch to the performance.
