KabuJazz: Celebrating Cape Verdean Independence Through Music
Doors at 5:00 PM
Program & reception at 6:00 PM
Tickets:
$10 for Museum Members
$20 for General Public
First Friday: September 5, 2025
Doors Open at 5:00 PM | Music at 6:00 PM
Join us for a special First Friday event at the New Bedford Whaling Museum as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of Cape Verdean independence. This evening of culture and music features a live performance by the acclaimed KabuJazz Ensemble, led by the dynamic Candida Rose Baptista with musical direction by J. L. Santos Spencer.
The KabuJazz Ensemble brings a unique blend of Cabo Verdean and American musical traditions—primarily jazz—showcasing the beauty and diversity of Cape Verdean culture. Candida Rose’s signature “KabuJazz” style combines soulful vocals, rich instrumentation, and rhythms that reflect the heritage and spirit of Cabo Verde.
The evening complements the Museum’s special exhibition, Morabeza: Cape Verdean Community in the South Coast, which explores the Cape Verdean experience in New England through contemporary art, personal stories, photographs, and oral histories. This powerful exhibition celebrates the history, culture, and resilience of Cape Verdean Americans while highlighting their vital contributions to the region.
Program Schedule:
- 5:00 PM: Doors Open – Explore Morabeza: Cape Verdean Community in the South Coast in the San Francisco galleries and connect with the Cape Verdean cultural legacy in New Bedford.
- 6:00 PM: Live Music – The KabuJazz Ensemble takes the stage to transport you on a musical journey filled with soulful melodies and captivating rhythms.
Celebrate this momentous occasion and experience the enduring connections between Cabo Verde and the South Coast community.
