Tavares Review at The Soul Town Festival 31st August 2024 and Interview with Tiny Tavares

By Esther Austin

Brent Tavares, John Kelly and Butch

Soul Town Festival featured a wide array of amazing legends and trailblazers from the UK and USA. The lineup was truly remarkable, including all the artists I had always dreamt of meeting in person. A dream come true! Special thanks to Tiny for reasons known to him.

Tiny Tavares

Encountering such inspiring individuals whose music has resonated with many of us was a unique and special experience that I deeply cherished. These individuals had pursued their true calling and passion as human beings - to sing, create, write, and produce music that touched the hearts of people. And now, here I was with Tavares! I was feeling like that angel from Heaven.

Grammy-award winning R&B and Soul singing group Tavares (Also known as The Tavares Brothers) are best known for their infectious sound and close harmony which originally comprised of five Cape Verdean-American brothers Ralph Vierra Tavares, Victor Earl Tavares, Arthur Paul "Pooch" Tavares and Antone Laurence "Chubby" Tavares.

Tavares now comprise of only two of the brothers Tiny and Butch. On Vocals was Brent Tavares (The eldest son of Tiny Tavares), John Kelly, Butch Tavares and Tiny Tavares. The Tavares UK band comprised of: Wayne Morgan “Bass”, Nigel Williams “Drums”, Steve Parker “Keys”, Matt, Steele “Keys”, Richard Jevons "Guitar"

Heaven Must be Missing an Angel Clip

Tavares performed some of their greatest hits amongst the classics: ‘It Only Takes a Minute Girl’; ‘Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel’;  ‘She’s Gone’ and ‘More Than a Woman’ (from the iconic  soundtrack ‘Saturday Night Fever)  to name a few.

I could barely keep my camera still as the hits kept rolling out. At one point I thought I was going to burst a blood vessel as one of my ultimate, ultimate favourites 'Heaven Must be Missing and Angel' came on. I could feel my head spin from the excitement and my body deciding to transform itself into a one woman dancing-maniac queen. I suddenly became the two-step, backwards gliding dance maniac and there was no shame at all to me allowing myself to free-fall right there in the Press Pitt. This feeling felt on par as being able to fly. Dance Turets!! Possibly!

Tavares displayed impressive synchronized dance moves that made it challenging for me to keep up. (As if I was in competition! I was here to work not compete). However, Butch's performance was exceptional, as he exuded such excitement that I couldn't help but wonder if he was under the influence of a little 'something, something' with his energetic stage presence which reminded me of an advert for 'Ever Ready batteries'. As he effortlessly executed splits and grooving like it was the year '1999'. At one point I thought he would jump off the stage and fly into the audience. It was definitely show-time in his world.

I'd had the pleasure interviewing Tiny a few times in the past, and had wanted to meet him for a while now, it was fascinating watching him perform. He was a real showman, an entertainer. A man who had been at his craft for a very long-time and he clearly loved what he did and more so I could see it was in his blood because as soon as he hit the stage he came alive, the only way a true professional who loves what he does comes alive. He was there to perform and to give that performance 200% an more. And he did. They all did.

Group Selfie

Brent and John moved in perfect sync, like a James Brown himself, exuding such infectious energy that I felt compelled to join them on stage and attempt backflips. Their dynamism was truly remarkable. Despite occasional glitches in the sound system affecting the performance's flow, the duo's harmonious movements and spins left me thoroughly entertained. Watching my idols perform was a delight, and I eagerly anticipate their next show.

INTERVIEW WITH TINY TAVARES

Overall, it was a fantastic experience that was enhanced by the warm hospitality of the team from DL Hospitality-Entertainment Management Services. From the moment we arrived at the Press Tent, everyone, from the staff providing us with wristbands to those serving food and drinks, to Keria and Jessica who ensured our well-being, made sure that we had a wonderful time.

Thank you to Les Spaine Sr of Spaine Music

Photo Credit: Esther Austin Global

Video Footage Credits: Esther Austin Global Thank you to DL Hospitality-Entertainment Management Service Keira and Jessica - Fantastic Hospitality Thank you to Craig Brown