Remembering Luis Sousa: Singer, Songwriter, Musician

Luis Sousa was an adored musician from Santa Maria who spent most of his life playing music and bringing joy to the Portuguese community of Northern California. His musical career began in his youth, having learned to play accordion from a family friend, Manuel Chaves, and playing for folkloric groups in Massachusetts. Once coming to California in the 1980s, he started several bands playing nearly every weekend at Portuguese halls in Hayward, Newark, Mountain View, and more. In his later years, he developed a love for fado and brought a new-school sound to the beloved tradition.

I believe his first band was “Arco Iris”. He also had “Midnight Rendezvous”, “Meia Noite”, and “911”. *Check out “Por Que Sorrimos”, Luis Sousa & Helder Carvalheira, 1985

Aires Medeiros Productions (on Alcino Carvalheira’s Youtube page). He also has another single with Helder, “Vida Portuguesa.” Luis Sousa has also performed with Odelia Alvernaz, Zelia Freitas, Ana Maria, and Tony Parente, to name a few of the countless musicians he’s worked with.

Luis was a truly charismatic performer with a powerful, soulful voice but had many loves and interests outside of music. He loved to learn and often watched documentaries about physics and history. He was also an avid driver and loved traveling up and down the Pacific coastline. Most importantly, he was a fun-loving father who demonstrated the values of humor, compassion, and hard work. His opus was that of the cherished fado—a thoughtful life filled with art and saudade—but his laugh was a chamarrita, his spirit like a festa with a packed dance floor. He is deeply missed.

-Tribute written by daughter Elizabeth Sousa

I’m António Mendes, I was born in Santa Bárbara, Terceira Açores Portugal and I currently live in California.

The love for bulls began at a very young age. I always saw my grandfather and my uncles doing the work of “Pastores” and I always remember going to “the mato” (pastures where the bulls live) since I was a child.

It’s in the blood that runs in the veins.

I am currently the pastor of GANADARIA AÇORIANA, by Joe Martins And every week or almost every week we are at his ranch preparing and taking care of the bulls.

I hope that this Azorean tradition never dies, only those who love bullfighting know how to give value to the bulls and all those involved in the festa brava.

I take this opportunity to invite everyone who supports our tradition to the next bullfight of the Ganadaria Açoriana in Thornton on Saturday, October 19th, 2024.