March 29, 2024

It's a Heritage Homecoming Party - Townies to Rock the Crowd, Summer 2017

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"I am so excited to be returning home with my new band, The Pete Silva Project. When I was first approached about the opportunity, I said yes without even looking at a contract. I knew in my heart that it would be a “Townie Homecoming” for me, one that I’ve thought about over the years," said 1975 EPHS graduate Pete Silva. Silva, of the Pete Silva Project, was invited to perform in the revamped East Providence Heritage Days Festival this summer. "I was thrilled when Alba Curti, the incredibly talented event organizer, asked me to participate. I said, 'are you kidding? Of course! I’m honored!' And that’s how I feel about playing the Heritage Festival. I am truly honored and blessed," said Silva.

Pete Silva has stayed busy since high school, mostly associated with music. "I’ve done a lot of things since high school. My dad taught me to keep moving, stay productive, and to make a difference, so I’ve always been busy with opportunities. I spent a lot of time doing studio work, and I’ve been a weekend jock at 94HJY for almost 27 years. I teach high school English and Media Studies as well," said the writer/musician/teacher.

Silva has vivid memories of his years at EPHS. "I’m a proud Townie graduate of the class of 1975, though I’m not so sure they were as proud of me as I am to be a Townie," Silva joked. "In high school I played in every group and at every opportunity I could find. In my junior year I joined a band with guys who graduated a few years before me. We were called Justus, and we did pretty well. I was playing nightclubs while still in high school (thankfully I looked older and no one checked my ID!). They waited for me to graduate and we ended up going on the road for quite some time."

The Pete Silva Project has several other Townies in the popular band. Drumer, Paul Furtado, keyboard player Bruce Zarembka and Riverside Middle School music teacher John Baldaia are in the band. Baldaia was a recent inductee in the RI Music Hall of Fame. "We call Bruce (Zarembka) the 'Mayor' of the band," smiled Silva. Rounding out the band is the talented guitarist Bill Lehourites from Cranston, and singer and bass player Kimberly Hallman from North Kingstown.

"My personal favorite genre of music is tough to pinpoint. I love everything. But when all is said and done, I always go back to my roots. I call it the Four B’s: Beatles, Bruce (Springsteen), Bacharach (Burt), and Bossa Nova. Ultimately, I’m a Beatle fanatic, though," Silva added. The band plans a show of originals, rock & roll classics and Springsteen, Stones, Beatles, etc. that will keep music fans dancing away at Pierce.

Pete Silva expressed gratitude toward his EPHS teachers. "Their love and the lessons taught have stayed with me to this very day. Mr. Burke, our principal, was so kind to me. Mr. Ramos was the disciplinarian, but you never doubted that he loved you! I might not have made it to graduation without the unwavering support of my guidance counselor, Mr. Sprague. Mr. Donovan in the AV department really fired up my love of all things radio. And the music department, what can I say? I had three really beautiful, kind, nurturing teachers in Mr. Pavao with his love of all things musical, and his hilarious sense of humor; and Mr. Fairbanks and Ms. Fontes for their extraordinary support for a daydreaming kid like me. As a matter of fact, I still use Mr. Fairbanks’ words of wisdom with voice students. When I went to him for singing lesson, he asked me why I wanted them. I replied, “Because I can’t sing.” He said, “Nonsense! If you can talk, you can sing!” That really struck home with me. His wisdom stays with me every day," said a grateful former student.

Silva, who now lives in Hope Valley, RI, is in East Providence often. "I never ever forget my roots. My band practices in a facility in East Providence, and my mom still lives in the city. So really I’m always “home,” so to speak. I’d miss it if I couldn’t be. I’d always find some reason to sneak back into town to see all the friends and familiar places that have helped shape my life."

The Pete Silva Project has been generating lots of interest on social media for their Heritage Days appearance. "What a thrill it is for me and the band to come home for the Heritage Festival. It's going to be an incredible Townie Weekend, and we look forward to seeing you all soon," the singer, writer, teacher said wistfully. The Pete Silva Project will perform on Sunday, July 16th at 7 pm. A Townie Homecoming weekend for sure.

Townie Pat Lowell To Perform:
Popular acoustic guitarist/vocalist Pat Lowell will kick off Friday night, July 14th at 7 pm. Lowell, a 1995 EPHS graduate, has been playing acoustic guitar and singing for 15 years in venues across the region. Lowell has an eclectic range of oldies to top 40 to reggae, blues and everything in between. "Pat will get you up dancing for sure," said Alba Curti of the Heritage group. "I am honored and excited to be playing music at the field where I grew up hanging with friends and playing baseball," Pat Lowell told The Reporter. "I appreciate the invitation to play. Thanks to the committee and to Crushed Velvet.

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