It all started way back in December 2001, when Armando Gonsalves and a team of jazz loving friends such as Valerio Sequeira, Carlos Monteiro, George Fernandez, Caetano Filiipe Colaco, Lester Godinho, Carlos Tavora, Colin D’Cruz, Mac Dourado and ohers got together to organize small home events at Armando’s home aka Gonsalves Mansion.

In December 2001, the show held on the 18 th was a spur-of-the-moment decision taken since everyone wanted to have a great start to the festive week that was just a few days away.

And what a night it was. George Fernandez, Lester Godinho, Carlos Monteiro, Mac Dourado, Benny Rosario and a host of other local stars were seen in action, and so much was the action that the 33 metre long verandah of the home was fully occupied by jazz lovers who had come from all over. Those shows were completely free of charge and each one was more like a pound party where everyone pooled in with a drink here, some snacks there and a whole lot of bonhomie.

The show was graced by Shaukat Baig who just landed up from nowhere. In any case, we did not know who he was till Valerio introduced him as his brother-in-law much to our delight. Shaukat is a wonderful musician and he played raga on the piano amongst so many other interesting numbers besides being absolutely fantastic on the mike. We were truly entertained by this wonderful entertainer.




Beautiful Sunita “Rumki” Bhuyan, a wonderful singer as well as a virtuoso classical/fusion violinist, surprised everyone with her charm and dexterity



S Harikumar is another musician, like Jazzy Joe who gave his all to the development of jazz and fusion in Goa. Here he is seen in a verandah performance, with Carlos Gonsalves in the background.



Two of the members of the Harikumar band in action.



Harikumar in a jugalbandhi with the members of his band

One of the first file shots of the people who were involved with the growth of jazz in Goa. From left to right, you can see George Fernandez, Valerio Sequeira, Jean Kalgutkar, Carlos Tavora, Lester Godinho and Armando Gonsalves

Johnny the big hearted saxophonist from Canada, who regaled the crowd of enthusiastic jazz lovers at Gonsalves Mansion



Carlos Monteiro, another of the genuine jazz musicians who gave his all to the jazz cause. Here he is seen as only he can be seen……..full of vigour and energy. A true Samba King.



Lucio Miranda also graced the occasions so very often, much to the delight of all.



Charles Danton, a stunning clarinet player from Canada dropped by just by chance and lit the hearts of all who were present. He was truly brilliant.

Our very own George Fernandes doing what he does best.

Lester Guidinho made some unusual sounds with whatever he could find.