August Braganza, Indian musician, 56

[deb...@comcast.net]

Noted Goan musician August passes away
HERALD NEWS BUREAU
PANJIM, SEPT 7 - Noted Goan musician August Braganza (56), a pioneer of
the modern sound system among bands in Goa, passed away on Thursday
morning.
August earned fame in the music field since the 60's and played with
a number of bands, including The Diamonds, Renaissance, The Experience,
Reunion, The Band, Top Brass and The Sting, before he was associated
with The Symphony, Goa's best band at the time.
It was during his stint with the many bands that August pioneered the
introduction of the general PA system among Goan bands, a major shift
from the earlier individual amplification of musical instruments. This
concept was eventually borrowed by other bands and is being used till
date.
August then introduced the concept of a dine-n-dance venue, when he
opened the 'Haystack' at Arpora, and jammed up with a number of
musicians. He spent his last years as a solo artist, performing at many
restaurants in the State.
Condoling the sudden demise of his former band mate, Goa's rock star
Remo Fernandes said August was a "pioneer in many fields in Goa."
"He played with the best bands in Goa at the time. He was also the
first to introduce the concept of dine and dance venue, when he started
the Haystack," recalled Remo. "It was a tragic end to an otherwise
brilliant life."
Describing August as always fun-loving, Remo said: "He never had a
dull moment and had a mischievous smile. I have fond memories of the
days when I used to perform at the Haystack, along with August and the
Valladares sisters."
The funeral cortege of late August Braganza will leave his house at
Arpora on Saturday at 4 pm and he will be laid to rest at the Nagoa
church.
Alex Braganza, brother of August and a renowned musician in his own
right, recalled August as a "great guy and a fabulous person at
heart." "We shared some geat music together and we enjoyed the
shows. He was an excellent sound engineer. I will miss him terribly,"
said Alex.