The GBWK homecoming concert

It’s a homecoming of sorts.

And in a strange way, they make colorful and campy homecoming kings and queens. Gladys and the Boxers With K, or simply GBWK, will mount a "homecoming" concert at Klownz Comedy Bar today, May 21, 9 p.m., dubbed [email protected].

It’s a homecoming concert primarily because Gladys Guevarra, Kakai Brosas, Daniel Lardizabal and Cris Samonte had their start in the business filling up metro nightspots like Klownz, performing as sing-along masters and as lead vocalists in head-banging bands.

The guys of GBWK have certainly gone a long way from their humble beginnings. From small hole-in-the-wall bars, GBWK has moved on to such stellar venues as Soundstage, Kampo West, and Ratsky’s (Malate and Morato).

Now, GBWK is revving up to conquer Quezon City’s premier party place, Klownz, which is owned by another master comic-singer Allan K, who also happens to be Glady’s co-host on Eat Bulaga.

GBWK is really on a roll.

Aside from wowing crowds, they are also winning awards and accolades, left and right. At the last Awit Awards, the group won the Best Novelty Song for their kooky hit Ako’y Napapa-Uhh. Two years ago, they clinched the Aliw Awards for Best Performance in Bars, Restaurants and Clubs.

Even the individual members of GBWK are making waves, Kakai continues to draw raves as Ming-Ming on the GMA-7 sitcom Da Boy en Da Girl, along with big stars Rudy Fernandez and Rosanna Roces. Gladys, on the other hand, co-hosts GMA-7’s toprating noontime show Eat Bulaga and will make her motion picture debut in the Regine Velasquez-Christopher de Leon romantic-comedy Pangarap Ko Ang Iibigin Ka.

To top it off, GBWK is set to wax their sophomore outing under their new label, Viva Records.

Just what is the secret behind GBWK’s continuing (make that, unstoppable) success?

"It’s because we can combine music and comedy," Kakai pipes up.

And considering just how bad the economy is, everyone just wants to laugh and have a good time when they go out," Cris proffers.

And that’s precisely what they promise to give their loyal followers in their Klownz show. It’s the same brand of ribald and raucous, rib-tickling and rowdy sense of humor that has made GBWK the most sought after, most in-demand comedy band in showtown.

"Each time we go onstage, we really make it a point to have a connection with our audience," Gladys reiterates.

"When we do shows, we really reach out to our audience," Cris concurs.

"As if they were our barkada," Daniel affirms. "As if we’re long-time friends."

"As if we were super close," Gladys guffaws.

"Our rapport," Daniel points out, "that’s what makes our band different from the others."

"In the past when you say bands, the performers just sing," Kakai asserts, "but we don’t just sing, we also dance and do comedy. All-in-one kumbaga!"

For the Klownz show, you can expect Gladys to belt out her usual showstopping tunes ala Regine Velasquez and Mariah Carey. Kakai will whip up her signature Bonnie Tyler and Faith Hill hits. Daniel will croon his melodious renditions of ballads ala America and Ogie Alcasid. Cris will thrill the Gen X, Y, Z crowd with his alternative rock songs in the mold of Creed and The Calling.

Once again, GBWK will surely bring the house down with their singing and comedic talents. Their Klownz show promises to be wackier and wilder than usual, in fact. Expect more thrills. More giggles, more sizzling jokes, more dazzling spot numbers.

"We will be having more medley numbers," says Kakai.

"We will wear really crazy, out-of-this-world costumes," Gladys adds. "Even the corona virus will die laughing at our sketches! Please buy tickets because the future of our country depends on it!"

In times of war and the SARS epidemic, laughter and music will surely be the best antidote to stress and panic, the GBWK guys chorus. GBWK is just what the doctor ordered, it seems.

Come to think of it, the title of GBWK’s Klownz concert is very timely, very cuttingedge: [email protected]. How very cyber of GBWK.

(Tickets for [email protected] are priced at P350. For inquiries, call 0917-5303430 or 0917-5349373 or 9283121 or 4351108 or 4351120. Klownz is located along Quezon Avenue, near Delta Theater in Quezon City).