25 years and still counting

It has been 25 years since Vehnee Saturno left a stable office job and risked all he had to go full-time into songwriting. Nobody, least of all his family agreed that what he did was the right thing. Back then that was not just a risky move. It was suicide. Those images of tubercular composers dying of hunger while writing their masterpieces we see in the movies, were at that time, a fact. So songwriters usually moonlighted in something that earned them a regular income. Those who didn’t were reduced to penury.

Vehnee though turned out to be not only talented and astute in business, he also proved to be very lucky. The ensuing years found him turning out one hit after another here and abroad, discovering new stars, and also going into recording and music publishing. Nowadays, it is almost a sure thing that a pop album by a local artist will contain at least one Vehnee Saturno composition, which he produced and recorded in his own studio.

Given all that happened after he took that risk, I am not surprised Vehnee is marking his 25th year in the music business with a bang. A concert titled Silver…Songs of Vehnee Saturno will be held at the Araneta Coliseum on Friday, May 26. The celebration is also for a good cause because proceeds from the ticket sales will go to the renovation and rebuilding of the Sta. Maria Goretti Parish located at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in Manila.

Given Vehnee’s clout and the big number of talents he helped become a success with his compositions, this show features a star-studded cast. Jay-R, Rachelle Ann Go, Mark Bautista and Juris Fernandez and Chin Alcantara of M.Y.M.P. lead the line-up. There will be special performances by Jaya, Ella Mae Saison, The CompanY and the concert king himself, Martin Nievera. In case you don’t know, Martin’s first big hit and Vehnee’s, too was Be My Lady. Expected to do a number or two are Randy Santiago, Dingdong Avanzado, Louie Heredia and Jessa Zaragoza.

Those who will watch will be treated to renditions of some of the biggest hits of the past 25 years, all of which they will be surprised to find out, are Vehnee Saturno compositions.

Among these are Kahit Konting Awa by Nora Aunor, From the Start and I Care by Rachelle Ann Go, Isang Lahi by Regine Velasquez, Mula Sa Puso by Jude Michael, Sana Kahit Minsan and Simple Lang by Ariel Rivera, Di Ba’t Ikaw, Paano Kaya and Bakit Pa by Jessa Zaragoza, Forever’s Not Enough and How Could You Say You Love Me by Sarah Geronimo, Tell Me That You Love Me by Nicki Bacolod, Dahil Tanging Ikaw and Wala Na Bang Pag-ibig by Jaya, Only You and Me by Donna Cruz, Till My Heartaches End by Ella May Saison, Bakit Pa Ba? by Jay R, Ang Lahat Sa Buhay Ko by Mark Bautista and a long list of etc. etc. and so forth.

Silver…Songs of Vehnee Saturno is a production of Cast & Crew directed by Calvin Neria with Marc Lopez as musical director and Noel Ferrer as scriptwriter. Tickets are available at the Araneta Coliseum box-office and in all SM Ticketnet outlets.

Pinoy MYX Countdown

Correction please: I came up with a piece about the upcoming 1st MYX Music Awards last week and wrote that the awards night will be held at Soundstage in Greenbelt, Makati on June 26. Turns out I made a big, big mistake. The date is actually June 6 and voting for all categories will be held throughout May. Please check the music channel for details and vote now for your favorites.

Meanwhile, here is the Pinoy MYX Countdown for the week: Jeepney by Kala; Narda by Kamikazee; Toll Gate by Hale; Direction by Slapshock; Minamahal Kita by Ogie Alcasid; Invincible by Christian Bautista; Papa Cologne by Parokya ni Edgar; Truth by Bamboo; Sugod by Sandwich; We Belong by Toni Gonzaga; I Care by Rachelle Ann Go; Can’t Let You Go by Cueshé; Buwan by Wickermoss; First of Summer by Urbandub; Scorpio by Syato; Wish by Michaelangelo; Sabihin Mo Na by Top Suzara; Igalaw Mo Lang by Dcoy with RP 4; Binibini by Brownman Revival and Hey Boy by April.