It's The Spinners' turn to perform in Manila

Even while untoward incidents like the recently- concluded hostage crisis stunned the country, legendary pop and R&B group The Spinners is set to give Manila a break from the “heat” via the coolest concert this upcoming Ber month titled Spinners Live in Manila.

 The concert will be held at the Araneta Coliseum on Sept. 18 at 8 p.m.

Local music lovers can expect a shower of smash hits from the band’s vast discography that have sold at least 60 million copies worldwide. Throughout the years (beginning 1972), The Spinners has charted no less than 18 times in the US alone, putting hits on the pop and R&B charts such as Rubberband Man, Could It Be I’m Falling In Love, It’s A Shame, Working My Way Back To You, I Just Want To Be With You, and many more.

But it’s not only chart success that The Spinners can boast of but six Grammy nominations as well. The Spinners is so accomplished that the members have performed before presidents and have their own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The group received a Black Gold Award from Dick Clark for its many achievements in the music industry.

Music critics from all over the world are one in hailing the band’s classic sound and its songs’ universal appeal. The Spinners has even collaborated with the diva Dionne Warwick on the song Then Came You. The group has also worked with topnotch producers Thom Bell, Michael Zager, James Mtume and Reggie Lucas.

The Spinners is one of few groups that can boast of four lead singers. Nowadays, the group navigates the globe for shows with original members Bobbie Smith and Henry Farmbrough, along with lead singer Charlton Washington, Jessie Peck, Marvin Taylor and a soul-infused five-piece band.

 Other songs that The Spinners is known for are One Of A Kind (Love Affair), I’ll Be Around, It’s A Shame, Ghetto Child, Mighty Love, I Don’t Want To Lose You, Sadie, I’ll Always Love You, So Far Away, I Love The Music, Games People Play and Cupid.

The Spinners Live in Manila is presented by 105.1 Crossover.

For details, call Ticketnet at 911-5555.

Gina Pareño’s stage debut

Gina Pareño makes her stage debut in Tanghalang Pilipino’s production of American Hwangap. She plays opposite Mario O’Hara in Joi Barrios LeBlanc’s translation of playwright Lloyd Suh’s work. Gina and Mario are in the Tagalog cast while Celeste Legaspi (who makes her stage come back) and Bembol Roco star in the English version.

 “Initially, I felt so nervous. Three days into the rehearsal, I haven’t memorized anything. Tinitingnan ko ang mga kasamahan ko. I told myself, memoryado na nila yong mga linya. I learned later, hindi naman kailangan memoryahin lahat sa rehearshal.” Gina is enjoying her initial foray into the theater. “I am surrounded with good actors. I learned a lot from them,” she said. “I hope this is not my last theater appearance.”

American Hwangap is the story of a family whose lives are shaken by the homecoming of a father who abandoned them many years ago. Hwangap or 60th birthday is the most celebrated birthday of a Korean adult. Hwangap is the completion of a life’s zodiac cycle.

Celeste who has just turned 60 this year, last appeared on stage in Larawan where she played the role of Candida. She celebrated her 60th birthday visiting an orphanage.

Celeste is one of the pillars of OPM (Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mangaawit.) She has several hit singles, that include Saranggola ni Pepe, Tuliro, Gaano Kita Kamahal. Aside from her contribution to music, Celeste made a big impact in theater with the hit musical Katy!, North Diversion Road, Paglipas ng Dilim and Larawan.

American Hwangap will be staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino on Sept. 10 to Oct. 3. Also in the cast are Leizl Batucan, Nicco Manalo and Jeremy Domingo. It is directed by Chris Millado.