Serenading Pinoy music lovers once again

John Ford Coley must really like it out here. Although I try to keep tabs on the comings and goings in the local entertainment scene, I have actually lost count of the number of times I have written about a John Ford Coley show. No matter, this guy who was half of the legendary duo England Dan and John Ford Coley has been a big favorite among Pinoys ever since he rose to prominence during the ’70s era. 

His songs are perennials on the radio and constantly covered by performers from swanky clubs to small joints. It also follows that his live gigs are among those that local fans eagerly look forward to. I am not surprised about this because Coley writes the kind of light pop rock that Pinoys like. Not too loud but not too slow and sentimental either. His are romantic songs you can have playing in your head while walking or driving or simply reminiscing.

And there will be lots to reminisce about once you hear Coley do his love songs live again. He has just finished stints at the Max Pavillon in Singapore and the Hard Rock Café in Penang, Malaysia. His next stops will be at the Midas Hotel on Roxas Blvd. tomorrow, Nov.10; Casino Filipino in Mimosa Clark on Nov. 11; and to close the series, at the Newport Theater for the Performing Arts at Resorts World Manila on Nov. 15.

Among the songs that I am sure his Pinoy fans will love to hear from him again are Love Is The Answer, Nights Are Forever Without You, Part of Me Part of You, Gone Too Far, We’ll Never Have To Say Goodbye Again, I’d Really Like To See You Tonight, Come Back To Me, Soldier In The Rain, Sad To Belong To Someone Else, Why Is It Me, What Can I Do With This Broken Heart, What’s Forever For, Some Things Don’t Come Easy and many others. Joining him in the shows are the Zoo Band, which still sounds good even without Arnel Pineda and the ever reliable Ramon “RJ” Jacinto.

Martin Nievera (third from left) and the Side A headline Viva Concerts and Events’ All For 1

I have yet to get hold of the album but I heard that Coley made a live recording of these hits during his last visit here and that the CD is his best ever. But of course, while having a copy will be nice to play around the house, the car or anywhere else, nothing beats watching Coley live with his trusty guitar and memorable songs. Coley’s local shows are presented by Steve O’Neal Production with San Miguel Corp., Midas Hotel, Resorts World Manila and the Manila Bulletin.

Still on the live music scene. If OPM is your kind of music then get yourself a rich harvest with All For 1. The Viva Concerts and Events production plays on Nov. 11 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao. Stars of the show are Martin Nievera, the local concert king and Side A, the country’s top pop band. This is the first time that these two legendary acts are performing together so you can expect lots of interesting numbers.

Solo, they can easily wow with Be My Lady, You Are My Song, Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin, Forever, Yakapin Mong Muli, Kung Nasaan Ka Man and others from Martin’s side and the likes of Forevermore, Tell Me, Hold On, Tuloy Pa Rin, Ang Aking Awitin, Set You Free, I Believe In Dreams and many more from Side A plus lots of pop rock covers.

And take a very special note of this bit of news. Since the date also marks Viva Communications 30th anniversary, joining Martin and Side A for a few numbers will be Sarah Geronimo and the current queen of the local hit charts, Anne Curtis in her concert debut with songs from her big-selling album Annebisyosa.  

Tickets are available at all Ticketnet outlets located at the SM Department Store Customer Service Area or at the Araneta Coliseum ticket booth. Call 911-5555 or Viva Concerts and Events at 687-7236 for inquiries and reservations. Prices are Patron A P3,750; Patron B P3,500; Lower Box P3,500; Upper Box A P1,500; Upper Box B P1,000; and General Admission P400.