Minstrels, Circus Band members reunite for concert

It is once again that time of year when Filipinos are ready and very willing to spend more on candy, flowers, dining out and watching shows. Just as we have the longest, most joyous Christmas Season, we also have the longest, Valentine’s Day celebration. What is supposed to be one day goes on for at least a week. Also the most romantic, I know people who would rather die than not be out on a date. And also the most expensive. The way the prices of roses go up is utterly unbelievable.

And then there are the shows, which at this time brings on the biggest names at their best. I am sure that many of you out there have already made your choices about which ones to watch and hopefully also bought your tickets early. You do not want to get to the venue and find out that no seats are available anymore. 

The star-powered Once In A Lifetime at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City with Sharon Cuneta and Martin Nievera ranks high in the list. For something a bit different you might want to try Mamma Mia with the gorgeous music of ABBA at the Main Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. For laughs, there is Jon Santos and his all-star cast of one, that means Jon and all his other characters, in Love In 3D on Feb. 15 at the New Port Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila in Pasay.

But if songs with lots of memories are what you are looking for, there is Loving in the 70s at the Music Museum in Greenhills, San Juan on Feb. 10 and 11. The concert stars some of the best voices around — Jacqui Magno, Louie Reyes, Pat Castillo, Ding Mercado, Eugene Villaluz and Ray An Fuentes.

This is a reunion of sorts as these artists were part of two of the most popular show bands in the annals of local pop music. Jacqui and Pat were members of the Circus Band. Louie, Ding, Eugene and Ray An were with the Minstrels. Though now friends who simply enjoy performing together, there was a time when they competed for their share of music lovers who flocked to watch their shows.

To this day, I still cannot believe that groups like the Circus and the Minstrels kept the nightlife alive with their music during the Martial Law times of the ’70s. We really do have this knack of finding something to enjoy when things get difficult. And how! Long-haired and bell-bottomed, they danced in their plat-formed shoes at Rino’s or The Flame. The midnight curfew was strictly enforced so everybody rushed out before 12 o’clock and continued the party all night at home. And all throughout there was the music.

The Minstrels and the Circus both excelled in covers of foreign hits. But they also sang other tunes. The bluesy Pat had a big hit with Aso’t Pusa. Eugene and Louie won awards for Nothing I Want More. Ding Mercado hit with See You There and conquered Hong Kong television. The soulful Ray An is also a popular songwriter with hits like Zsa Zsa Padilla’s Mambobola. And the eclectic Jackie’s jazz pipes makes Nature Boy a feast. You can join them in recalling the intriguing era of the ’70s as they sing the songs of Sergio Mendes, the Fifth Dimension, Gladys Knight & the Pips, ABBA, lots of Motown and many others. Maybe you can also get to dance the Hustle.

 Loving In The Seventies musical director is Rudy Lozano, who was lead guitarist of the Circus Band. Tickets are now available at the Music Museum, 721-6726 or 721-0653 and at all TicketWorld outlets. Tickets are priced at P3,000 for Center Orchestra; P2,000, Side Orchestra; and P1,000 for Balcony.

Here now is a rare opportunity to learn choral arranging from no other but Ryan Cayabyab. For two days, Jan. 22 and Jan. 29, from 2 to 6 p.m., you can learn the basics and important writing techniques in choral arranging. The fee is a bargain at only P1,000. But take note, participants must know basic music theory and can play at least one melodic instrument like a piano, guitar or keyboard.

Classes will be held at The Music School of Ryan Cayabyab at the Lower Level, Park Ave., Robinsons Galleria on Ortigas Ave., corner EDSA, Quezon City. For details, call 637-9840, 914-5055 and 0917-909-6484.