MANILA, Philippines - Three artists of interest give the current month of September some excitement worth-seeing live. British boy band The Wanted as well as Filipino acts Aiza Seguerra and Marvin Ong are each providing music fans valuable reasons to come over and see them perform in special shows.
Bringing wanted acts
The Wanted is performing at the NBC Tent, Fort Bonifacio in Taguig tonight, 8 p.m., making them the first artist to be promoted by MCA Music, a major label who is venturing into concert promotion.
“This is challenging. But it’s a good way to start,” said MCA president Ricky Ilacad. “As a team, it’s the first time we’ll do this so let’s see how it goes.”
The record company decided to do concert promotion in response to the “changing business,” which according to the experienced label executive is being felt because of technological advancement in accessing recorded music, the avalanche of indies and the fascination of audiences to see their idols live.
Local artists currently signed to MCA welcome this as real good news since they’ll be instant priority as featured acts for the label’s concerts. MCA’s entry to the field will only make the competition tougher as its machinery and know-how in conducting press conferences and other technical requirements in staging concerts serve as edge in going head-to-head even with established production outfits. Being a rookie as a concert promoter, though, will somehow give its team the nervous bumps.
Reviving OPM
Viva’s rising balladeer Marvin, who writes his own songs and skillfully plays the keyboard, just released his second album with a mall tour that began last Sept. 1. The leg continues at SM Calamba (Sept. 14), SM Marikina (Sept. 21) and SM Fairview (Sept. 28). All three shows happen at 5 p.m.
His new album Sigaw Ng Puso Ko features his compositions led by carrier single Ayoko Na and a couple of tracks written by veteran tunesmiths, including a revival of Pakisabi Na Lang by the duo of Moy Ortiz and Edith Gallardo. “The songs you will hear in this album tell the stories of what I’ve gone through in my life. I am humbled and privileged that my own compositions are part of a line-up that includes songs written by Vehnee Saturno, Moy Ortiz and Edith Gallardo,” he said.
Vicor people expressed delight over Marvin’s desire to “help revive OPM with a bit of his originality.”
The child star at 25
Then there’s Aiza who’s celebrating her 25th year in showbiz at age 28. She’ll be doing her silver anniversary concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sept. 28.
The show, called Bente Singko: Aiza Seguerra Anniversary Concert, will bring together as special guests some of the brightest names in mainstream showbiz, including Eat, Bulaga!’s TVJ (Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon), Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera and The CompanY.
“The show will be an intimate set-up in a big venue. I’m not a big fan of big production numbers at mas importante sa akin ang music,” the child star-turned-acoustic act argued.
Other guests are Aiza’s fellow ASAP Sessionistas Juris, Richard Poon, Princess and Nyoy Volante, along with rapper Gloc-9, Bayang Barrios and Cooky Chua. New singing act Krizza Neri, whom she is mentoring, will likewise be on board.