7 days with the Cascades
April 24, 2005 | 12:00am
Two weeks prior to concerts I promote, I am the most handsome and in-demand guy. My landline and cell phone never stop ringing. It’s not because I’m popular or whatever. It’s because friends, relatives, co-workers, and even long-lost friends come out of the woodworks and ask for free tickets.
I have flown into the Philippines artists like The Searchers, Spiral Starecase, Friends of Distinction, Chad & Jeremy, John Ford Coley, Chris Montez, and others, but none of their concerts have been as widely anticipated as the one of Cascades’. I am still stunned and amazed how the Filipino audience reacted. In the beginning of my promotion I had more doubting Thomases than believers that we’d be flying in the real Cascades because rumors were rife that they all perished in a plane crash. But once they saw them harmonizing on Cito Beltran’s TV show, all that became history. It also made me realize that the music of the Cascades is – and always will be – part of Philippine heritage. I spent seven hectic days with the group and slept only three hours every night for the whole week, but I’m not complaining. In fact, I consider it an honor to have been with the music heroes who were part of my growing up. Here’s a day-by-day summary of our activities.
I woke up at 3 a.m. in anticipation of the 5:45 a.m. arrival of the Cascades. Their plane arrived close to 6 a.m. It was John Claude Gummoe and Bob Edwards’ (the tour managers) first time in the country. The rest of the group, Gabe Lapano, Tony Grasso and Chuck Crews have been here in the past. I felt relieved that they arrived without any hitch. My only anxiety was if they still sounded as good. We checked into the Holiday Inn (our gracious sponsor and which used to be called Galleria Suites) in Ortigas Center. The guys loved the hotel’s spacious rooms.
At 11:30 a.m., we drove the Cascades to ABS-CBN to appear on Cito Beltran’s ANC show at 1 p.m. The show went on smoothly until they got to the part where they were going to sing. The minus one couldn’t be found so the guys had to sing a cappella. I think it worked to our advantage because people heard their pure unadulterated harmonies with that distinctive Cascades sound that could have only been done by the original singers, thus proving their authenticity.
Lunch was at Cibo, followed by an afternoon nap to recuperate from jet lag. A lavish Chinese buffet dinner was tendered by the Lugan family at Gloria Maris at the CCP complex. The Cascades enjoyed the Peking duck, prawn dishes and crabs which they washed down with lots of freshly squeezed mango juice. They couldn’t get enough of the mango.
Day 2 – April 12: A presscon to conquer
"Are you sure you are not a sound-alike or tribute group?" was one of the initial questions asked by a reporter. John Claude, in his ever-patient tone, explained that the group was the real McCoy and rattled off the group’s history. The press conference started close to noon and was hosted by Holiday Inn. We expected 12 to 15 press people but around 40 people came. The big three broadsheets (Philippine STAR, Inquirer and Bulletin) and the top networks (ABS and GMA) were in attendance. The Cascades, accompanied by an acoustic guitar, wowed the crowd with two songs. A string of interviews and photo ops followed. At 2 p.m., the rehearsals with John Lesaca, Roy Marinduque, Benjie Santos and Carlo Gaa of Area One started at High Moon studios in Cubao. There were a few tense moments as introductions were made but after the first hour of rehearsals, my anxiety was relieved and the stiff muscles in my back relaxed. These guys really sounded like their record. I closed my eyes a few times and it was as if I was back in the ‘60s listening to their long-playing album. The first rehearsal was through by sunset. A quick shower and outfit change and the Cascades were off to the South. A dinner hosted by the Canoys of RMN and Congressman Jun Baculio was held at Red in Shangri-La Makati. Wine flowed as the tender steaks were served. Two hours later, the Cascades jammed with the Flintstones at Conways. What a way to end the night.
Day 3 – April13: kare-kare what?
We arrived at the fourth floor of Ventures Building (via staircase) at 9:30 a.m for the Cascades’ first radio interview in the Philippines which was on RJ100.3 FM with the rock & roll legend Ramon Jacinto interviewing. Listeners from all over the Philippines were asked to text their questions. Some nosey listener from Iloilo dared the Cascades to sing Shy Girl a cappella, which they gamely did. All that talking and singing got us hungry. Our next destination was a lunch tendered by our food sponsor Aristocrat Restaurant. The Reyes family (owners of the chain) welcomed us with a Pinoy buffet. As we moved down the buffet line, Tony Grasso, the bass player asked me what the brown stuff was on the chaffing dish was. I said Kare Kare. "Whatever it is I’m gonna have some cause it sure looks good," was Tony’s reply. He ate two servings without bagoong. After almost an eternity of photo ops and autograph signing, the entourage headed for the rehearsal studio in Cubao. The session was longer but tighter and more relaxed. John Claude overexerted himself such that by 7:30 p.m. he was totally spent and wanted to go back to the hotel. Tony, Gabe and Chuck joined me and Long Tall Howard for dinner at Hard Rock Cafe. They also got the chance to watch their back-up band perform. They were so impressed that they asked me to make them the opening act when the Cascades tour Asia in July.
Day 4 – April14: A Hard Rock’s night
No other activity was scheduled for today except a sound check and the actual performance at Hard Rock Cafe. We picked up the boys before lunch for the trip to the venue. They did a sound check and sang the complete repertoire after attacking the lunch buffet. By 6:30 p.m. as we drove the boys back to the hotel, people dressed to the nines started to line up at the entrance of Hard Rock. By 8 p.m., the house was full. RJ was the emcee of the night and introduced Lito Domantay’s the Elderly Brothers at 8:45 p.m. They sang a solid Everly Brothers set. The Cascades followed and opened with an energized version of Let Me Be. The entire set lasted 90 minutes and was composed of 12 songs from the first album, some from the second and third album and choice cuts from the latest: "After the Rain." In between songs jokes were told. The Cascades also gave a rendition of Philippine Airlines’ jingle Love at 30,000 Feet. It was a great performance even if they had rehearsed only six times since their last performance in the ‘90s. RJ and Friends rocked the night away while fans pushed and jostled to get the Cascades’ photos and autographs.
Day 5 – April 15: Warners has no shame
Whenever I promote concerts I always tie up with the artist’s local record distributor. This step is beneficial to both. In the case of the Cascades, Warners is their local distributor. More on this later. First activity of the day was a live performance on Eat Bulaga. This top-rated noontime show has supported my outfit ever since I got into the business of concert promotion and I’m eternally grateful to it. The Cascades sang Angel on my Shoulder and Shy Girl. Lunch followed at the Violago residence in Corinthian Gardens. We were expecting a one or two-dish meal; instead we were treated to a lavish gourmet spread complete with vintage red wine decanted from expensive Waterford Crystal and entertainment from a quintet of musicians. Leave it to Anthony Violago to cook up great surprises. We proceeded to the Araneta Coliseum for a sound check. As the Cascades checked the venue, I inspected the merchandising area where we were supposed to sell the "After the Rain" CD. My blood boiled when I noticed that Warners was selling their CDs of the Cascades’ first album. I normally allow the local record distributors to do this in my concerts but Warners is a different story. Five months prior to the concert I feverishly tried to talk to them for a tie-up but to no avail. I even tried going through other record label CEOs and even former employees just to get an appointment with them. They snubbed me so why the hell are they selling CDs in my show? I threatened to cancel the show if they didn’t leave. They left the area yes, but still sold CDs at the entrance. Warners has no shame.
People filled every seat in the Coliseum. The show was a sellout.
Willie Nepomuceno opened the show with nostalgic comedy peppered with music impressions of artists who were big in the ‘60s. He even mimicked Joe Mari Chan who was in the audience. The coliseum roared with 45 minutes of laughter. At 10 p.m., the Cascades were on. People from all walks of life had the ultimate musical nostalgia trip. Highlight of the night was the Cascades’ live rendition of Philippine Airlines’ jingle Love at 30,000 Feet which was the most applauded song. The show ended with a standing ovation.
Day 6 – April 15: Where’s Chuck?
"Good morning my fellow Cascadian," was my greeting to Manolito Cruz, one of my co-producers. We all met at the Mabuhay Lounge at NAIA terminal two. The 20-man entourage boarded the 9:30 a.m. flight to Cebu. I dozed off as soon as the aircraft was airborne. I snored louder than the engine. Thankfully, we were the only passengers of the forward business class cabin so nobody complained. When we got to Cebu we boarded two vans to Waterfront Hotel in Lahug. Rooms were ready when we arrived. The Cascades nixed the lunch barbecue party down the road in favor of the hotel buffet. They got a taste of lechon Cebu which they described as delicious with a hint of spice. After the meal, Chuck did the sound check while Gabe and Tony explored the surroundings. John Claude and Bob joined me at the slot machines. The final sound check was done at 4 p.m.. Chuck, who also is the musical director and a meticulous one at that, excused himself to get some Zzz’s as the rest of the Cascades harmonized. He hasn’t had any decent sleep since he arrived four days ago. The Pacific Ballroom was packed by 8 p.m. The mayor of Cebu and his pretty, bubbly wife were the guests of honor. The show rolled at 8:30 p.m. with a Cebuano impersonator. Area One made their Cebu debut at 9 p.m. It was 9:15 p.m. and all Cascades except Chuck were harmonizing backstage. Trouble! Chuck just woke up and was having the runs (LBM). Must have been tension or something he ate. Ramon Escobar, our artist liaison, ran up to Chuck’s room and gave him Imodium. Chuck showed up at the dressing room a few minutes before the Cascades’ scheduled performance. The suspense almost caused me a heart attack. The Cascades mesmerized the crowd. Of the three performances, the Cebu gig was by far the best. Another standing ovation and two hours of autograph signing ended the show. We had a late dinner at Casino Filipino which was hosted by PAGCOR.
Day 7 – April 17: We’d like to welcome the First Lady of the Philippines
Breakfast at 8 a.m., check out at 9 a.m., airport by 10 a.m., flight by 12 noon. Highlight of our departure from Cebu was bumping into my friend Yoyoy Villame who got bumped off his flight. I bragged to the Cascades that Yoyoy was one of our superstars. Tonight’s performance at the Hard Rock Cafe was a last minute addition to accommodate more people who wanted to watch their idols. I didn’t schedule any sound check so the boys could rest. At 7:30 p.m., the Hard Rock Café was full. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo arrived with First Gentleman Mike at 8 p.m. Governor Joson and Senator Dick Gordon arrived a few minutes later. Early birds included General Sonny Razon, Makati city administrator Nick Santiago and IMBOA queen Claire de la Fuente. My friends Kitchie Benedicto with hubby Robert Paulino, Quinito Henson and wife Menchu, Robert Mananquil and wife Millet, Cito Beltran and Pia Guanio with parents were also there.
The Elderly Brothers opened the show. The Cascades, who were well-rested, sounded better than ever. In the middle of the show John Claude made a faux pas by welcoming the First Lady of the Philippines which he quickly rectified. President GMA was game enough to laugh it away. This was the best of all four shows.
The next day, John Claude and Bob flew to Boracay while Gabe and Tony departed for LA after dining at Sonya’s Garden in Tagaytay. Chuck stayed in my house for a mini vacation. The Cascades will be back in July for their Asian tour and the Philippines will be the last stop.
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