Rock-tober music mania in Manila

Just when you thought your concert itinerary for October couldn’t get any more packed (Black Eyed Peas, anyone?), here comes another batch of artists to fill up your sembreak skeds. What’s good about it is that there’s actually something for everyone. We hope you’ve saved enough allowance, though.

‘Stomp’ Manila

When: Oct. 18-23

Where: Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP)

How much: P750-5,500, with family and student packages available

Why you should watch: It’s innovative. It’s funny. And it’s most probably unlike anything you’ve ever seen or heard before. The groundbreaking musical spectacle that’s been making waves in the UK and US since the ’90s finally hits Philippine shores this month. Created by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, “Stomp” combines percussion, movement and visual comedy in a form of “physical theater,” using everyday objects as musical instruments—trash cans, broomsticks, and whatnot. You don’t have to be a fan or of a certain age to appreciate it; it’s something anyone and everyone can enjoy. If you’re lucky, you can get to meet the wacky cast as they do their Ayala mall tour series this weekend.

Whom to contact: For actual prices per date and price zone, Call TicketWorld at 8919999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. c/o Concertus Manila.

Owl City

When: Oct. 26

Where: NBC Tent, Fort Bonifacio

How much: P1,802 (VIP Standing); P848 (Gold Standing)

Why you should watch: If you’re tired of the usual rock concert scene, this will be a welcome break from all that screaming and headbanging. Having won a solid Filipino following with his first Manila performance last year, Adam Young (aka Owl City) is back to fill our heads with dreamy electronic lullabies and jaunty pop tunes from his latest album, “All Things Bright And Beautiful.”

Whom to contact: Call SM Tickets or Ticketworld; c/o Music Management International (MMI).

MTV Exit concert

When: Oct. 29

Where: SM Mall of Asia concert grounds

Why you should watch: It gives you an excuse to rock for a good cause… AND it’s absolutely free. The MTV Exit (End Exploitation and Trafficking) Foundation brings its annual massive music campaign to Manila to raise awareness and increase prevention of human trafficking. Headlined by K-Pop heartthrob and former 2 p.m. leader Jay Park and California alt-rock band Evaline, the concert also features some of the hottest OPM artists and bands to help encourage today’s youth to join in on their global antitrafficking quest.

Whom to contact: Visit www.mtvexit.org for more details.

Jason Mraz: A special acoustic evening with Toca Rivera

When: Oct. 30

Where: Smart Araneta Coliseum

How much: P3,710 (Patron/Lower Box); P2,650 (Upper Box A); P1,590 (Upper Box B); P850 (General Admission)

Why you should watch: Sure, he’s been here. But have you seen him perform acoustic all the way? We think not. Together with his longtime friend and session percussionist Noel “Toca” Rivera, the versatile pop wizard of wordplay strips down (instrument-wise, not literally) and finally graces his Filipino fans with a special acoustic set that includes both old and new hits. If you think his current radio singles “I’m Yours” is infectious and unforgettable, wait till you hear it live.

Whom to contact: Call Ticketnet at 911555; c/o Dayly Entertainment.