SO IF Kanye West is supposed to be the biggest contemporary music artist to perform in Manila—in a festival dubbed “Paradise,” along with 19 other mixed-genre acts, on April 9—then why does it seem like there’s no mad rush for tickets?
That’s because it’s too expensive for the typical Filipino hip-hop fan. Looking at the three sets of ticket prices can be discouraging: Paradise Express, P3,700; general admission (all-access), P7,000; VIP, P14,500.
The “Paradise Express” section is probably the only affordable one for the expected audience. But there’s a catch: ticket holders won’t be allowed entry after 3 p.m.
That’s very inconvenient; imagine standing under the midday sun while waiting for the concert to start—unless you’re a hard-core fan.
Paradise International Music Festival, April 9, Paradise Grounds, Aseana City, Parañaque; log on to paradiseimf.com.
A steal
On the other hand, the 1st International Reggae Festival on April 16 at the Mall of Asia (MOA) open grounds has very reasonably priced tickets: Gold, P800; and VIP, P2,000.
That’s a steal, considering the headliners are Inner Circle (Jamaica) and Big Mountain (United States), along with 15 more acts: Brownman Revival, Reggae Mistress, I-Dren Artstrong, Coconut Head, Collie Herb, Indio-I, Papa U Gee (Japan), Coffeebreak Island with Skarlet, Chocolate Factory, Martin Buchanan (Jamaica), Bahaghari, DJ Kimosave, The Blanc and Tropical Depression (without the late Papadom).
At the press con a few months ago, it was announced that Big Mountain has recorded a version of Tropical Depression’s “Kapayapaan,” which it will perform on concert day.
That would be a bittersweet occasion, the song being a reminder of reggae’s peaceful vibe, while the crowd remembers the sad circumstances of the deaths of “Kapayapaan” composer Papadom and his wife Teng.
The 1st International Reggae Festival, April 16, MOA open grounds; tel. no. 4702222; log on to smtickets.com
Teaser
It’s a teaser of bigger things to come, Arnel Pineda said of his coming concert, “Voyage to Rockville,” April 5 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila.
The gig will be on live streaming—an opportunity for people around the world to witness Pineda’s outstandingly flexible vocals and exciting stage presence as a solo artist.
Though he’s still the frontman of American classic rock band Journey (which will be on tour in August, with Santana), Pineda is spending his free time doing something that will ultimately help launch other local artists.
If his gig’s live-streaming-for-a-fee takes off, he said, then he will proceed with his grand plan to discover more Pinoy talents and hone their skills via this concept for all the world to see.
Sounds promising; meantime let’s watch the gig.
Journey to Rockville, April 5, Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila; tel. no. 9088833; for live streaming details, log on to sanrestreaming.com
New kid in town
Speaking of Filipino artists, there’s a new kid in town named Edward Benosa who wants to make his mark as a legitimate singer with his own show, dubbed “Most Requested” on April 16 at Teatrino in Greenhills.
Benosa’s management really intended it to be a small club gig, for him to gain confidence before a live audience, since the most impressive of his current credentials is a music video of his song, “’Di Man Lang Nagpaalam,” which has gained over 1 million views.
“Most Requested” featuring Edward Benosa, April 16, Teatrino, Greenhills, San Juan; contact tel. no. 0917-8822773.