Just when you thought there’s a lack of gigs featuring one-of-a-kind artists, comes the news that Erykah Badu will perform on Oct. 14 at the Harbour Garden Tent, Sofitel Philippine Plaza.
The American singer-songwriter broke into the scene in 1997 with her debut album, “Baduizm,” whose refreshing brew of old and new black music earned her the title “Queen of Neo Soul.”
Her songs break down conventional notions of musical styles—revealing a penchant for mixing R&B, hip-hop, funk, jazz, etc.—topped with a voice that slithers like she’s right beside you, her hand touching yours, as you give in and groove along.
Apart from personal subjects, she has likewise explored socially conscious themes including racism, poverty, urban violence, and drug abuse, connecting the struggles of African-Americans in a sonically engaging manner.
Her Sofitel concert is part of the Erykah Badu vs Everythang tour, with opening act Turntables and Rhythm (DJ Shortkut and Kristian Hernandez), August Wahh (Chocolate Grass), Kat Agarrado, and rappers RH Xanders and Skarm.
Harbour Garden Tent, Sofitel Philippine Plaza, CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd., Pasay. Tickets are available at www.malasimbo. com, www.worldwidewombasia.com; SM Tickets, tel. 4702222; smtickets.com
Free jazz concerts
The public is invited to enjoy live jazz music in an open-air setting every Thursday night at the Greenfield District in Mandaluyong.
The Greenfield District, the area formerly known as Edsa Central, has been redesigned as a park with grass amid wide spaces for families to spend leisurely hours.
It’s a great way to while away the traffic, says lawyer Duane A.X. Santos, Greenfield executive vice president and general manager.
A recent event, part of its Jazzfest Thursdays/Tribute to the Masters series, was dubbed “Jun Regalado: 50 Years of Drumming.”
Regalado, one of the country’s most prolific and sought-after drummers, performed with Celeste Legaspi, Hajji Alejandro, John Lesaca, Kuh Ledesma, the Executives Band, Neocolours, Trifecta, AG Silver Big Band, members of VST, and Pilita Corrales, along with guest drummers Cesar Yumping, Jun Austria, Bagets Mendez, Patrick Huit, Mar Dizon, Rannie Raymundo, and Regalado’s sons, Nino and Jun Jun.
The Greenfield District is a mixed-use center that includes residential condominium, commercial and office structures.
“Greenfield has always developed property with the future in mind,” Santos said. “There are very few open spaces left in Metro Manila. Greenfield is one of them.”
The Greenfield District, Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong; tel. 570 5377; log on: facebook.com/greenfielddistrict
Art exhibits at the mall
Robinsons Galleria has been holding regular art exhibits at the mall’s main hallway at Level 2.
A recent event, “Siklab ng Sining,” a collaboration with The Mandaluyong Artists League and Creative Hands Art Workshop, featured the works of Ral Arrogante, Oyi Madrilejos, Nonilon Alipio, Joel Tabuena, Jet Bernal, Mayrose Gisbert, Lourdes Delgado, Mitz Esguerra, Kathy Garrido, Chiqui Lizada, Audrey Sin, Kimmy Esguerra, Antonio Gisbert Jr., Rudy Lunod, Gari Carreon, Angela Amor, Karina Yu, Angel Go, Andres Katigbak, Tyler Borja, Rhea Fernandez, Mae Anicieto, Bee Paterno, Jude Saez, Jhomer Agulay, Marky de los Reyes and Josh Veve.
Also held was an art workshop for kids.
