The new year brings fresh optimism and excitement, and plenty of things to look forward to. Nothing makes my heart beat faster than catching my favorite artists and bands perform live, or watching a play unfold on stage.
Here are the artists that I am looking forward to seeing in the flesh—and their shows—in 2018:
Cynthia Alexander’s “Even Such Is Time” album release and concert
Music Museum – Jan. 13
The folk music icon migrated to the United States in 2012 and returned to Manila in 2015 for a guest performance at an event. We haven’t heard much from Cynthia in a long time, except that she has been writing songs for a new album. “Even Such Is Time” is now ready, and she will be sharing it with us.
The XX
World Trade Center – Feb. 7
The English band’s 2013 concert was a success, and I can’t wait to discover what Jamie, Romy and Oliver will offer Filipino fans the second time around.
Incubus
Smart Araneta Coliseum – Feb. 17
I remember watching Incubus’ very first concert in Manila in 2004. It’s been more than a decade, and it would be interesting to see and hear Brandon Boyd and the rest of the boys perform live again. Will they still play “Stellar,” “Drive” and “Pardon Me” from the “Make Yourself” album?
Katy Perry: Witness the Tour
Mall of Asia Arena – April 2
“Witness,” Katy’s fifth album, garnered mixed reviews when it was released last year. A Katy Perry concert is always spectacular, and we just know her new songs will be, when sung live.
Bruno Mars 24K Magic World Tour
Mall of Asia Arena – May 3
Who doesn’t want to see Bruno Mars perform live?
Wanderland 2018
Filinvest City event grounds – March 10
Karpos Multimedia basically proved that music festivals are feasible in the Philippines with Wanderland. Artist lineups have evolved throughout the years, from all-encompassing age groups to millennial-centric. Homegrown bands have also used this as an opportunity to reach a bigger audience.
Theater Plays
Disney’s “The Lion King”
The Theatre at Solaire – March 18-April 7
It’s the world’s No. 1 musical!
“Night, Mother”
Peta Theater Center – Feb. 2- March 3
Comedienne Eugene Domingo returns to her roots playing the lead role in a Filipino translation of Marsha Norman’s award-winning play. She plays Jessie, a divorced woman who reveals to her mother (Sherry Lara) that she wants to commit suicide that night. Intense.
“Himala” The Musical
February-March 2018 (playdates to be announced)
People still imitate Nora Aunor shouting “Walang himala!” even if Ishmael Bernal’s film dates back to 1982. Ricky Lee, who wrote the film’s screenplay, also wrote the script for the Sandbox Collective’s much-awaited musical stage adaptation.
Leading the cast is Aicelle Santos who was amusing as a vaudeville performer in “Ang Larawan” and outstanding in her Awit award-winning performance in the musical “Maynila sa Kuko ng Liwanag.” She’ll put all that energy to the test playing Elsa in “Himala” with Sandino Martin and Bituin Escalante.