A party under the full moon

At the Fort recently, rock station NU 107 proved once again that even after 15 years, it still manages to beguile and bewitch and rock music fans. The sight of 5,000 concert goers at the yearly NU 107 Summer Shebang standing under the light of the full moon, which was perched, seemingly beside the stage is proof of this radio station’s enduring power.

NU 107 is the only one that boasts of a true rock format in a sea of wannabe pop stations which plays pretty much the same stuff. But when NU 107 builds something – like this yearly, free-admission outdoor summer concert and fair – the true rock fans arrive in droves.

Hosted by the bubbly Joey (of the NU 107 morning show Zach and Joey) and newbies Spike, Ricki and Mari, the concert kicked off on time at 6 p.m. after an afternoon full of stuff kids today just love: wall-climbing races, food booths and a skateboarding exhibition featuring the country’s top skaters.

As early as 2 p.m., the crowds came, bunches of barkada, young families, singles with dogs on a leash and entire squads of skateboard-toting teenagers. Unusual booths joined the festivities this time, aside from the popular ones offering henna and tattoos, fast food and fashionable trinkets. This year, attention-grabbing booths included a tent for a Lord of the Rings Card Game Tournament and a booth offering anime-style "Japanese haircuts." When it comes to knowing exactly what kids are into, NU 107 has its finger on the pulse of the young.

Among the lineup of the bands featured at Summer Shebang were a handful of fresh-sounding, unsigned discoveries: Bent, Murder of Crows, Valley of Chrome and even a band from Iloilo called Pumpernickel.

But as the sun came down, the music heated up with energetic performances from crowd favorites Imago, Sandwich, Battery and the Brownbeat All-Stars and up and coming artists like Ciudad, Itchyworms, Badburn, Chernobyl, Monsterbot, Neighbors, Moyg and Jeepney Joyride. As the clock inched towards midnight, the ecstatic crowd was treated to a fireworks display and the music rose to fever-pitch and continued ’til the wee hours of the morning.

For those who missed the show, watch for the delayed telecast on the radio station’s cutting edge sibling, unTV on UHF Channel 37 to be aired soon. You can also catch the show on Destiny and Home Cable channel 59 and on Skycable channel 95.

But enough of the Summer Shebang. The rains have come yet NU 107 is still rocking the weekend away with its exciting NU 107 Pocket Concerts! Join the only rock station the last leg of their Pocket Concerts on July 27 with Rayyn and Cynthia Alexander at the Alabang Town Center. The Pocket Concerts have been staged successfully at the SM North EDSA Entertainment Plaza with Imago and Itchyworms and at Robinsons Metro East with the Eraserheads.

Show starts at 4 p.m. and broadcast live over NU 107. NU 107 Pocket Concert Series is presented by Freego, Sunsilk and Rexona and is sponsored by Lipton Iced Tea, Burger King, Infocom and Lucky Strike.

Kuwago’s rap song

Rap group Kuwago, composed of Zahtto, Duff Uno and Sneaky never dreamt that they’d land a recording contract with Alpha Records Corporation. They’re the rap group behind ABS-CBN’s Kakasa Ka Ba? theme song.

The group recently released an album which is a merry mix of rap, novelty, OPM ballads, folksongs and original compositions penned by the boys themselves.

Kailanman featuring Anne Jomeo is the carrier single of Kuwago’s self-titled album. Other cuts are Paminsan-minsan, Kay Tagal, Ah Ewan, Isang Gabi, Gina, Bulag sa Katotohanan, Syotang Bastos, MRT and Gloria Lavandera.

Kuwago the album is now available in high quality CDs and cassettes at all leading record bars under Alpha Records.

Lukas’ debut album

Lukas recently released his self-titled debut album produced by 8 Records and distributed nationwide by BMG Records Pilipinas. He is often compared to Renz Verano and April Boy Regino because of his mass appeal. But if he has an edge over them, it’s that he can play the guitar and drums as well.

The alto-singer had his first crack in singing at Ang Bagong Kampeon. He also became a fixture in various bars such as Just Café, Santo Rosario and Elite Restaurant.

Like any other singer, Lukas dreams of making it big in the music industry. "But I know it will mean a lot of patience, hardwork and prayers," he says.

Songs included in his debut album are Minahal Kita Noon, Bulwagan ng Alaala, Tamang Selos, Amnesia, Kung Alam Mo Lang, Mahal Ko, Ayoko Ng Umibig, Balikan Ang Koro, May Pananabik Pa Kaya, Di Ba, Pagtatapat and the carrier single Namumuro Ka Na. All songs written by Otello Santiano and arranged by Pat Espalago.