A retro party for a cause

When was the last time you partied to music that different generations could relate to? With the retro wave continuing its comeback, retro raving still gets people of all ages grooving.

If you want the best retro party, then you’d better be at the Amazing Retro Revolution at Le Pavilion, Metropolitan Park, EDSA corner Roxas Ave. on Friday, Aug. 1.

Amazing Retro Revolution is the ultimate retro party-for a-cause. It’s one big jamming session with bands famous for their takes on music from the ’60s and ’70. The party’s theme will make you feel like you’re attending your Junior-Senior Prom or your grand homecoming at the very least. Baby boomers will get a doze of nostalgia, what with the music and the giddiness of the memories of their first ball. Generation X’ers can relate to the prom idea as well.

Just who will be playing at the Amazing Retro Revolution? The legendary RJ, for one. From RJ and the Riots Band in the ’60s, RJ has now evolved into RJ and Friends. And just like Jaguars, Brioni suits and Piaget watches, RJ and his classic repertoire keeps getting better. From Eric Clapton’s Layla to even new hits like Enrique Iglesias’ Bailamos, RJ and Friends will keep you rocking.

The fun doesn’t stop there. Rockin’ Revival breathes new life into retro staples the Beatles’ I Saw Her Standing There; Carly Simon’s You’re So Vain; and Cool and the Gang’s Celebration.

The Moonstrucks, on the other hand, will put you in an easygoing mood as they convince you not to step on their Blue Suede Shoes! Led by the affable and portly Toto who can sing and dance like an angel – aside from the fact that Toto is one of the pillars of Philippine rock and roll – the Moonstrucks will get you going.

But perhaps the ride down memory lane will be more memorable with Flintstones and the Gang whose members’ musical experience put together will total more than 300 years! The Flintstones is probably the band – or combo, as they were called in the ’60s – who could have performed at your original prom. And now, decades later, they’re back on stage. Dubbed as a "party band," Flintstones can transform any happening into a party that baby boomers know and groove to. It’s a pretty free-flowing gig with Flintstones and the "Gang" of friends and fans who can come on stage and jam with them. Requests – from the romantic love songs like Shangrila by The Lettermen to Motown funk like Can’t Get Next To You by the Temptations – are accommodated all the time.

If you think that’s all that Amazing Retro Revolution has got, then watch out for your favorite jamming celebrities. Between regular sets, the Star Band – composed of celebrities – will take center stage. Christopher de Leon, Willie Revillame, Michael de Mesa, among others, will be belting out their all time oldies-but-goldies favorites.

But it’s not all fun and dancing at Amazing Retro Revolution. There will also be the first Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Manila Awards. These awards honor those who have made rock & roll a major stimulus in our culture as it is today. Legendary performers and non-performers – bands, soloists, duets, trios and the likes, composers, record company executives, radio DJs, talent managers, etc. – will all have their chance to be feted. Five winners will be presented with a trophy and other prizes, and their achievements flashed on a projector. Gary Valenciano and Martin Nievera, among others will present the awards to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Manila – a first in the music history of the country.

Tickets are available at Sarabia Optical outlets; Alabang Town Center, Alabang; Robinsons Place Manila, Ermita; Greenbelt Mall 1, Makati; SM Mega Mall, Mandaluyong; SM City North EDSA, Quezon City; and One Luna Lifestyle Center, Eastwood City, Libis. Tickets are also available at Dish, Rockwell; Grilla in Libis and Makati; and Famous Desserts/Bar, Greenbelt 3, Makati.