A show that fits Lynn to a T

Lynn Sherman has just made the transition from seasoned concert livewire and versatile stage actress to TV host.

The vivacious Lynn is currently hosting RJTV’s The Lynn Sherman Show, a free-wheeling music/human interest talk show featuring some of the country’s foremost exponents of pop, rock, jazz, classical and other musical genres.

Airing on Channel 29, Channel 19 (Sky Cable and Home), Channel 75 (Destiny) and Channel 65 (Sun Cable) every Sunday at 9:30 p.m., the hour-long show also features an Oddities segment that takes a light-hearted look at Filipino idiosyncrasies.

The hosting stint came about when Harry Tambuatco, RJTV executive producer/host, approached her and brought up the idea. "I got really excited about it,"

Lynn narrates. "I thought it would be cool to feature musicians and people in various fields of art and to hear what they have to say."

Although she’s had considerable experience hosting events and corporate functions, Lynn initially felt a little apprehensive about a live TV hosting stint. "But what won me over was the support of my husband (musical arranger Bond Samson) and friends, plus my eagerness to try something I’ve always wanted to do."

As the show’s host, Lynn gets free rein on the overall content and format, with a lot of help from her creative team: director Nestor Abrogena, floor director Andre Montejo, creative consultant and Oddities segment host Odit Sarte, and her house band, composed of Koko Bermejo on drums, Simon Tan on bass, Michael Young on sax and Edgar "Koyang" Avenir on guitar.

"At the start, I had to rely on the goodness of close friends guesting," she adds. "And that’s still the way it is. I call friends, they guest and then they tell their friends about it. People are spreading the word, and that’s great."

Since their pilot episode last May 21, Lynn has so far been overwhelmed by the wealth and diversity of Filipino musicians representing all the various genres. "The show has become a virtual musical mecca!," Lynn exclaims. "We’ve had the wonderful dancers of Salsa Manila, Christine Hipe, professional belly dancer Ivelisse, fashion stylist and interior designer Dobie Aranda, Mon David, Affinity, Sandra Lim, Faye Miravite, Nyko Maca, Susan Fernandez, director Robert Quebral, Michael Williams, Repertory Philippines’ cast of Aladdin, bands like Agaw Agimat, Cherry Cornflakes, The Ronnies, Kampai, World Vision (an organization that sponsors children’s education), the designers from the I Love You shop, and singers like Arthur Manuntag, Ria Osorio, Tricia Fernandez, Pinky Marquez, Nina Romualdez, Dong Abay, Reuben Laurente, Isha, Cooky Chua, Conrad Mananes and beauty and wellness expert, Dra. Mary Jane Valdecanas."

"Honestly, although I never saw it coming, I’ve always hoped that something like this would happen," Lynn admits. "It’s cool meeting all these people, and getting exposed to their music in a new way, because I get to interview them."

Citing some of her influences, Lynn admits to liking Jay Leno, David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, Ellen de Generes and Oprah. On the homefront, she recalls the hosting styles of Nestor Torre, the late Elvira Manahan, Ariel Ureta, Martin and Pops, Dina Bonnevie, as well as Julie Yap-Daza.

So far, the reviews have all been positive. "We don’t have any high-faluting aims," clarifies Lynn, who’s currently managed by ALV Talent Circuit. "We are here mostly to entertain and have fun while doing it. I realize that we may not be able to please everybody all the time. We simply try to do the best with what we have, to try to keep the show light and unpretentious. It’s a pretty stripped-down show. We don’t have a grandiose set, or slick segments, and we don’t try to hide it. And I think that’s OK."

When not busy brainstorming for her show, Lynn keeps herself busy with a series of corporate shows, and is currently working on her album. "I just finished a play (We’re Still Hot) three months ago, and I’m looking forward to my next trip to the beach. I feel I need a vacation," she says with a chuckle.