Assorted music treats & more

You can now watch the Powerpuff Girls live in concert. Of course, we all know that doing the work will be people in large uncomfortable costumes but who cares. We are in the midst of the Christmas season, a time when disbelief is on suspension all over the world. So I have a strong feeling that even hardened cynics will most likely be won over by the cute and lovable trio of Bubbles, Blossom and Buttercup.

The show is Cartoonival! Cartoon Network Live! This is a world-class theatrical production from Cartoon Network presented in the Philippines by Solar Entertainment Corp. Dubbed as the biggest interactive live show ever, it will be held at the Araneta Coliseum in QC from Dec. 28 to Jan. 3.

And since Cartoon Network is behind the production, the Powerpuff Girls will have as guests some of today’s most popular cartoon characters from four of the Network’s original animated series. These are the boy genius Dexter and his meddling sister Dee Dee from Dexter’s Laboratory; Bloo, his creator Mac and other residents from Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends like Eduardo, Coco and Wilt; and Ami and Yumi, the rocking girls of Hi Hi Puffy Amy Yumi. Then last but certainly not the least among the guests is the naughty monkey Mojo Jojo who will definitely be up to no good in the show.

The Powerpuff Girls and other characters run a crazy, wild carnival in the story. The audience will be part of the show as guests. They will be taken on a tour of the different rides and attractions of Cartoonival by Barnaby Brightly, who is the keeper of the key to the carnival. Everything ends with a big party that kids will enjoy.

Tickets to Cartoonival are priced at P1,550, P1,250, P950 and P550. These are available at Ticketnet outlets at SM Department Stores and at the Araneta Coliseum box-office. For details, call 991-5555.

Wave of Hope 2

Gary V sings for Bicol. Gary V topbills the concert Wave of Hope 2, which will be held at the SM Mall of Asia Center Stage on Dec. 29. This is a great treat for everybody as Gary is one performer who literally puts blood, sweat and tears in every show. Then it is also for a worthy cause. One hundred percent of the net proceeds from the concert will go to the Unicef/Shining Light Foundation for the benefit of the Typhoon Reming victims in Bicol and Marinduque.

As most Gary V fans doubtless know, he donated his entire talent fee from Gary V@23 the Repeat to the first Wave of Hope project which was mounted to raise funds for the victims of last year’s disasters like the Asian tsunami and the typhoon that wrecked havoc in Quezon. Thanks to generous music lovers, over P1-M was raised. Now Gary V is doing the same thing again and hoping that the project will also be a success.

Guesting in the show are Gabriel and Kiana Valenciano, Mico Aytona and The Powerplay. Musical director is Mon Faustino and the producers are GV Productions, Inc. and Manila Genesis. Tickets are priced at P5,000 for VIPs, P2,500 and P1,000 and available at Genesis and Ticketworld. For details, call 721-4405 local 104 or 721-4406.

For a free treat of beautiful music, check out Basil Valdez at The Block in SM EDSA tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. This is the next leg of his mall tour to promote his new big-seller, The Filipino Classics. Basil performs old favorites like Sapagkat’t Kami ay Tao Lamang, Diyos Lamang ang Nakakaalam, Bituing Marikit, Madaling Araw, Mahiwaga with the San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra arranged and conducted by Ryan Cayabyab in the album.

Next stop for Basil’s The Filipino Classics will be at SM Mall of Asia on Dec. 30.

NU Rock Awards honor roll

Meanwhile, here as per the results of the 2006 NU Rock Awards, is how the rocker in all of us will probably remember 2006.

Best New Artist: Up Dharma Down

Drummer of the Year: Jazz Nicholas of Itchyworms

Bassist of the Year: Myrene Academia of Sandwich and Imago

Guitarist of the Year: Mong Alcaraz of Chicosci and Sandwich

Vocalist of the Year: Gabby Alipe of Urbandub

Producer of the Year: Itchyworms, Raymund Marasigan and Buddy Zabala for Noontime Show

Best Album Packaging: inksurge.com for Five on the Floor by Sandwich

Best Music Video: Sugod by Sandwich directed by Marie Jamora

Rising Sun Award: Itchyworms

In the Raw Awardee: Silent Sanctuary

Best Male: Mong Alcaraz of Chicosci and Sandwich

Best Female: Armi Millare of Up Dharma Down

Hall of Fame: DZRJ-AM

Listeners Choice: Kamikazee

Best Live Act: Kamikazee.

Artist of the Year: Kamikazee.

Song of the Year: Narda by Kamikazee