A musical Fusion at Aryan Theater

What kind of concert can one expect when you put together the stalwarts of R ’n B, acoustic and Chinoy pop? That’s exactly the kind of show entitled Fusion that’s brewing at the newly opened Aryan Theater tonight.

Luke Mejares joins forces with Jimmy Bondoc and Chinoy pop singer Mike Chan to hopefully create musical harmony in a show that will not only showcase their individual artistic skills but one that will blend the best of their respective genres into one musically cohesive undertaking.

Luke is particularly excited about the show. " It’s the first time I will experience this kind of a musical fusion," he says, adding, "and it’s very timely that the show is happening at the start of the new year at a newly restored performance venue."

The singer is referring to Aryan Theater, latest addition to the growing list of concert venues in the city. Aiming to be the ultimate entertainment destination in the heart of cosmopolitan Manila, Aryan Theater is designed not only to accommodate bigger crowds but the owners made sure that its lights and sound system can handle the most exacting technical requirements of the country’s most sought-after bands and solo performers.

Korean businessman Jae Hwan Ko and his Filipina wife Jackie have long envisioned an entertainment venue that will cater to the demands of both the musical artists and the concert patrons. "Asians, particularly Filipinos, love to sing and watch nice concerts. That’s why I was inspired to put up Aryan Theater, so we can have another venue that will showcase these great talents," says Ko, who is planning not only to send the top Filipino musical artists to perform in Korea but also bring some Koreanovela artists to mount shows in Aryan Theater.

So when Ko and his group found out that the location in Taft Ave. where the former Arts Avenue, one of the best music venues in the ’80s, once stood became available, they immediately started the ground work to restore the place.

Jimmy vows to be more daring in his concert acts this year. And this special show is an opportunity to test the waters. " I’m very happy that I’ll be with Luke and Mike in this show. Not only are the three of us good friends, but we also share a real passion for music that evolves."

By that, Jimmy means that as they retain their individual musical comfort zones, they also thread on the genre of the other artists. "So expect me to dabble a little in pop and R ’n B, too, " the acoustic singer says.

Meanwhile, Mike is confident their efforts will translate to a really good show. " Luke, Jimmy and I have been rehearsing our repertoire with the Pryzm Band to make sure we give the audience at Aryan something new and exciting."

Mike adds that this is also his treat to his Filipino Chinese followers as the Chinoy community looks forward to the coming year of the pig. "I’m also very happy that the Chan clan ( the people behind Bench and Oishi) gave their all out support for the show," he says.

The three singers are looking forward to the show because they want to experience the major enhancements, both technically and aesthetically, that were done at the Aryan Theater.

Located at Taft Ave. (near the corner of Quirino Ave.) in the Malate district, Aryan Theater will certainly be the performance venue of choice for the country’s most in demand artists. In fact, preparations are on the way for a grand Bamboo concert next month.

For details, call 524-6752 or 0918-4126217.