More concerts for Pinoys to watch

2007 might just turn out to be one of the biggest years ever for foreign acts in the local concert scene. Pinoys might not be buying legally manufactured CDs but they are certainly spending big money to watch their favorite artists live. This is perfectly logical. You can copy a song or an entire album in so many different formats but you can never duplicate a live performance. So now with only a scant five weeks before we say hello to the new year, there are still concert treats awaiting the privileged set who can afford the admission prices.

First off, there is America. The 40-year-old group performs at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City on Dec. 4 in what will be the climax of All My Life, its first Philippine tour in 26 years. Before that though, America will be at Clark Expo in Pampanga on Nov. 30; the Cebu Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City on Dec. 1; and the La Salle Coliseum in Bacolod City on Dec. 2. After the Big Dome show, it will be at the Limketkai Atrium in Cagayan de Oro City on  Dec. 5.

It started out as a trio but is now made up of two original members Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell. America came out in 1972 and instantly scored big on its first time in the charts. The sound these guys introduced was a blend of rock, pop and folk and the song was A Horse with No Name, which became the first of a series of hit songs. Some of the others that followed were All My Life, I Need You, Ventura Highway; Don’t Cross the River, Tin Man, Sister Golden Hair, You Can Do Magic and the most recent one, From a Moving Train. Fans should make sure they get the comprehensive boxed set of America titled Highway to always enjoy these tunes.

America first visited the Philippines in 1981 when it  performed at the Folk Arts Theater. This was followed by another stint a year later at the Araneta Coliseum. Both of those shows were produced by Renen de Guia’s Ovation Productions, which is once more producing the All My Life Philippine Tour.

Tickets to America are priced at P3,500; P3,000; P2,500; P1,500; P800 and P500 and available at Ticketnet Outlets at SM Department Stores or call 911-5555.

Probably serving as the closing act to our concert binge is Matt Monro Jr. in The Memories Tour. He is the son of the famous balladeer Matt Monro, who was known for his cool tones and impeccable phrasing. The older Monro popularized Born Free, From Russia with Love, Softly As I Leave You, Walk Away, Yesterday, Portrait of My Love, Strangers in the Night, My Love and Devotion, This is All I Ask and many others. Junior sounds so much like his father that listening to him is like hearing the real thing. So Monro fans from years ago who marveled at Junior’s show last December, 2006, are in for another special treat with this one.

Junior is in the middle of a world tour promoting his own album titled If He Could See Me Now, which was released in England last month. Coming from the Steve O’Neal Productions, The Memories Tour in the Philippines kicks off on Dec. 7 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City. This will be followed by the Cebu Parklane International Hotel in Cebu City on Dec. 11; the One MGM Resort Hotel in Boracay on Dec. 15; and the Centennial Hotel & International Convention Center in Iloilo City on Dec. 18. Tickets to the Ynares show for Metro Manilans are available at Ticketnet Outlets in SM Department Stores.

Before America and Matt Monro Jr. come to town though, you might want to first check out R ’n B sensation Akon at the Araneta Coliseum on Nov. 29. Then after all these, we will all have to get ready for a truly rocking 2008. This early in the day, rumors have it that we will have Incubus, Maroon 5 and cross your hearts and hope, also My Chemical Romance. Wouldn’t you just love to hear Welcome to the Black Parade performed live.