Love memories of the 70s, 80s

Connie Francis with Stupid Cupid and Where the Boys Are at the Araneta Coliseum will have the ’60s era pretty much covered in this year’s Valentine season in the Philippines. As for those who grew up, fell in love and have romantic memories of the ’70s and ’80s, there are former New Minstrels members Joey Albert, Louie Reyes, Ding Mercado and Eugene Villaluz plus singing idol Rex Smith supplying the music.

It is not usually mentioned but the gorgeous Joey Albert started her singing career as a member of the New Minstrels. She later became one of the biggest pop stars of the ’80s. Some of her hits were Tell Me, I Remember the Boy, Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin, It’s Over Now, Iisa Pa Lamang, You Threw It All Away, Points of View and Million Miles Away. She now lives in Canada with her family but would from time to time visit the Philippines for special performances.

And joining New Minstrels founding members Louie, Ding and Eugene is truly special. These three are numbered among the country’s best performers with singing prowess that borders in the legendary. They have all gone their separate ways but because they are excellent singers and performers, any show they do, solo or in groups, can be counted on to produce only great music. This fact also makes their occasional reunions events to look forward to.

When last heard from in October 2007, they were together for a series of shows at the Esplanade in Singapore and then at the Captain’s Bar of Mandarin Oriental Manila. That one turned out so well that they decided to once more get together, bring Joey in and do the Captain’s Bar again. That is where they will be on Feb. 13 and Feb. 14. Titled Love Memoirs at the Captain’s Bar, the show is a nostalgic trip to the love songs of the ’70s and ’80s.

Watch them do famous New Minstrels showstoppers like the Bacharach Medley and The ’70s Medley, their unforgettable duets of Nothing I Want More and I Don’t Love You Anymore, plus their solo hits and lots of beautiful love songs. One that fans are already looking forward to is Louie’s lovely take on the standard My Funny Valentine.

GCOR, PCSO and Smart Infinity in cooperation with the Captain’s Bar of Mandarin Oriental and the Music Museum present Love Memoirs. The other sponsors are Crossover 105.1 and The Nerve of ERV Entertainment, Inc. Tickets are available at the Mandarin Oriental Manila (750-8888); Music Museum (721-6726); and Ticketworld (891-5610).

From Rex with Love

Hitmaker, Broadway star and Hollywood actor Rex Smith is back in town for the Valentine season and he is not in just one show but in a full-blown concert series that will take him around the country. This means that fans in the provinces or those who just want to treat themselves to a special show for the Valentine’s week can have the music of Rex without having to travel all the way to Manila.

Titled From Rex with Love and mounted by Steve O’Neal Productions, the series kicks off tonight at the Alegria Lounge of the Manila Pavillon Hotel. It will be followed by the Feb. 9  show at the Casino Filipino in Angeles City; the Casino Filipino in Tagaytay City on Feb. 10; the Davao Convention Center in Davao City, Feb. 13; Cebu Parklane International Hotel in Cebu City, Feb. 14; and the Ballroom of the Hyatt Hotel and Casino in Malate.

Smith is a big favorite among Filipinos. Also a voice from the ’70s and ’80s, some of his most popular songs are Simply Jessie, Forever, You Take My Breath Away, Let’s Make a Memory, Foolish Heart, Everlasting Love, Could It Be Magic, Speechless, Don’t Give Up on Us, Everybody Have Fun and many more. He will surely sing his hits plus songs from the musicals he starred in like Phantom of the Opera, Grease, West Side Story, The Pirates of Penzance and others.

This is his second Valentine visit. Smith’s first was an SRO performance at the Araneta Coliseum in 2000. Making this one possible are Traders Hotel, Van Heusen, Izod, Manila Bulletin, Graphic Magazine and dzRJ 100. For details, call 891-9999 or 911-5555.