Encore: Earth, Wind, Fire Experience/Al McKay in Aug.

The last time they performed here a few months ago, Earth, Wind & Fire Experience/Al McKay unwittingly stirred up a minor controversy due to, well, “confused identity.” It seems that there are two such groups and the one that came here and that’s coming back for more shows next month is, that’s it, Earth, Wind & Fire Experience/Al McKay. I won’t mention the name of the other group to avoid a similar misunderstanding.

Anyway, if the rousing and enthusiastic reception of the SRO audience at the Araneta Coliseum were any indication, the recent concert tour in Manila of Earth, Wind & Fire Experience featuring Al McKay may be considered a success.

It was indeed quite a musical experience (no pun intended) that proved beyond doubt the undiminished popularity of the legendary band and its undisputed position as one of the most enduring groups of the last four decades acclaimed for its masterful fusion of R&B, funk, soul and disco music.

What provided added excitement and color to an already fun-filled and entertaining show was the spontaneous and spirited participation of the ecstatic crowd which gamely crooned and grooved to the swinging music of the band and transformed the concert into one big dance party.

The celebrated band, which gained international prominence for such hits as Shining Star, Fantasy, September, Let’s Groove and Boogie Wonderland, among many others, will set the concert scene on fire anew during a four-date, multi-city tour that will be highlighted by a major concert on Aug. 22 at the Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City.

Other shows are slated on Aug. 20 at Limketkai Mall, Cagayan de Oro City; Aug. 23 during the Kadayawan Festival in Davao City, at the SM Mall grounds; and Aug. 24 at the Bacolod Coliseum, Bacolod City.

Its upcoming August tour, to be mounted by  Steve O’Neal Productions, will showcase the talent and artistry of Al McKay, renowned band leader, guitarist and songwriter who is acknowledged as an instrumental force behind the remarkable music of Earth, Wind & Fire that has touched the hearts of two generations of fans worldwide

(Note: Tickets to the Aliw Theater show are priced at P3,675, P2,625, P2,100 and P1,575 and are available at Ticketnet outlets at SM Department stores. For reservations and inquiries, call 911-5555.)

Watch for Tony Orlando’s Yellow Ribbon Tour

Besides Earth, Wind & Fire Experience/Al McKay (and several other foreign acts), also coming for a concert is Tony Orlando, the voice behind the song Tie a Yellow Ribbon ‘Round the Ole Oak Tree which has become associated with Ninoy Aquino (and, eventually, the color yellow to his widow, former Pres. Cory Aquino).

Okay, all together now, one more time:

I’m comin’ home, I’ve done my time

Now I’ve got to know what is and isn’t mine

If you received my letter telling you I’d soon be free

Then you’ll know just what to do

If you still want me

If you still want me

Whoa, tie a yellow ribbon ‘round the ole oak tree

It’s been three long years

Do ya still want me (still want me)

If I don’t see a ribbon ‘round the ole oak tree

I’ll stay on the bus

Forget about us

Put the blame on me

If I don’t see a yellow ribbon ‘round the ole oak tree

(Tie a yellow ribbon ‘round the ole oak tree)

(Tie a yellow ribbon ‘round the ole oak tree)

(Tie a yellow ribbon ‘round the ole oak tree)

(Tie a yellow ribbon ‘round the ole oak tree)

(Tie a yellow ribbon ‘round the ole oak tree)

(Tie a yellow ribbon ‘round the ole oak tree)

Since its successful debut in 1973, Tie A Yellow Ribbon has taken the music world by storm, capturing the hearts of millions with its stirring rhythm and magnificent harmony.

It has been acclaimed internationally not only as a pop jewel but as a universal anthem of hope, homecoming and reunion in America and other parts of the globe.

Simple as it may sound, the song delivers a powerful message of love, hope and renewal as it celebrates the triumph of the human spirit over adversity in the poignant tale of a newly-released prisoner who was filled with joy when he found out his sweetheart had not forgotten him after all, after seeing not just one but “a hundred yellow ribbons ‘round the ole oak tree” on his return to his hometown.

This September, or 35 years after the iconic song’s recording, it will be the turn of thousands of Pinoy music fans to tie a yellow ribbon (‘round a native tree or ‘round their arms, perhaps?) to welcome Tony, lead vocalist of the popular Tony Orlando and Dawn,  who will perform at a live concert on Sept. 19 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Titled Tony Orlando: Yellow Ribbon Tour 2008, the one-night musical treat to be produced by Viva Concerts & Events, brings to the local concert scene one of America’s most admired and enduring singers whose warmth and energy on stage have always generated a wave of excitement among  audiences.

(Note: Tickets to Tony Orlando: Yellow Ribbon Tour 2008 are priced at P4,410 for VIP, P3,675 for patron, P3,150 for lower box, P1,785 for upper box A, P630 for upper box B and P263 for general admission. Call Ticketnet at 911-5555 or Viva Concerts & Events at 687-6181 local 620 or745.)

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