Basia the second time around

In 1994, Basia took local audiences by storm when she performed at the Folk Arts Theater to a jampacked audience. There was Basia fever all over as Basia’s hit songs Time and Tide, New Day for You, Cruising for Bruising reverberated in all music corners of the world. And who could ever forgot Time and Tide’s mushy yet straightforward lamentation for love — “It’s hard for me to stop my heart,

Love never knows when the time is right, I don’t want to hurt anybody

But I can’t help lovin’ you…”

And for the second time, Basia is again set to conquer the Pinoy’s heart as she stages Basia Live in Manila: It’s That Girl Again at the Araneta Coliseum on Oct. 21.

“Basia’s songs are staples in our programming,” says Saripaz Villar-Tan, Crossover SVP for marketing “Also, many Filipinos were introduced to contemporary jazz by the music of Basia, starting from her days with Matt Bianco. She is a pillar of the Crossover sound.”

Indeed, Basia’s hits such as Time And Tide, Miles Away, Cruising For Bruising, Until You Come Back To Me and New Day For You  have become so big in Manila that they were thought of as pop songs at the height of their popularity.

But make no mistake about it: Basia’s music is definitely Crossover.

“Sophisticated yet light enough to be enjoyed by many — songs that are destined to be contemporary classics,” added Saripaz.

“Basia knows how popular her music is with the Filipino audience. That genuinely makes her glad, and even excited to perform here again,” she said.

The concert is presented by Music Management International and 105.1 Crossover, where you hear the best of Basia’s music, and the finest in smooth jazz and R&B. The CompanY will do the front act.

For details, call TicketNet at 911-5555 or 105.1 Crossover office at 411-1051 or 0917-8381051.

Sitti bitten by the theater bug

Sitti has found a place in the musical theater scene with her heartfelt performance as Martha in the rock musical Spring Awakening which runs until Oct. 18 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.

It has always been a dream of Sitti to perform on the professional stage so when she heard about auditions for Spring Awakening, she didn’t think twice and showed up ready to try out for any part in the show. She thrilled Atlantis Productions with her soothing voice and when her auditions were sent to the Broadway producers for final approval, she wowed them over and got the part immediately.

Sitti remembers finding out that she got into the show, “I was so happy and grateful and really excited that, finally, I was going to get a shot at theater.”

In the Tony Award winning Spring Awakening, Sitti performs alongside Jett Pangan, TV and film actress Cheska Iñigo, and stage actors Joaquin Valdes, Bea Garcia and Nico Manalo. It is directed by Chari Arespacochaga.

It is often said that once you are bitten by the theater bug, it is hard to resist coming back. Sitti, whose first love will always be Bossa Nova, agrees, “Throughout the rehearsals for Spring Awakening I have grown to really love doing theater. I look forward to the next show!”

Luckily for Philippine theater goers, Sitti has been bitten by the theater bug big time!

For details, call 892-7078 or 840-1187. Due to explicit content and some nudity, parental discretion is advised.