OPM artists perform at 80289

MANILA, Philippines - Gear up your shoulder pads, chain belts and high-waist jeans and relive the unforgettable era of the ’80s in Artsy Productions & Promotions’ maiden presentation 80289: 80s Music To The Max at the Music Museum starting tonight, and on Nov. 18 and 19.

80289: 80s Music To The Max is a grand musical tribute to the ’80s which features OPM artists Lou Bonnevie, Gino Padilla, Jamie Rivera, Chad Borja, Ella May Saison and Juan Miguel Salvador.

Lou launched her musical career in 1984 via the concert Next In Line. Music lovers remember Lou for rock ballads with such passion that her voice doesn’t only weep, it bleeds! She is one of the few female performers who can come up with the same intensity in both vocal prowess and performance. Lou is swinging from “live” performing to producing music festivals, concerts, albums and operas. Working behind the scenes provides the correct pace in her career, giving her room for more creation and inspiration. With her wit, charm and talent, Lou belongs to a rare breed of artists who live the art and not just cry it out.

Gino’s big break was in a softdrink commercial that was shot in Hollywood, where he had a duet with the legendary Tina Turner in Pepsi’s In The Mood For Movin’. He then went on to record a toothpaste jingle for Close-up which earned him two major Awit Awards: Best in Ballad Recording and Song of the Year. Gino’s hits include Closer You and I, Gusto Kita, I Believe In You and Let The Love Begin which became certified Gold and Platinum.  

Jamie gained worldwide recognition when she played the role of Kim in Cameron Mackintosh’s Miss Saigon. Jamie’s actual training began when she joined the Metropolitan Theater Chorus in 1985. She recorded her first full-length studio album under Octo Arts International titled Hey, It’s Me in 1986 and she did five full-length albums for the same label since then. Her hits include Mahal Naman Kita, I’ve Fallen For You and Awit Para Sa Iyo, among many others. Today, Jamie is the country’s undisputed Inspirational Diva, touching the hearts of millions of Filipinos with such songs as Tanging Yaman and Jubilee Song.

Chad started his career in the ’80s as one of the most prominent lead vocalists of several bands such as The New Minstrels, Zee and Counterpoint Band. His first album All About Love produced the hit single Ikaw Lang which spawned a blockbuster movie starring Vilma Santos, Ronnie Ricketts and Cesar Montano. His self-titled follow up album was produced by Richard Merk and was a massive commercial success. After a bout with cancer in 1998, Chad is singing again. He was sidelined from performing live for nearly a year due to thyroid cancer. After throat operation and radiation therapy, the balladeer was declared cancer-free and returned to the stage with a series of performances.

Ella May sings with a powerful voice that captivates her audience. A voice so effective, you will want to hear it again and again. Singing since the age of seven, Ella May combines various vocal styles including jazz, gospel and blues. She started her recording career at 19. Her greatest hits include Till My Heartaches End and If The Feeling Is Gone, among many others. Her soulful voice earned her the title of Manila’s Queen of Soul following her best-selling albums Language of Soul and Full of Love, Full of Soul.

In 1981, Juan Miguel became a finalist during the fourth Metro Manila Pop Festival with his original composition, Magkaisa, Ikaw, Ako, Lahat, sung by Eugene Villaluz. In 1984, he won a Cecil Award for Best Jazz Composition for his song Why, sung by Jacqui Magno.

The three-hour musical extravaganza will also feature a 10-piece band of veteran and current industry players with three lovely back up singers dubbed Filipinas. The cast will be supported by 10 dancers as it documents the definitive images and sounds of the ’80s.

For details, call 219-4274 or 0905-3784680. Tickets are available in all Ticketworld outlets and the Music Museum.