The Winnipeg band-music scene has really been exciting for the past several years especially because of the occasional performances at festivals of the city’s own local groups that include the band of brothers The 12/21, the Alternative Rockers Lykosa, the Reggae purveyors Sayan Project, the powerhouse Traffikk Jamm, the dynamic Foursight, the Alternative Popsters Elisi (featuring CKJS’s Chester Pangan on drums), and the newly formed collective Tropa which features DJ and percussionist Mike Mostajo, Alamid drummer Gail Ignacio, and haLf man haLf eLf founder aLfie vera mella. Moreover, Philippine-based bands are also being brought into Winnipeg by its prime Filipino-oriented producers like Jaizen Design, FAJ Productions, Pinoy Tribe Entertainment, Vocal Arts Group, and Todd Labelle Productions, to name a few. For instance, Philippines’ prime bands Up Dharma Down and The Dawn had just staged their respective, successful concerts at Pyramid Cabaret only recently.
But, hey, the year of great music is not yet over! There are still a couple of big gigs that every music lover should look forward to.
Heber Bartolome
Tayo’y mga Pinoy
Canton Food Gallery
September 10, 2017
Especially for enthusiasts of Philippine Folk Rock in the guise of the music of the likes of Asin, Freddie Aguilar, and Florante, here’s your chance to watch in live performance one of the pillars of the genre—Heber Bartolome of Banyuhay. The pen and the voice behind the patriotic song “Tayo’y mga Pinoy,” Bartolome will be gracing the stage of Canton Food Gallery on September 10, 2017. This gig is produced by FAJ Productions, C&K Academy of Music, and Jaizen Design. You may get your tickets at the door.
Ely Buendia and His Band
Greatest Hits Live
Pantages Playhouse Theatre
October 7, 2017
Those who couldn’t get enough of their diet of Eraserheads’ classic hit songs like “Pare Ko,” “Ligaya,” “Toyang,” “Alapaap,” “Ang Huling El Bimbo,” and “Magasin” should get ready as the legendary band’s main man—Ely Buendia himself—is slated again to dish out his erstwhile band’s Greatest Hits Live! Hurry up! What are you waiting for? Get your tickets now. Contact Marby Gutierrez of Pinoy Tribe Entertainment at 204-962-2903.
Arnel Pineda with Rivermaya’s Perf de Castro
Regent Casino Event Centre
November 24, 2017
By now, perhaps every Filipino Pop/Rock music lover knows already who Arnel Pineda is. Why not, when he is the current lead vocalist of the classic Pop Rock band Journey, who got invited to join the group by none other than one of its founders, guitarist Neil Schon? This year, while Journey is on recess time, Pineda has decided to work out some music of his own. And now, he is touring to promote his second solo album, 2016’s AP. The Winnipeg leg of Pineda’s own musical journey will be held on November 24, at Regent Casino Event Centre. And what’s more exciting about this gig is that he will be backed up a group of seasoned musicians whom include longtime session bass player Don Morales, Barbie’s Cradle/Pupil’s drummer Wendell Garcia, and Rivermaya’s original guitarist Perf de Castro, who has also carved his own name as a solo Classical-guitar virtuoso. Thus, the concert will be sort of a two-in-one extravaganza—Journey plus Rivermaya–flavored fun. Come and get your tickets now! Contact Ardie Gervacio at 204-227-9348.
