This year’s Fete dela Musique will be spread over two weekends and four different locations. It starts Saturday, June 17, in Makati, continues on June 23 in Intramuros and concludes on June 24 in Baguio and Palawan.
Due to security concerns, Alliance Francaise de Manille has cancelled festivities at the two main stages at Greenbelt and A-Venue. Nevertheless, 30 pocket stages will still accommodate a fine roster of bands and their fans.
Entrance will be free in all venues.
Fete dela Musique’s annual line-up always is a smorgasbord of talent, but the truth is, it’s impossible to catch each and every band as performances happen simultaneously across different stages. The pocket venues get awfully crowded, year after year.
We’ve compiled a list of must-see performers in Makati on June 17—see if you can catch their sets.
Tom’s Story – Indie Stage at Century City Mall
The story with Tom’ Story is that it’s a trio of uber talented musicians who literally don’t need words to leave an impression with their music. Tom’s Story can tell a story even without lyrics. Sometimes exceptionally skilled instrumentalists, fluid melodies, complex arrangements and rhythmic patterns are more than enough to make a great song.
Conscious and the Goodness – Blues-Soul-Funk Stage at H & J; Indie Stage at Century City Mall
Conscious and the Goodness performed at the recently held GetMusic Indie-Go festival at the MOA Arena and pulled off a seamless set at such an enormous venue. Pleasing Fete dela Musique’s patrons should be fair game. The band combines soul, jazz and funk, and infuses it with hip-hop to create a delicious blend of musical flavors.
Ang Bandang Shirley – Acoustic Stage at A SPACE; Indie Stage at Century City Mall
Ang Bandang Shirley, acoustic? And why not? This is a band that fans love for its flowing melodies and heartfelt songwriting. Surely, an acoustic set would be enough to flesh out any Shirley song you love. If it doesn’t feel right, then there’s the indie Stage to turn to.
Basti Artadi – Acoustic Stage at A SPACE
After having a facial tumor surgically removed in January, Basti, in his own words, has been “taking it easy,” while still being able to squeeze in a few gigs here and there as a solo artist and with his new band, Plan of Fools. This is one of those rare occasions you’ll get to see him perform, and hear that voice sing a repertoire covering his long-standing career.
Ben&Ben– Acoustic Stage at A SPACE
Before opting to perform with a full band during events Ben & Ben –formerly known as The Benjamins—were just siblings Paolo and Miguel Guico playing their folksy guitar and singing, and it was more than enough. An acoustic set from Ben & Ben should bring fans back to why they have garnered a considerable following in the first place.
Aia de Leon – Acoustic Stage at A SPACE
Aia’s voice is gold on its own, and she has been able to survive as a solo artist even after leaving Imago and auditioning for “The Voice Phillippines” in 2013. She recently joined other OPM goddesses Kitchie Nadal and Barbie Almabis for the highly successful “Secrets” concerts. Her acoustic set at A SPACE is an opportunity to catch Aia in her element in an intimate setting.
Flippin Soul Stompers – Mod Stage at Alchemy
Fete dela Musique’s Mod Stage is always a reason to get your dancing shoes on, and the Flippin Soul Stompers is one band that will definitely get you prancing about, among others. The Mod Stage is curated by FSS’ Bing Austria, whom we also remember as that swinging gentleman from Put3ska and Juan Pablo Dream; expect it to be fun!
Skychurch – Rock Stage at Saguijo
If you want something really intense— a mix of chainsaw guitars, heavy bass lines, pulsating drums and unapologetic growling—in a really solid set, you can’t go wrong with Skychurch. Rommel, Russell and Robert dela Cruz are veterans in their turf; literally a band of brothers who know their sh*t.
We Are Imaginary – Acoustic Stage at A SPACE; Indie Stage at Century City Mall
The band has gone through a name change, a few line-up changes and yet it remains one of the most promising, constantly evolving bands in the indie circuit. The songwriting is almost always deep and thoughtful, accompanied by sparkling melodies and usually roaring guitar riffs. We expect the set at the acoustic stage to be stripped down in comparison, but still evoke feelings of sadness, cheer, or both.
Deux Sex Machina – End Stage at Dulo MNL
If your day is beginning to wind down and you want to just sit back and relax while still having fun, check out the End Stage at Dulo MNL on Poblacion Street.
Deux Sex Machina is a collective of writers and actors who stage 10-minute plays juxtaposing comedy and erotica. No music here, only highly entertaining live skits written by the performers themselves. Definitely not for the conservative or for the faint of heart , but for those with a healthy sense of humor and can tolerate a sexual innuendo or two, or more. DSM will be staging only two plays, so be there by 9PM.
