HONGKONG
ART HK 14-18 MAY
Leading art galleries will descend on Hong Kong for the inaugural ART HK at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Art on sale will include limited-edition prints to pieces by Picasso. For art lovers, it’s the perfect opportunity to browse world-class work on a spectacular scale. Visit www.hongkongartfair.com
CEBU
TOTO APRIL 2
This 32-year-old band comprised of musicians who have played with Steely Dan, Michael Jackson, Van Halen and Eric Clapton, are coming to Cebu for the first time ever. Catch them sing their hits such as Stranger In Town and Holyanna at the Pacific Grand Ballroom, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel. Tickets from PHP1,000-4,000 call +32 412 4512 or go to www.toto99.com.
Singapore
WORLD GOURMET SUMMIT 2008 7-28 APRIL
With gourmet safaris, vintage meals and celebrity dinners, this is a must-visit food extravaganza for all gourmets, and those who just love to eat. Prices vary according to the event, so call +65 6270 1254 or go to www..worldgourmetsummit.com
JAKARTA hong kong
DURAN-DURAN 8, 12 APRIL
Duran-Duran’s Red Carpet Massacre world tour hits Asia in April. Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, and Roger Taylor are promoting their latest album with the single Falling Down. Expect the crowds to go crazy for the most popular numbers from the 1980s including Save a Prayer, Is There Something I Should Know, A View to a Kill. It’s on 8 April at Jakarta Convention Centre with tickets at USD80-100 from www.apeconcerts.com; and 12 April, Hong Kong Convention Centre, tickets USD48 from www.hkticketing.com.
JAMES BLUNT 15 AND 21 MAY
Reviews for James Blunt’s songs highlight his “depth and ingenuity” and praise is high for his “catchy”, “terrific” tunes. At Tennis Indoor Stadium Senayan Jakarta and Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, you can witness it yourself when Blunt performs songs from his two albums live. Whether it’s You’re Beautiful, or High, to Goodbye My Lover, this is the sing-a-long concert for everyone. For the lovey-dopey or the brokenhearted, he’ll play on your heartstrings. For details, click on www.javamusikindo.com or visit www.hkticketing.com
BOYZ II MEN MAY 10
If you remember Motownphilly, End of Motownphilly, End of the Road the Road and I’ll Make
I’ll Make Love to You Love to You, chances are you’ll want to catch the smoothest crooners of the ’90s, performing at the Cebu City Sports Center in Abellana. Call +32 412 4512 for tickets and more information.
singapore
THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS 22-24 MAY
Exactly 100 years after it was written, Wind in the Willows, the classic tale of Mole, Badger and Mr Toad, is presented by children in the SLO choir. In this double bill, they also perform The Reluctant Dragon, a story about the friendship between a dragon and a boy. With a strong production team and talented cast, this show will warm the cockles of your heart. Tickets are priced at SGD18-25 (PHP523-727/USD13-18). For details visit www.sistic.com.sg.
WHITE SHOES & THE COUPLES COMPANY 4 AND 18 APRIL
JAKARTA
WHITE SHOES & THE COUPLES COMPANY 4 AND 18 APRIL
“The best indie-pop band from Indonesia ever!” says revered music website All Music Guide. White Shoes & The Couples Company is Indonesia’s hottest export this side of plywood and they have two gigs this month: at Score, Citos Jakarta on 4 April, and Upper Room, Annex Building, Hotel Nikko on 18 April. For details go to http://www.myspace.com/ whiteshoesandthecouplescompany
Bret Loves chats with vocalist/ violinist Aprilia Apsari (aka Sari) and rhythm guitarist Yusmario Farabi (aka Rio).
WHAT ARE YOUR PRIMARY MUSICAL INFLUENCES?
RIO: We’re influenced by Indonesian movie soundtracks and jazz from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s.
SARI: We also love old musical movies. Almost every song was composed by a well-known musician during their golden era.
WHAT SEPARATES YOU FROM OTHER INDONESIAN POP BANDS?
S: Indonesia had many great bands from the ’50s until the ’80s. But now everything is about money; they only care about sales, not quality. The music industry doesn’t care if bands play similar songs. We don’t work in that area.
WAS IT DIFFICULT TO LEARN TO WRITE AND SING IN ENGLISH?
R: It’s not difficult, because we listened to many bands singing in English when we were kids. We learnt English by singing songs!
WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WISH WESTERN TRAVELERS UNDERSTOOD ABOUT INDONESIA?
R: Indonesia is very big, with more than 1,000 islands and many ethnicities, languages and tribes.
S: The art scene here is very open minded, and in Jakarta the indie music scene is the best. It’s a warm and beautiful country.
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