The Boys from Bombay
The Indian Diwali festival will be celebrated in rocking fashion when Bhangra/hip-hop/RnB duo the Bombay Rockers fly into Hong Kong for Rang De Red 2006. The duo i s Naf and Thomas, both 25, who deliver Indian and English vocals in a whirlwind of energy. The Rockers have had massive airplay and success in Denmark and India, where their latest album has been at the top of the album charts for 10 weeks. Their electrifying live performance is said to include belly dancers and break dancers, as well as Indian folk dancing. So what’s in store for Hong Kong? Well, you can find out on October 14 at the Ocean View Arena, Cyberport, Pok Fu Lam. Free shuttle buses leave from Hong Kong Station every 30 minutes from 9pm to 11:30pm for ticket holders. Tickets are $800 from Bombay Dreams outlets or Sahara Mezz Bar, and there’s an open bar from 10pm onwards.
Masters of
Melancholy
The dark duo that is Lacrimosa have had top 20 singles in Germany and Poland, sold-out shows in Europe, Central and South America, and they’ve played with the London Symphony Orchestra. Not bad for a fringe Goth metal group that melds melancholic dark wave with classical instruments such as trumpets and violins. Lacrimosa started with German-born Tilo Wolff as a one-man project, but Finnish singer Anne Nurmi later became a permanent fixture after guesting on a few songs. The two are now based in Switzerland, where their haunting tunes no doubt resonate wonderfully off the alps. Last year the duo released Lacrimosa’s ninth album, Lichtgestalt (luminous figure), and now they’re gonna play Hong Kong. Who would’ve thunk the twain should meet? Be at HITEC, Hall B October 11, from 7pm. Tickets $280, $380, or $480 from HK Ticketing.
Tel: 31 288 288.
Sotterraneo
The 33rd installment of HK’s preeminent indie rock show will be graced with the first real-life international act (not counting the band from Macau that was here a few month’s back). Singapore punk act Rancour will be tearing up the stage at Edge (G/F, 60 Wyndham St, Central) for Underground 33 on Friday, October 13. The well-gigged guys will be joined by four local bands, including punk brethren 218, who bang out dirty ol’ tunes in the true tradition of ‘oi, oi’ style, and death/prog/metal group Orthon. Winston Or of Shatin will provide a much mellower tone to the evening with his gentle folk rock act Walking On Air – think acoustic guitar and sweet vocals. The line-up is rounded up by unknown quantity Little Fat Pig – guess you’ll have to turn up on the night to find out what they’re about. As usual, it’s $40 (including a drink) on the door, starting from 8:30pm.
Island Sounds
Been hanging out for some good live music in Island East? Tong Chong Street at Taikoo Place (Quarry Bay MTR, Exit A) will host a series of great gigs featuring jazz, classical and fusion as part of the new season of Swire Island East’s Friday Fest. Every Friday from now until December 15, the hardworking folk of Island East will be treated to international acts, including Hungarian jazz band Soul What, the acclaimed
Japanese guitarist Takeda Kazuo, and local maestros Eugene Pao and Ted Lo. The series kicks off on October 13 with Frank Chitem & Friends playing with the Buena Vista Ensemble. 6pm – 8pm.
Tel: 2844 5095.
Fright Night
Expect a very dark night on Friday the 13th of October. Five of Hong Kong’s surliest bands line up for Black Friday at the Fringe Club. Gothic and metal will be on order from Headhunter, Hard Candy, The Pullover, Ku Yau Ling, and Elf Fatima. Things to watch out for: Headhunter’s gas masks, outrageous make-up and lead singer who is apparently reminiscent of Freddy Mercury; riot post punk with buckets of attitude from girl trio Hard Candy; and Elf Fatima, a brooding dark pop group inspired by Mono, God Speed You! Black Emperor, and Mogwai. The Pullover and Ku Yau Ling will also help keep the tone down and the volume up. The best way to spend an inauspicious evening. Tel: 2521 7251
Rock in the Park
Although the organisers couldn’t arrange a piss-up in a brewery the fourth Rockit Music Festival is all Asia’s World City currently has, and there’s plenty to be excited about – well there could be if we were able to give you a confirmed line-up. This year’s two-day event will feature drum ‘n bass hero – and James Bond star – Goldie, former Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown, British DJ Adam F, Anthony Wong, and Coolio – plus around 10 local bands. Rockit: $420, October 14 & 15, Victoria Park. For more, visit www.rockit-hk.com.
In Other News…
Robbie Williams has cancelled! Due to Robbie’s “health concerns,” Robbie has called off his November concerts in HK, Singapore, and Bangkok. If you were one of the hoards to rush out and buy tickets to his fast-sold-out show, here’s how to get to your money back:
For those who paid by credit card, the money will be transferred back to your account within 30 days.
If you paid by cash, take your tickets to HK Ticketing at the HK Exhibition and Convention Centre, complete a refund application form, and return the form and tickets to HK Ticketing by October 31. You’ll get an immediate refund. For other enquiries, call 31 288 288.
But don’t worry, pop fans: Mariah Carey will be able to fill Robbie’s void, so to speak, with her October 28 concert at Tamar. We think tickets are still available, so try calling 31 288 288 right now.
Meanwhile, disco fans rejoice – the Village People are coming to Hong Kong on November 23, and they’re going to be joined by some heavyweight support in a mini festival. Gloria Gaynor, Kool & the Gang, Robin Gibb (of the Bee Gees), and Art Garfunkel come together to form a tantalising line-up that will play at the HK Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hall 3. Tickets range from $280 to $880 and are on sale now through HK Ticketing: 31 288 288.
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