What: Alicia Keys “Set The World on Fire” Tour
When: 8pm, 22 November, 2013
Where: CotaiArena, Venetian
How Much: HKD/MOP$1,580, 980, 480. Tickets on sale: 10am, 4 October, 2013 from www.CotaiTicketing.com, or by phone at +853 2882 8818 (Macao) / +852 6333 6660 (HK) / 4001 206 618 (China)
An admission – I have no Rihanna tracks in my iTunes library, so beyond knowing she had a penchant for arriving late on stage I had no real expectations heading to her concert in Macau. And afterwards, well I have to admit to being confused as to why she’s so popular… The overseas media hype for the Diamonds tour reached the front pages and beyond the complaints of arrogance about arriving on stage so late (as she did here) spoke of mega production values, dynamic costume changes… – the Venetian and local fans paid good money for the ‘Rihanna experience’ so why do so many artists still think it’s ok to come to Asia and short-change their fans. 
The 80 minute mostly lip-synced concert was continually broken up as the diva disappeared for what obviously a costume change in places she values more – but here it meant she spent almost 25% of the show off-stage. If you’re going to do a stripped-down show, then at least make the effort to create a ‘proper show’ rather than run the same show but forget the clothing changes etc. Oddly enough Rihanna, courtesy of the global media which panders to your ego and made you very rich – your fans around the world are fully aware of what the full ‘Rihanna Diamonds Tour experience’ is… and the CotaiArena has the facilities so that can’t be used as an excuse.
With her ladyship lacking any sort of stage presence and slipping off stage after almost every song, the first hour of concert was bitty and dire, sitting stage right the mix was so bass heavy that Rihanna’s supposedly strong voice was completely lost in the mix. Sadly not one song had me going, ooh that’s good, need to go buy the album. The energy levels picked up around the hour point when a medley of hits/songs the fans knew had the CotaiArena rocking and oddly rather than leaving the audience on a high the encore was a semi-ballad, where yet again from my seat her vocals were less than impressive.
One fan bemused me though, he’d spent lots of money on his ticket then stuck his ipad infront of his face for most of the concert as he used the not very good ipad camera to record the show and watched the show on his ipad screen.
It’s great for music lovers that the Venetian as part of its ‘integrated resort’ commitment is bringing such events to Macau, but they should insist – for the premium they’re obviously paying to do so – that artists bring their full show rather than some bastardized version of it.
In truth it wasn’t much of an ‘experience’ from a supposed global superstar, nor I think was it one that satisfied many of her wildly expectant fans. The bus queues outside after the show weren’t buzzing with sounds of happy fans discussing their favourite parts of the show, more the practicalities of reaching the border/ferry before it closed. Many artists complain of Asia’s attitude to music piracy, but when artists screw their fans at live shows as Rihanna did, pot kettle black/hypocrisy comes to mind.
Thank you to the Venetian Macau who provided bc’s ticket free of charge.
Noughts and Exes teamed up with musicians from around Hong Kong for a flashmob performance of their song ‘Hearts’.
Moonlight and Passion
Hong Kong’s neon-lit concrete jungle stands bright against the night sky, a vibrant reminder of the city’s modernity and ability to continually evolve while retaining its unique identity. The Chinese lanterns that have become one of the symbols of the Mid-Autumn Festival float against the neon, their shapes and soft light a welcome traditional warmth in a cyber world.
Legends and and myths surrounding the origins of the Mid-Autumn/Lantern/Moon Cake Festival have, like our city home, evolved but the core traditions of families coming together, giving thanks for the harvest and past bounties, and praying/giving offerings for a good future remain strongly rooted. Into this convivial family festival João Marcos Mascarenhas and Sabrina Foote will be injecting some Latin passion and exuberance with their Festival de la Luna con Música Latina. bc chatted with them, trying to find what could possibly couple moon cakes with merengue.
When/how did your love of Latino music begin and how has it evolved over time?
Sabrina: Actually my love of Latino music began at very early stage when I was studying in London. I learned Spanish as a second language and used to spend most of my holidays in different cities in Spain. During that period, I joined and participated in all the Latin student unions and communities, hence spending a lot of time with different Spanish-speaking people from all the Latin countries. Then later I worked in the hospitality business in Spain.
I love the sound of Spanish with its very soft flowing speech and, together with the Latinos’ natural passions in life, the music and songs are so expressive and communicative, even for people who don’t speak the language.
After a long while away, recent time in different countries in Latin America has crafted me back into being almost a Latino again, especially in most of my music choices.
What prompted you to organise a concert marrying Latin passion with the family romance of the Mid-Autumn Festival?
Sabrina: In my experience with the Latin culture, celebrations and love feelings in daily life are demonstrated with warm gusto. Old customs of families gathering when there’s a full moon and celebrations of love through music and dance are very similar to the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival where families congregate, old and new romances are honoured, love ones come together, and children play among all the drinking, eating, music and dances.
I wanted to revive my secret passion for Latin music and at the same time promote Latin music in Hong Kong. Most importantly, I am very fortunate to have met a very devoted and talented Latin artist in João, my musical director, who is highly respected in the music industry and among the Latino communities.
Do you have any special musical plans for the Festival de la Luna con Música Latina?
João: Of course! The whole event by itself is already unique and special. But I have to say very proudly that my band is the most special feature. I am a hybrid of the academic, jazz, and commercial music worlds in composing/arranging/performing/producing/teaching/researching. All of that makes me very selective when it comes to choosing the right musicians to perform or record under my direction. For this band, I carefully chose the best Latino musicians, as I want the evening to be as authentic as possible. I got the crème de la crème of Latin musicians in Hong Kong! Simply, the best ones! My advice: Don’t miss Festival de la Luna con Música Latina!
For those who know nothing of música Latina, how would you describe the upcoming show?
An enjoyable evening to spend with your family and love ones with good food and romantic and energizing music with all the electrifying Latin rhythms of boleros, bachatas, merengue, salsa, samba, and much more.
For the singles; you never know – you might get lucky with all the Latin passion around!
Chris Polanco is your guest artist; what is it, do you think, that has allowed him to become one of the most sought-after drummers in Hong Kong?
João: My friendship with Chris started when I met him in 2001. At that time I was the music director at the Grand Hyatt; my Brazilian band worked there for 7 months, while Chris was working somewhere else. I believe we were the only Latino musicians in Hong Kong at that time, or maybe the first ones. We were somewhat pioneers! After that job I went back to Brazil to do some music production and then went to the USA to get my Masters in composition. Chris stayed in Hong Kong. Later, in 2007, I came back to start my PhD in music composition at HKU, which I finished last year. Chris had his own band, Azucar Latina, performing regularly in the Hong Kong area. Since I cannot get away from my Latino roots, every time I had a chance I would stop at Chris’s performances and jam. During this period I saw Chris becoming an excellent percussionist, keyboard player, and music producer. His charismatic personality and unquestionable musical talent put him in amongst the music stars of Hong Kong.
Joining Chris and João on the Grappas stage are El Salvador’s Oscar Azahar, a seasoned professional saxophonist; Colombia’s Fernando Nohra, a drummer who’s been performing across the globe for over 20 years; Mexican Victor Geronimo on the bass and providing backing vocals; Filipino John Ralph Campo, whose trumpet has been energizing crowds for years, and, last but not least, our very own Angelita Li whose vocals will add a touch of femininity to the Latino passions.
What: Festival de la Luna con Música Latina
When: 9pm, 19 September, 2013
Where: Grappa’s Cellar, Jardine House, 1 Connaught Road, Central
How Much: $288 (inc one drink) advance tickets from [email protected] / tel: 2521 2322
What: Festival de la Luna con Música Latina
When: 9pm, 19 September, 2013
Where: Grappas Cellar, Jardine House, 1 Connaught Road, Central
How Much: $288 (inc one drink) advance tickets from Grappa’s Cellar tel: 2521-2322 or email booking: [email protected]
Fragile and emotional neoclassical are perhaps the best terms to describe Ólafur Arnalds music, a man who over the past 5 years by combining classical instrumentation with an ambient aesthetic has established himself as one of the most interesting musicians to emerge from Iceland’s vibrant music scene. His sorrowful neoclassical pieces evoked the stark minimalism of Sigur Rós, combined with the simple ambience explored by Brian Eno. Through these influences and others, Arnalds has created a simple, short-form take on modern classical music that has enough crossover appeal to be enjoyed by fans of post-rock, ambient, and even pop music genres – but Arnalds by mixing strings and piano with loops, ambiance, electronics and beats is sculpting his own epic, string-laden compositions.
Only 26 years of age, Arnalds returns to Hong Kong (after a sold out show in 2010) hard on the heels of his well-liked soundtrack to Broadchurch and in support of his ‘major label’ debut For Now I Am Winter which sees Arnalds adding an impressive amount of variety into what is already a well-established formula, what will be interesting is how the vocal embellishments to some of the new album’s tracks come across live?
To find out more have a listen https://soundcloud.com/olafur-arnalds
What: Ólafur Arnalds
When: 8pm, 16 September, 2013
Where: Grappa’s Cellar, Basement Jardine House, 1 Connaught Place, Hong Kong
How Much: $300 from http://olafurarnalds.ticketflap.com
Australian medieval electro duo Dandelion Wine are coming to Hong Kong! The band originated as a four-piece outfit in mid-1996, but have had many line-up shifts throughout the years, with core members Naomi Henderson and Nicholas Albanis the only remaining members of the original line-up. After ten years of touring the world and playing some of the top alternative and gothic festivals and clubs throughout Europe, Japan and Australia, Dandelion Wine are finally going to play their first ever show in Hong Kong at Hidden Agenda on Saturday August 10 with special guests Chock Ma.
Dandelion Wine combine ethereal female vocals and medieval instruments (dulcimer, bell cittern, flute) with electronic beats and cranked guitars. Their most recent album “All Becompassed By Stars” (released on the German label Ars Musica Diffundére/Black Rain) was recorded in a freezing Berlin winter and is the band’s most diverse album yet. For their Hong Kong debut Dandelion Wine will be playing songs from their last four albums as well as a sneak peak at their new single “One Of My Friendly Days”.
What: Dandelion Wine supported by 戳麻 Chock Ma
When: 8:30pm, 10 August, 2013
Where: Hidden Agenda, 2A, Wing Fu Industrial Bldg, 15-17 Tai Yip Street, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong
How Much: $150 (Advance), $180 (Door) from www.ticketflap.com
The 18th CityU BandSoc Presents: New Breed Live In Hong Kong 2013 featuring – The Twisted Habour Town, Maniac, 門生, 意色樓 from 7pm at Hang Out in Sai Wan Ho
What: New Breed Live In Hong Kong 2013
When: 7pm, 16 August 2013
Where: Hang Out, Youth Outreach Jockey Club Building, 2 Holy Cross Path, Sai Wan Ho, Hong Kong.
How Much: $120 (Advance), $160 (Door) – reserve tickets by email: [email protected]
