Gary V concert to feature 11 new singers

GARY: “It has always been my dream to tap new artists and help them share their talents with the people.”

For his coming two-night concert, Gary Valenciano has gathered 11 guest singers—most of them young and just starting to make their way in the industry—to share the spotlight with. This, according to the recording artist dubbed “Mr. Pure Energy,” is one of his ways of giving back.

“It has always been my dream to tap new artists and help them share their talents with the people. I want to present them in a way that would surprise and excite the fans,” he told the Inquirer at a recent press conference for “Gary V Presents…”

The shows will be held on Oct. 30 and 31 at Resorts World Manila’s Newport Performing Arts Theater. It will feature a diverse roster of musicians representing various musical genres, from folk rock to classical. Some are products of reality talent searches; the others, staples of the theater or the indie music scenes.

They are Bullet Dumas, Carla Guevara-Laforteza, Janice Javier, Jimmy Javier, Katrina Velarde, Lara Maigue, RJ de la Fuente, Maki Ricafort, Mitoy Yonting, Monique Lualhati and Timmy Pavino.

“I did my research. I’ve seen them perform and I expect to do fresh collaborations with them,” he said.

These up-and-coming performers, Gary said, were his personal picks and will be given ample time to showcase their wares, either with him or in solo spots. The repertoire will be composed mostly of Gary’s enduring hits, rearranged to suit and highlight each of the guest artists’ strengths.

Adjustment

“Instead of them adjusting to my style of music, it’s me who’s going to adjust to them. The audience should be able to see and appreciate them for who they really are as artists,” stressed Gary, adding that the concerts will be for the benefit of the scholarship programs of the Shining Light Foundation and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Meanwhile, asked if he would be endorsing any candidate in the 2016 election, Gary would rather not get involved, pointing out that he currently holds an American passport. “I once supported a candidate a long time ago and I was questioned. Until my dual citizenship is processed—hopefully within a couple of weeks—I would stay out of it,” he said.

The 51-year-old performer, however, remains open to working with the eventual winners, through the different charitable foundations he’s involved in. “My being apolitical is known in the industry. And some of them would rather [include me in] their plans should they win,” said Gary, who’s a Unicef national ambassador.

“I’d rather do that, so that it doesn’t look like I’m doing it just because I’m getting paid or because I’m endorsing someone,” he added.

“Gary V Presents…” is directed by Paolo Valenciano and Mon Faustino. For tickets, call 8919999 or 0917-5413389.

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