JAY-R and KRIS Lawrence
Seeing heart-wrenching images of the devastation wreaked by Supertyphoon “Yolanda” in the Visayas, among the first things that R&B singers Jay-R and Kris Lawrence thought about were their families.
“Many families were torn apart. It makes me cherish my own more,” said Kris, who has a year-old daughter, Katrence, with actress and partner Katrina Halili.
Jay-R said he was planning to go to California to spend quality time with his family. “This tragedy made me appreciate life. You could be gone in a split-second,” he said. “It’s very humbling.”
The Filipino-American artists will hold a benefit concert titled “Soul Brothers” at the Music Museum on Dec. 12. They said they were hoping to raise P1 million, to be donated to survivors through Viber’s “ViberHelps” initiative and the Philippine Red Cross.
“Kris and I waived our talent fees. We got the venue for free. There will also be donation boxes,” said Jay-R.
“We wanted to fly to Leyte, give food and help clear the roads. But we realized that we could do more through music,” he pointed out. “We still might go, but we need to bring lots of people and equipment.”
With the bulk of relief aid going to Tacloban City, Jay-R hoped to urge the Red Cross to also help those in neighboring locations like Javier City.
One of the artists under his own record label Homeworkz, Mica, is the daughter of Javier City Mayor Leonardo Javier.
“The mayor has promised to help in the distribution of goods in about 20 towns,” said Jay-R.
Rehearsing nonstop
Jay-R and Kris recalled that the people in Tacloban City were among their most supportive fans. “We usually have gigs in a big venue (like the Tacloban City Astrodome), and there would be thousands of people,” Jay-R related. “It’s depressing to see the situation now.”
Meanwhile, Kris revealed that they’ve been “rehearsing nonstop.” “Even our musical director was anxious. But we have to tough it out because the sooner we help, the better,” he said.
Jay-R revealed that the mood will be light and positive. “The repertoire will be composed of our own hits, as well as old and new songs, big band-style,” the singer-producer said.
“We hope that our fellow musicians can join and help us,” added Kris. “Let’s have a jamming session.”
For tickets, call 891-9999, 721-0635 or 637-7016.
(E-mail apolicarpio@inquirer.com.ph)