Focus on Pinoy talent

Bamboo /KIMBERLY DELA CRUZ

Local music artists often serve as supporting acts to their foreign counterparts in large-scale music festivals. In “Fusion 2015: The 1st Philippine Music Festival” at SM Mall of Asia Arena concert grounds on January 30, the spotlight will be on Pinoy talent.

Mounted by Carat Philippines, the event boasts a lineup of 40 acts representing different genres—pop, R&B, hip-hop, electronic dance music and rock.

“The theme of ‘Fusion 2015’ is ‘Play as One.’ We hope to gather a wide range of artists and fans in this event, to give people the chance to enjoy the music they like and discover other types, too,” project director and Carat CEO Gladys Basinillo told the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

“It’s a leap of faith,” Basinillo said of putting together this ambitious project.

All-night gig

Expected to kick off at 3 p.m. and last until the wee hours, “Fusion 2015” is top-billed by Gary Valenciano, Sarah Geronimo, Bamboo, Parokya ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Wolfgang, Gloc-9, The Dawn, Noel Cabangon, Urbandub, Franco, Ebe Dancel, Andrew E., Sandwich and 6Cyclemind.

Also on the roster are Joey Ayala, Tres Marias, Yeng Constantino, Barbie

Almalbis, Abra, Christian Bautista, Sam Concepcion, James Reid, Nadine Lustre, Kitchie Nadal, and many more.

Basinillo assured fans that, apart from playing solo sets, the artists will share the stage in new production numbers.

“They won’t simply jump around on stage and get off when they’re done,” said Basinillo, who envisions “Fusion” as a major Asian music event in the future, like Japan’s Fuji Rock Festival, Indonesia’s Java Jazz Festival and Malaysia’s Rainforest World Music Festival.

“Everybody’s willing to work together. They’ve been rehearsing almost every day for the past two weeks,” she said, adding that Fusion is endorsed by the Department of Tourism, and its marketing arm, the Tourism Promotions Board.

Tickets are available at Ticket World, SM Tickets and TicketNet outlets.