Top Suzara teams up with South Border

THE FORMER Freestyle vocalist is an old friend of the other band.

Having been friends with the men of South Border even before he turned professional, Top Suzara, the former lead vocalist of Freestyle, said that working with the group is almost second-nature to him—like “a family affair” or being in “a bigger band.”

Their upcoming concert, “Valentine Playlist” will be no different, with Top and the Jay Durias-led R&B band working together to churn out a set that would feature their respective hits, and some of their favorite songs that would “take the audience to a trip down memory lane.”

Directed by Treb Monteras, the gig, which will also feature singer Kyla as special guest, will be held at Kia Theatre on Feb. 12. (Call 9115555 for details.)

Excerpts from the Inquirer’s e-mail interview with Top:

What do you enjoy most about doing a Valentine show?

I love it because it allows us to revisit songs that hold special memories…. You can just sit back and listen, and smile, laugh or shed a tear with your date, family or friends, as you reminisce…. I’m sure we’ll be a little sentimental.

How different is working with South Border? How do your styles meld?

I grew up loving and playing many types of music—soul, R&B, folk, rock, jazz, metal, pop-rock. South Border has had lots of influences, too…. We’ve known each other’s musicality for many years, so it’s very exciting to be able to share the stage with them.

What else can the fans expect?

We’ll be baring our souls as we share our own thoughts and stories about the songs we’ll be performing…. Or perhaps we could come up with a little Valentine treat…. But of course, we’ll try to engage everyone and make them sing with us; we love hearing the fans’ voices! Allan Policarpio