Gym Class Heroes and Nelly Furtado rock the Big Dome

Nelly Furtado at the Big Dome. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/Bruce Casanova

MANILA, Philippines—Music fans were in for a double treat last August 16 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum as American rap-rock group the Gym Class Heroes and Canadian Grammy Award-winning songstress Nelly Furtado brought their entertaining and infectious brand of music to Manila.

The Big Dome was transformed into a big party venue as the fans trooped to the venue dressed to the nines and definitely ready to whoop it up with Gym Class Heroes and Nelly Furtado. The line at the Red Gate was long and winding, but excited fans didn’t seem to mind. The gates opened as early as 7pm to let the fans come in and take their seats.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/Bruce Casanova

At 8 p.m., young Filipino acoustic band Gracenote provided the opening act, inviting the concert-goers to sit back, relax, and listen to their soothing sounds.

About a half hour after Gracenote first went onstage, the audience was finally ready to party. The Gym Class Heroes, led by Travie McCoy, came out on stage and immediately began their set with “Cookie Jar.” From the patron area to the rafters, everyone was up and dancing to every song. McCoy and the rest of the band were just so energetic that one can’t help but jump, sing, and dance along with them.

Unlike other artists who go through their set list mechanically, both the Gym Class Heroes and Nelly Furtado made it a point to always connect with their audience. Before singing the song “Stereo Hearts,” Travie McCoy asked the audience to form a heart with their hands; and during the song “Fighter,” the audience sang along while they pumped their raised fists into the air.

The crowd gave a loud cheer as the first notes of the song “Billionaire” were played. And for the rest of the song, Travie held his mike out to the audience, and the crowd gamely sang practically the whole song. Before they bid adieu to their Manila fans, the band members took a group picture with the energetic Big Dome crowd in the background.

After about a thirty-minute wait, a fit and fabulous Nelly Furtado came bounding on stage singing her hit song “Maneater,” and the crowd went wild, even if it was already past 10pm.

GYM Class Heroes. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/Bruce Casanova

The crowd was in for an additional visual treat when hoops dancer Tony Duncan appeared on stage as Nelly started singing her next song “Big Hoops.” Duncan would appear at random times onstage, performing his routine alongside Nelly. Eunice of Gracenote also went onstage with Nelly to sing a mellower version of the hit song “Like a Bird.”

Nelly’s set took to a more pensive turn when she sang her new song “Spirit Indestructible.” Nelly dedicated the song to Pinoys, who, she said has an indestructible, water-proof spirit even in the midst of tragedy, such as the recent flooding brought by the recent monsoon rains.

At the first notes of the song “Jump,” the crowd was out of their seats and jumping to the beat—literally. Two lucky fans even got to shake it onstage with Nelly! To close the show, Nelly did her own version of the LMFAO hit “Party Rock” to a pumped-up Manila crowd.

It was a night to party at last week’s concert at the Big Dome—and Manila is looking forward to the Gym Class Heroes and Nelly Furtado to be back for more.  (advt)