
These are Rod's latest thoughts, events and messages.
click here for concert
reviews
|
Rodney will be among the participants
at the Philipine Embassy presentation of
Brown Strokes on a White Canvas
June 2-13, 2008
click on image for enlargement
|
Press
release, July 28, 2007
Rod Garcia Band
August 18, 2007 at American Legion 8:30
p.m.
Inspiring original music...
Back from a successful concert tour of Honolulu, Manila and
Bohol...
August 18 at the American Legion Hall
3445 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
Press
release, June 27, 2007
This June 2007, the Rod Garcia Band went on a concert
tour of Honolulu (Bikini Cantina at Aloha Towers Marketplace),
Manila (Oyster Bar at the Pearl Manila Hotel, and The MagNet
in Katipunan St.) and Bohol (Amorita Resort). The tour was to
promote their CD entitled "The Right Time." The band
was very well received in all venues, and was even interviewed
by Chiqui Roa for her television show. Below is review by an
attendee of the gig at the MagNet.
Rod Garcia Band at the MagNet Katips
Rod and his band played last June 15 to a large appreciative
crowd at the Magnet Bar along Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City
here in the Philippines.
The show opened with the song Nightingale and
this was followed by several Tagalog duets with daughter,
Jitter. As the band warmed up to several acoustic pieces with
11-year old son, Rocky, at the sax, we warmed up to cold bottles
of San Mig Lite and Coke Lite. Other talented members are
Matt Magnaye on alto sax, Eric Champaloux on electric guitar,
Russ Arlotta on violin/acoustic guitar, Martin Magnaye on
bass, and Vince Magno on drums.
Before moving on to Rods English compositions, the
band performed the lively Luto Linis Laba. This
song as well as several other pieces sounded like Gary
Granada compositions with nice melody, catchy and meaningful
lyrics interspersed with jazzy sax bits. Other songs in the
all-original repertoire include: Sorbetero, Nasaan, Sana,
Sinagtala, Panaginip Ko, Fly Dragonfly, Long Day Short Night,
Summer Girl, and Im LikeYou . All in all, the band played
sixteen songs, ending with the beginning Nightingale.
As Rod sang, you had to say the guy is a pro. Boy, can he
carry a tune, with the Manila crowd impressed by the performance.
by Tito Caoile
Manila, June 15, 2007
MagNet
press release, May 23, 2007
MagNet to Feature Rod Garcia Band
June 15 with T.V. Coverage
FilAm author, composer/singer-songwriter/lawyer
Rod Garcia and his traveling U.S.- based band will be performing
at the MagNet Katipunan on Friday, June 15 at 7 p.m. as part
of a concert tour that includes venues in Honolulu, Manila,
and Bohol. The Rod Garcia Band recently finished a CD of Rod's
songs called "The Right Time" -- unique and original
music that's been hailed in the Washington D.C. area. Among
those who have praised Rod's music is former Philippine Ambassador
to the U.S. Alberto del Rosario, who said in his official
farewell address in Washington, "I aspire to the musical
genius of Rod Garcia." Even the popular rock band, The
Speaks, declared to Rod and his band, "Love your music!"
The Rod Garcia Band has an 11-year
old sax player; an 18 year-old high school musician-of-the-
year; a beautiful young singer who has starred in the Kennedy
Center; a couple of veteran musicians including Rod
Garcia himself on vocals and guitar. After the band's recent
performance at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, organizer
Nilda Godwin said the employees called the performance "spectacular
and magnificent..." Other gigs have resulted in similar
reviews, such as that by Asian Fortune, "A group of incredibly
talented musicians... " and by Manila Mail , "Rod's
thoughtful lyrics and melodic harmonies combined to create
an evening of warmth, good spirits and great music."
Washington D.C. musical impresario
Robert Dizon (On-Stage Productions which co-produced a successful
US concert by APO Hiking Society), stated after Rod's gig
at a local supper club, "I'm impressed! "
Appearing with Rod Garcia are: Russ
Arlotta (violin, guitar); Jitter Garcia (vocals), Matt Magnaye
(alto/soprano sax), Eric Champaloux (guitar), Martin Magnaye
(bass), Vince Magno (drums), and Rocky Garcia (alto sax).
The new CDs will be on sale at the
MagNet, and television personality Chiqui Roa will cover the
concert for her show. A few years ago, Rod Garcia gave a reading
at The MagNet of his book, "The Right Place and Other
Stories," and last January 2006, Rod and his two children
made a last minute appearance for a short but well-attended
gig.
Other venues in the tour include Bikini
Cantina (Aloha Towers Marketplace Dr. ) in Honolulu, Pearl
Manila Hotel (Ermita) and Amarito Resort in Bohol.
Rod's
Spring Gig
April
14 at 8 p.m.
RENES SUPPER CLUB
3251 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax, Va.
General admission: $15 (includes one drink)
"Love your music!"
--- The Speaks
"Rods thoughtful lyrics and melodic harmonies
create an evening of warmth, good spirits and great music
--- Rose Lally (Manila Mail)
I aspire to the musical genius of Rod Garcia."
--- Ambassador Alberto Del Rosario,Jr.
Farewell Address July 7, 2006
J.W. Marriott, Washington D.C.
a group of incredibly talented
musicians
--- Asian Fortune
Many have commented on a sketch
of Rod by Mya Talavera. Here are just a few of them:
Rod,
good luck on this and your other 2007 ventures. Perhaps well
make one of your performances. I like the sketch very much.
It does you justice. --- Joe
Lustig
Again,
thanks my friend. Btw, who did your sketch? The likeness was
really uncanny.
--- Elise Eclar
By the way, the graphic art you used in your announcement
captures both your spirit as artist and musician. --- Jon
Melegrito
"...provocative" --- Eric Townsend
Write-up
on Rodney by Judith Ladringan, January
1, 2007
The
Right Time
a
winter concert
The Rod Garcia Band
high-energy
and inspiring original music
with
Jitter
Garcia, Matt Magnaye, Eric Champaloux, Russ Arlotta,
Belle
De Leon, Martin Magnaye and Tito De Leon
January
13 at 8 p.m.
John
Addison Concert Hall
HARMONY HALL REGIONAL CENTER
10701 Livingston Road
Fort
Washington, Maryland
"Love
your music!" ---- The
Speaks
"Beautiful
music!"
--- Giorgia Cavallaro, Professor of Guitar, Catholic University
of America
"I
aspire to the musical genius of Rod Garcia."
--- Ambassador
Alberto Del Rosario,Jr.
Farewell
Address July 7, 2006
J.W.
Marriott, Washington D.C.
"...
an engaging voice."
--- Beth Stewart
Director,
Sleepy Hollow House Concerts
PAFC
FUNDRAISER NETS 20K FOR LEYTE
The Philippine American
Foundation for Charities, Inc. (PAFC) turned over $20,000
in funds raised to Gawad Kalinga last Saturday, November 11,
2006 at Manila Café in Springfield, VA. The funds are
earmarked for the building of homes in Leyte for those who
were displaced and rendered homeless by the mudslide that
occurred early this year.
CLICK HERE
FOR THE REST OF THE STORY.
October
31, 2006
HI everyone,
The other night's set at the Marriott went well--better than
expected, actually. The new sound system worked like a dream
--easily filling the large ball room of about 500 folks with
our music. I miked Rocky's sax and plugged in my Morris acoustic
guitar for the three original songs. People were coming up
to us afterwards paying really nice compliments; and one of
the people in my table (she had seen us before) told the others
- "if you think this was good, you should hear the entire
band together."
The new PI Ambassador to the US Willie Gaa was in attendance
and he told me he's a musician too. I asked him (half-kidding
of course) if he played percussion [since I didn' have Belle
that night]. And he replied that he likes to sing. Anyway,
Rocky [as usual] upstaged me and got lots of applause each
time he finished a phrase or rift.
October
21, 2006
8 p.m.
JW Marriott Washington DC
On the occasion of -- Feed The Hungry's "Handog"
September
24, 2006 (Sunday)
Doors open 5 p.m. (matinee)
Rod begins at 6:45 p.m.
Knights of Columbus Concert Hall
Columcille Council Hall
1633 Tucker Rd.
Fort Washington, Md. 20744
Council:
www.rc.net/washington/kc5317
Parish: www.rc.net/washington/stcolumba
August
19, 2006
9-10:30
p.m.
Manila Cafe
Springfield, Virginia
March
26, 2006
Sharing
on Concert: Savory Cafe, Takoma Park March 25, 2006
Hi everyone:
This is a weird time. I had a gig at the Savory Cafe, Jitter
was at rehearsals for her musical at the Kennedy Center and
Karla was at the National Theater for her Broadway-bound musical
'Hot Feet." Rocky was at my Uncle Jun's place -basically
grounded (translation: no gigging/sax playing) for telling
a fib at school.
When they called me on, people started gathering around the
performance area and the second level. The only one with me
tonight was Russ (violin/guitar). It was the most packed I've
seen at the Savory. Mixed crowd - age-group and racial demographics.
Blacks, whites, one Filipino, some Asian-Americans, people
in their twenties/thirties and older. The bluegrass/folk musicians
who performed before I came on stayed to listen.
The lesson learned by me tonight is "know thy audience."
I was thinking of doing a light acoustic jazz set and started
with "Sweet Summertime" (without my band's sax players,
percussionists) BAD IDEA -- as I was finishing the song I
noticed that two people on the second level began to take
their coats and walk out. NO!! I exclaimed in silence -come
back! I won't sing that song again. Anyway, they obviously
couldn't hear my pained but mute cries of anguish over their
lost patronage. So I had to think fast before I start losing
more. What could have been the problem? Then it struck me
like a frying pan upside my head: This is a folk crowd tonight!
I decided my next series of songs should be folk acoustic
compositions (except "Lately"). Fortunately, by
the third song, even more people from the cafe part of the
place were coming down to the performance area and by the
end of the evening, I made many new friends.
One of the new friends happens to be a percussionist and songwriter
too. He's performed at La Mayorga (a "rival" venue
of Savory). Since I need a percussionist for the Catholic
University gig a few days hence, I decided to ask him if he
could come to the house and jam tomorrow. Hopefully, he'll
be good for the songs. Playing this upcoming gig before college
kids bothers me, since I can't quite read them as well. I
just figure that it's better to have percussive sounds than
folk songs this coming Wednesday. But - just as I was wrong
at the Savory- -I may be wrong about Catholic U- and may end
up pulling out my folk song repertoire yet again. We shall
see.
Anyway, I picked up Rocky from my uncle's place (and Rocky
reportedly displayed good behavior); Jitter and Karla came
home from their respective performances tired but beaming
with the promise of a breakfast full of stories about tonight's
performances, and all's right with the world.
Coming up -- Opening of The Carlos Bulosan archives at the
Library of Congress. Organizers asked me to compose two songs
for the event (dinner/symposium/ribon-cutting launch). Interesting
challenge. Someone suggested I do something "of the earth"
-almost country style. I don't know. I think acoustic style
works just as well, but I'm playing with the idea of composing
the pieces in piano this time. Bahala na.
Take care,
Rod
Feb.
26, 2006
Poem
composed and recited by Linda Pirrone at the Feb. 18, 2006
concert.
"Over
the years, Rodney Garcia has entertained us with stories,
taught us our rights under the law, written songs and sung
to us, educated us on living wills, wrote bylaws and helped
support the arts and the humanities and tonight, Julian and
I would like to give him an introduction, Tutubi style:
Please
allow us to introduce Rodney
Versatile and musical words are the key
He teaches in words written and spoken
He sings of life and pledges once broken
He celebrates the land where he was born
His creative mind is active till morn
He was wise enough to choose a smart wife
Who with his children complete his rich life
His legal talents are legend to all
Who seek to honor and comprehend law
He writes our charters, bylaws and much more
His kababayans honor his folk lore
Shared in musicals, plays, and in words
Stories of his homeland are always heard
In melodic tones and poignant verse
He reaches the edge of the universe
And touches our hearts with his spirit, true
To provide a lens to see it anew
He offers a forum for expression
In doing so, he offers the lesson
To help each other celebrate our young
By giving a platform for their own song
And offering you a night to treasure
He brings his music here for your pleasure
And gives his talent and those of his friends
When this magical evening starts to end
Youll leave this café with a new outlook
Run to his website and buy his new book
Invite his band for your next occasion
Ask him to be your legal liaison
When you want someone to be on your side
When a task is hard to take it in stride
Call Rodney Garcia is what we would do
Now here he is, without further ado.
By
Linda Pirrone, 2/18/06 Manila Café Tutubi Cultural
Center
Just
a brief note that we just finished a pretty satisfying concert
at the Manila Cafe. We were billed for 9:30 p.m., but at 6:30
I got a call from my friend Nory who asked why I wasn't there
yet. Apparently, her group and some others were already "camped"
at the cafe and said they'd leave if I didn't show up by the
time they finished their dinner. So I took Rocky with me and
instructed Jitter and Ella to handle the rest of the band
-who, I imagined, were scouring the music stores for a new
bass guitar -because Martin's bass conked out earlier that
afternoon at practice. In the meantime, a portion of my right
thumb's fingernail had peeled off! On concert day! So I would
have to play with a guitar pick that night -something I'm
no longer used to doing. Off Rocky and I went, when we got
to the cafe, the tables were full already and I wondered how
it would be for those who would be coming later at the true
concert time. I started mixing with the folks at the cafe
-some gently asking if I can just go ahead and start. Instead,
I asked the owner if we can play Jitter's CD on the system,
to tide them through while we waited for the rest of the band.
Within the hour, more people had filtered in and the Cafe
attendants were bringing out more chairs from the back room.
Soon
the place was packed. Finally, the rest of the band walked
in, lugging the instruments (keyboard, drumset, and yes -a
leased bass guitar) and other peripherals. How'd the concert
go? Jitter had her charisma; but those sax guys (including
Rocky) blew the place away -I am so proud of them. Just a
week before, Matt Magnaye [Rocky's 16 year old sax tutor)
starred in solo piece after solo piece with an elite jazz
orchestra concert. And at the Cafe, he had the audience up
and applauding. The other sax guy is Martin (also plays smoking
bass guitar) - who was recruited by Chris Vedalla of Chuck
Mangione fame to play in a jazz ensemble with the University
of Maryland. It also helped that I had a true pro on keyboards
and/or drums -Romeo Casanova is quite an addition to us -whose
virtuosity has seen airplay in a jazz radio station WKYS.
He even put "strings" (violin, cello) sound on a
couple of my change-of-pace folk ballads.
I
don't know, seems that sometimes Providence really does gift
us with the missing pieces.
NEXT
GIGS:
March 19 Friday. Bishop O'Oconnel 5 p.m.-7 Leyte Mudslide
Benefit (including Agos, The Speaks, First Rays, Angie Pepa)
March
29. Catholic University Of America (8 p.m.) - short gig
sponsored by the Fil-Am students association.
Feb.
24, 2006
HI all,
Well, as you know, tonight the Philippine Embassy celebrated
the anniversary of EDSA I with a grand reception at the Romulo
Hall. Dignitaries, state department, etc. And most of the
Fil-Am leaders were there. A defiant but calm Ambassador del
Rosario told the crowd that the coup attempt in Manila today
did not succeed and that the Filipinos should remain united.
Interestingly enough, a few days prior to the reception, the
cultural attache had contacted me and requested me to play
at the reception, specifically my composition "Nasaan"
--a song about unity.
So after all the speeches -including a rather long evangelical-type
prayer (I mean--really interminably long -- and I felt guilty
that my mind was wandering to the food and that I started
people-watching). Anyway, then it was time for dinner, and
yes, I was one of the first in line (but then I ended up giving
my plate to Ella). After the repast, our trio (Jitter, Matt
and myself)got up on the stage; one of the staff arranged
the mics together for us (but these were non-music mics, but
I guess we were okay with them, and there was no time for
sound check) Jitter was with me to do the bulk of the singing
because I'm coming out of some form of sore throat this week,
and Matt brandished his soprano sax (I had given him some
counterpoints and note runs just two nights ago -and I told
him not to do any jazz licks on this one; the guy had the
whole kaboodle pat down in a couple of days.) Then when we
finished and the crowd yelled for more, we sang our staple
"Sana."
Then they called for more, but we finally demurred. The head
of the Philippine American Foundation for Charities came up
and announced the upcoming Leyte Mudslide Benefit Concert
that I'm organizing. We promised fantastic artists at the
concert. Feedback from our little schtick up there was actually
very nice. Even the young intern working at the embassy introduced
himself to me and talked enthusiastically about the songs
(even though I bet he hardly understood the first one we did).
I'm looking forward to that Mudslide Benefit Concert because
I'll be seeing my music friends again --most of whom were
the same rough riders from Bagyo Aid last year.
Rod
Feb.
12, 2006
Rodney Garcia will be doing a full concert of his original
compositions February 18 at the Manila Cafe in Springfield,
Virginia. Last February, Rod put together a group of local
musical artists (including the Speaks, Agos and Average Joe)
for the Bagyo Aid concert to benefit Feed The Hungry's projects
in typhoon-devasted Quezon and Aurora in the Philippines.
Last May, Rod also performed in Manila Cafe to benefit Gawad
Kalinga.
Joining him in this year's performance will be Martin Magnaye
(tenor sax, bass). Martin is considered one of the best tenor
saxophone player among the Catholic high school bands in the
archdiocese. Also in Rod's band are Glenn Davis (guitar),
Matt Magnaye( alto sax, guitar, percussion), Romeo Casanova
(keyboards, drums), Rocky Garcia (alto sax), Jitter Garcia
(vocals) and Eric Champaloux (guitar) and Russ Arlotta.
Aug.
25, 2005
The younger members of my band have created a site in myspace.com/rodgarciaband.
Please check it out for pictures and recordings we're working
on.
Concert Schedule
July 30 Vision Gallery - Georgetown, Georgetown Park
Shopping Mall -a short set on the occasion of the closing
party of art gallery exhibit by Julian Oteyza- 7:30 p.m.
Aug. 13, Virginia Beach - Silver & Bull music fest
(the whole family is going and Ella and the kids are staying
on the rest of the week)
Aug. 27, (tentative date) House Concert in Woodbridge
( hosted by Leonor Noblejas)
Happy Father's Day to all.
Here's
my June-July Schedule:
June 21.......... 7 p.m. Lecture on Living Wills at
the Mrs. Philippines Home for Senior Citizens, Bock Rd. Oxon
Hil, Maryland
June 25...........9-10 p.m. . mini-concert Savory Cafe,
7071 Carrol Ave, Takoma Park, Maryland
July 9 ............8 p.m., guest appearance, launch
of Angie Pepa's CD Karaoke Idol, 7151 Lee Highway
Back
from LA
I'm back from my reading/concert in LA this past Feb. 5.
The venue for the reading was an Italian restaurant at the
ritzy Bonaventure Hotel -- it was filled and all books sold.
There was coverage by a California public radio station (they
had me sign a consent to air the concert/reading), and a good
number of folks from the Filipino press were present; as well
as several arts/cultural directors and such --- connected
to school systems and communities.
Let me share this letter from one of them, Zen Lopez, a former
Bayanihan dancer and model. I don't think she'll mind.
Hi Rodney!
Thanks again for the wonderful book reading and musical renditions
that you gave last Saturday at the Bonaventure. Am enjoying
your book and reading it at leisure. It was great meeting
you. Should we have another chance to go to Washington DC,
will definitely keep in touch.
Best regards,
Z e n
p.s. couldn't decipher your aol address (again!),
so just went to your website. Great website!
Zen Lopez
Arts and Culture Commissioner
City of Glendale
Also present was the Rene, President (and his wife) of the
Don Bosco Alumni Association of the US -Rene Ramos. He was
very encouraging in his support. Here's a portion of a letter
to my friend Raoul -which was copied to me:
....
Tell Rodney that we enjoyed it very much - it was our first
time to attend such. I am almost through reading the book
- baka biglang mag test si Rodney. Also, I will remind him
to send me a sampler CD ...!
Rene
But what touched me the most was what a sixteen year old
did. Raoul took his son along -who was naturally not too keen
about going to a book reading. I read from the story, "Pasig
Boy," and stopped at a certain pivotal part of the story.
Raoul told me the next day that on their way home, his son
insisted (ang kulit daw) on getting the book out of Raoul's
bag so he can read it in the car and find out what happens
next.
Next gig is Bagyo' Aid benefit concert on Feb. 26 in Falls
Church , Virginia.
So long for now.
Feb 11, 2005 -
Concerts coming up
Anyone in the L.A. area, please note that on Feb.5, I'm doing
a reading (of my book) and a mini-concert of songs in my upcoming
CD. It's at 1 p.m. Saturday, February 5, 2005 at Marcello's
Original Tiramisu Italian Restaurant and Caterer, Suite 417,
4th Floor Shops and Gallery
The Westin Bonaventure Hotel, 404 S. Figueroa St, Los Angeles,
CA 90071; Tel 213-629-2000 or 213-880-8371 cell
Tickets available at $11.50. Includes sales tax and tips.
Space is limited to 50 people. Strictly by reservation.
RSVP before February 3, 2005. Email the organizer, Linda
Nietes at lindanietes@earthlink.net or linda_nietes@sbcglobal.net.
She accepts payment by check, major credit card or thru
PayPal.
1/21/05 -
Back From the 7-Day Book Tour
Well folks, I'm back from a 7 day whirlwind book/concert tour
to Hawaii and Manila. I I read before several professors from
the University of Hawaii, and members of the Filipino Association
of University Women, at the beautiful Philippine consulate in
Honolulu. Consul General Rolly Gregorio and staff officer Mod
Villalobos and her husband were very gracious. Marised Badal
whisked me straight from the airport to the site, baggage and
all. My friend Dr. Alberto San JUan Jr. took a lot of nice shots
-which hopefully I can share here in the near future. Honolulu
has some of the best sushi I've ever tasted. On Monday morning
I was off to Manila. Eventually got there late Tuesday night
and got ready for my reading at Lourdes School the following
evening. It was good to be in Lourdes - my alma mater from Prep
to 3 year high school. Representatives from different batches
read from "The Right Place and Other Stories." I read too and
also presented a video excerpt of my musical plays. Then they
asked me to sing one of my compositions -and I obliged with
"I'm Like You" -the title track from the CD I am finishing.
When they asked for another number, I noted that the book's
last story contains one of my songs, "City Lights" -and played
that, as my cousin Theresa sang while reading the lyrics off
the book. Finally, that Friday, it was time for the hot spot
-"The Magnet" an art gallery/book store across Ateneo, near
Miriam College, frequented by denizens of worlds of literature,
music and academe. Met many new friends, including published
poets and authors, university scholars, including Butch Dalisay
and excellent musicians --including jazz saxophone virtuoso
Karen Tan. While I was waiting to be called for the start of
the proceedings, Rock Drillon --owner of the Magnet --set me
up in his private quarters and showed me his classical guitar
strung up in alternate tuning. He offered some wine, but I was
so jet-lagged, I felt I'd keel over if I consume an ounce of
liquor. My sponsor, prominent literary critic, Krip Yuson came
a little later, some gin and lots of good will in tow. To start
the evening, Ces Drillon (of ABS-CBN's "People") and I unveiled
a Poet's Alcove outside the Magnet, while cameras clicked. This
is in effect a shrine that Krip had prepared, honoring Filipino
poetry. That night, the alcove featured Nick Joaquin. Then after
a nice introduction by Krip, I read from some poetry in the
last story of my book, then from the title story, "The Right
Place." My cousin, Sonny, told me "lumabas ang pagka-Amerikano
mo," I think he was referring to the fact that I apparently
slipped into my normal American accent while I read. Up till
then, I seemed to have affected a slight Filipino accent. At
the Q & A that ensued, a Japanese scholar from U.P. asked me
where the "right place" is for me - the States or the Philippines.
I told her that its a continuing issue, but that ultimately
the mind is its own place (paraphrasing Milton). Didn't sleep
any more the rest of that evening. Attended my cousin Lulus
birthday party in Barrio Kapitolyo, then was at the airport
at 4 a.m., lined up with my one box of pasalubongs. I'm very
grateful to Krip Yuson and the Drillons for the wonderful time
I had at the Magnet; to my octane-fuled cousin Kai Garcia and
to Oliver Darvin (of "Sons of Lourdes") for the touching tribute
they gave me at Lourdes School; and to Ms. Ethel Ward, to the
officers and members of the Filipino Association of University
Women, to the consulate's Mod Villalobos, to Consul Gen. Rolly
Gregorio, to Dr. Alberto San Juan and his family, and to Marised
Badal for each sharing a piece of Honolulu with me. Rodney Garcia
11/15/2004 -
PHIL. EMBASSY INVITATION TO HERITAGE 2
The Oct. 16 show is getting close. I'll be presenting excerpts
from my musical play, Hacienda at 4 p.m. that Saturday at the
GWU auditorium. Hope to see you there! I've included another
musician - Al Baes, an excellent professional keyboard player.
Talented thespian Valerie Resultan will recite lines by the
character of Kristine. And four young singers will render most
of the vocals: Arceli Magpayo, Jordana de Leon, Jitter Garcia
and Marinel de Jesus.
For guitarists out there, I'l be using a Taylor 714CE. I'm
bringing my Spanish guitar for good measure.
For more information on Hacienda, the musical, please visit
my website at www.rodshacienda.com. It was shown several times
in the DC area, including at the Le Neon French American Theater
and Gunston Hall.
For thoe also interested in the book readings, I've been
asked to do a reading of my book "The Right Place and Other
Stories" at 1:45 p.m. that same Saturday.
All the best,
Rod
Oct. 6, 2004 -
Heritage II
Rod will particiate in "HERITAGE II
Pride in our Books,
Pride in our Future
Meet the Filipino-American Authors of Tomorrow. . .
16 October 2004, Saturday
Go to:
http://rodshacienda.com/articles/heritage2.htm
for details
Sep 14, 2004 -
Now that summer's over
Now that summer is almost over, I thought I'd let you all know
what I'm up to:
I'm currently trying to complete a CD of original music -
it should be done by October;
also, I'll be reading excerpts from my book at the Philippine
Embassy book fair October 16, as well as presenting excerpts
from my musical Hacienda (thanks to several talented musicians);
in November, I'll be headed for Manila for a couple of readings
-thanks to Philippine literary critic Krip Yuson. There's
a possibility I'll also do a reading in Honolulu (Nov. 7)
prior to Manila.
Full plate, folks!
Aug 28, 2004 -
Music Fest
I'm happy to report that all went well at the music fest. We
performed four of the ten songs in Hacienda to an audience of
mostly non-Filipinos. After the performance, strangers came
up to us on stage to ask where to get the CD, where to catch
the full show, and in one case, to comment that the material
and performance was "Broadway quality" A professor of music
at the University of Maryland and Catholic U wanted to look
at the score and was rather effusive.
I was lucky to have excellent singers in Jennifer Escano,
Jordana De Leon and Arceli Magpayo.
We'll be performing again this Saturday at the American
Legion in Arlington (off Columbia Pike) in Julian Oteyza's
jam night, starting at 9 p.m. -although without the services
of Jennifer -who will be out of town.
June 22, 2004 -
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