Gigs are so back

Live gigs are back — delighting the fans of the musicians who are themselves itching to play for them.

A recent show that featured a rare appearance by Gary Granada at My Brother's Mustache in Quezon City drew a full-house crowd, which extended to the lobby of Hive, the hotel adjacent to the bar, both owned by Boy Vinzon.

Dong Abay, Bayang Barrios, and Ebe Dancel joined Granada onstage in a fun jam — never mind momentary flubs, including Granada himself who forgot the lyrics to one of his songs and stopped and laughingly proceeded to repeat the tune.

Earlier Chickoy Pura gladly warmed up the audience with his own originals and his wide repertoire of classic covers.

Seated at a corner of the bar was a smiling Vinzon.

Over at 19 East, the group PDO (pronounced like "BDO") played like a top international act before an audience of swooning music enthusiasts and critics.

Currently composed of Pido Lalimarmo, Rommel dela Cruz, Rancis de Leon, and 19 East owner Wowee Posadas, the band shone in its covers of Lee Ritenour, Kenny Loggins, and Lalimarmo's originals.
Lalimarmo called two women in the audience to jam. First was a young musician named Toni, who did a charming version of Lisa Loeb's "Stay (I Missed You)."

Next was original Pido with Take One member Ninette Tenza-Umali, who was at first hesitant, saying she felt cold, but got us swaying with her rendition of Billy Joel's "New York State of Mind."

Text and photos by Pocholo Concepcion