Summer Jammin’ with FilAm Musicians

By: Lou Maningas Cabalona

 

Walking down the street towards the Normandy Hill Clubhouse in Northbrook, I hear Santana’s Oye Como Va underscored by a trio of distinct yet perfectly synchronized percussion sounds of the congas, timbales and drums. Not to be outdone, the rhythms were also grooving on point; one would guess it was a recording. But it w as not.

What it was though is unmistakably another lively gathering of the Filipino Musicians of Chicago! And with the all-day party mood at the clubhouse, one would not have guessed it was a retirement party for Board Members, Roland Del Rosario and Expo Taghap who recently exchanged their long time professions for a full-time job as musicians and life enthusiasts.

GrOOve Time band led by power singer, Patty Lou Soliman rendered a solid set of dance tunes for guests by the poolside and got the party going even more. Young Once, composed of seasoned musicians, celebrant Roland Del Rosario, Freddie Alba, Phil Fertig, Ed Sawyer, Rogel Arceo, Gerry Lomotan and last year’s Filipino American Hall Of Fame awardee and FMOC President, Rudy Campos, delighted the crowd with their medley of Beatles covers. Newcomers, the Gemstones, an all-female pop band, performed today’s hits and capped their set off with their own version of the classic, “I Will Survive”.

As the evening mellowed down, Ned Barin, a Chicago-native musician visiting from San Diego obliged to a few of his trademar k acoustic rock numbers followed by Expo Taghap closing the evening’s performances with his rendition of “One In A Million”.

Guests and friends at the party were treated to a taste of what FMOC hopes to offer its guests during its midyear fundraiser.

Summer Jam 2017 presented by The Filipino Musicians of Chicago to be held on August 26, 2017 at 730pm at the Miraj Restaurant, 8801 N Milwaukee Ave in Niles, will showcase Chicagoland-based bands, GrOOve Time Band, SamaSama Project, 2855 to GO, the Gemstones, Young Once and feature local Filipino American singers exrtraordinare, April Garcia, Bless Peterson, Irelyn Arana and Mary Ann.

Through Summer Jam 2017 and their Special Christmas Caroling special event slated the end of the year, The Filipino Musicians of Chicago, Inc, a 501 (c) 3 not for profit organization established in 2013 hopes to raise funds to pursue its mission of promoting camaraderie among the Filipino Musicians/Bands and most importantly, to be proactive in assisting musicians members in times of unforeseen emergency need(s) or in cases of ailment and/or death.

Summer Jam 2017 tickets include a sumptuous dinner with the show. For tickets and information about Summer Jam 2017, call Baron – (312) 593-5154, Rudy (630)701-4007, Patty (708) 609-9844- April 847- 372-3965 – Rogel 773-226-1208 or email samasamaproject@gmail.com

Filipino Pride at Live Jam for Cash “Battle of the Bands”

Wanted to share the good news that my band, SamaSama Project participated and won 1st place in Strociek Music and JBC Entertainment’s Live Jam for Cash last June 24 at Danny’s On Douglas in Elgin. The band composed mostly of musicians of Filipino descent bested other talented bands in a “battle of the bands” format competition that gave c ontestants including the Carter Helton Band, Vicoja and Monk 9, who also was invited to audition for America’s Got Talent this year, a 40 minute stage time to perform a set.

For their winning set, SamaSama Project opened with their own “mashup” of Philip Philips’ “Home” and Filipino traditional folk song, “Ay Ay Salidumay” and honored the late George Michael and Amy Winehouse with their own arrangement of their hits such as “Careless Whisper”, “You Know I’m No Good” and “Valerie”. They also performed their originals “Fresh Bagoong” and “Blood Runs” to the enthusiastic crowd.

The winning bands received recording time at Red Door Studio and a cash prize.

Congratulations to SamaSama Project and all the bands that participated at Live Jam For Cash!

Happy Birthday Ambassador Jose L Cuisia, Jr!

A warm and heartfelt birthday shoutout to our Ninong, former Ambassador of the Philippines to the USA, Jose L Cuisia, Jr who along with his wife Ninang Vicky Cuisia founded FYLPRO. Together, they had the vision of bringing together outstanding young Filipino American leaders across the USA to be part of an immersion program in the Philippines to help them further advocacies that promote more progress in the Philippines and engage the multi-faceted Filipino-American community.

I was one of those leaders selected in its’ inaugural year in 2012 and the experience and the friends I have met have forever chan ged my perspective and my purpose as a Filipino American living in the USA.

I am only one of the many whose life was touched by our bril – liant, wise and ever so humble, Ambassador. I wish him all the happiness and contentment in life with Ninang Vicky and his loving family by his side. Happy birthday, Ninong Ambassador Joey!

Chicago Musicians and friends (clockwise from top left) Neil Francis, Phil Fertig, Rudy Garcia, guest, Ramon Mendoza, Geno Supangan, Gerry Lomotan, Louella Cabalona, Ralph Polinski, Lani and Roland Del Rosario Sam Interino, Rogel Arceo, 2016 Chicago Filipino American Hall of Fame awardee and FMOC President Rudy Campos, Patty Lou Soliman, Ned Barin, Expo Taghap, Jessie Paulino, Freddie Alba, Baron Cabalona, guest, Nino Mesina.

Enjoying the music at Roland Del Rosario and Expo Taghap’s retirement party with FMOC President Rudy Campos (left), my mother Sally Mesde (3rd from left), Lani Del Rosario, Geno Supangan and wife

SamaSama Project wins 1st place at the Live Jam for Cash at Danny’s On Douglas in Elgin

SamaSama Project Bass player, EJ Luna (left), lead singer Louella Rose and lead guitaris John Kniker (right) with on

Louella and Baron with Ambassador Jose L Cuisia, Jr. during his last official visit in Chicago as Ambassador last June 2016.