By Jt Nisay
A rose-laden bed of timeless classics await music fans who fall in love this Valentine weekend with Lani Misalucha’s back-to-back concert, titled Love Catcher, on February 14 and 15, 8 pm, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila (RWM).
“We want our audience to fall in love,” said Lani, billed as “Asia’s Nightingale,” during the news conference for the show at the Cantonese restaurant Passion in RWM. “We want them to feel that they are loved. Kung wala man silang special someone with them, I would want them to find a special someone after the show.”
With the musical direction of Mel Villena, and Frank Lloyd Mamaril as concert director, the show also presents Cebuana jazz trio Baihana, renowned musical group Philippine Madrigal Singers, and romantic pop balladeer Edward Benosa.
According to Lani, she’s excited to work with Mamaril and the “Madz.” “First time ko makaka-trabaho si Frank Mamaril and I’m looking forward to that, and first time rin na magiging guest ko ’yung UP Madrigal Singers.”
The show, which is for the benefit of the Cancer Alleviation Network on Care, Education & Rehabilitation, is also a comeback of sorts for Lani at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. The “Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin” singer said that she has performed at the venue for three straight years since 2012 but was absent last year because of other projects. “I like the atmosphere here because it’s an intimate venue.”
Now based in Las Vegas, Lani also stressed the difference between the audience overseas and the more discerning crowd here.
“Doon, madali silang ma-please. Even if your show is pretty raw, wala masyadong production, once nakita naman nila na the performer is very good, they would give you the recognition. Dito naman, kailangan mo talaga mag-effort to make your show a good one, para puntahan ka kasi maraming performers, maraming magagaling, maraming shows, so kailangan mo talagang gawan ng paraan para maging maganda ’yung show.”
Aside from her upcoming concert, Lani said she has a bevy of projects lined up for this year. One of which is judging alongside Martin Nievera and Toni Gonzaga in ABS-CBN’s new reality singing competition I Love OPM, set to premier on February 13.
“We have started taping, nasabay sa rehearsal ko dito sa show. We’re also planning for a new album with Star Records. My last one was in 2014, The Nightangle Returns, na puro original Pilipino music [OPM] classics. This time naman, OPM pa rin pero in English and some original songs. I’ll also be having tours in Europe and in the Middle East.”
For tickets and other information, contact Ticketworld at 891-99-99 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.