Earth Day Jam 2008

In celebration of International Earthday, on April 25 at 7:00pm, roads close to open a sizzling street party at Quezon City’s premier restaurant and bar strip, Tomas Morato Avenue. For one night, over 20 bands, musicians and artists gather to perform for the only home we have in a 6-7 hour merry music making marathon.

This noble event is spearheaded by pop icon Lou Bonnevie, 2008’s roster is a perky mix of young and veteran performers from jazz, world music to alternative, rock and ethnic. The concert starts with some explosive jazz, samba and bossa at full swing with the Philippine Latin-Jazz Orchestra, the vocal ensemble The Company, the spicy samba group Guarana and of course the bossa diva, Sitti. The pop set follows with sweet catchy tunes from Barbie Almalbis, Imago, Callalily, Moonstar ’88 and Zelle. The rock scene then headlines three major bands— Rivermaya, Sandwich and Kjwan with “Earthday jam” veterans such as the artist-producer-envi awardee herself, Lou Bonnevie, backed up by rockers from Razorback & Pinikpikan plus Noel Cabangon with his band and world-funk-ethno group Pinikpikan and True Faith . Earthday jam can’t be complete without the reggae rastas from Reggae Mistress along with ska band Juan Pablo Dream and the wacky Radioactive Sago Project. The line- up also guarantees a musical feast with Sinosikat and UpDharma Down. The reunion of R&B group South Border will surely be a momentous catch. Also joining musicians onstage are speakers from environmental NGO organizations and volunteers from the civic society

As a happy audience fills the strip, tables and chairs (promised by The Morato Business Club), street pavements become a lively al fresco where people may watch the concert and at the same time opt to enjoy worthwhile “Earthday discounts” from establishments around the performance area. For greater viewing pleasure, a multimedia stage with a spacious two- band set up will be placed along T. Morato Ave. perpendicular to Timog Ave. with four blocks from Scout Rallos (along Yellow Cab) to Scout Fuentebella (along Ratsky’s).

So as not to forget the purpose of the revelry, everyone is invited to drop by early and check out the “envi-tents” surrounding the vicinity. It’s easy to say “Save the Earth” and it’s another to actually do that. At the jam, all are urged to support by enlisting in any of the DENR’s activities and those of the other NGOs. Better still, to bring out a placard to shout out your environmental sentiments. If you love Mother Earth as much as you should, hit the streets and stroll down to a party that concerns everybody. Admission is free because living on the Earth is free!