Parokya, Bamboo to rock NJ, NY this weekend

Parokya ni Edgar and Bamboo, two of the Philippines’ biggest bands, will rock New Jersey on Saturday, March 24, at Fast Lane (Asbury Park) and New York City on Sunday, March 25, with a show at the Five Star Banquet Hall (1305 43rd Ave). Dubbed as "The Show of a Lifetime," the ultimate Pinoy Rock experience is produced by Tambayan Productions. The show starts promptly at 4 PM. Tickets are $65 all ages and may be obtained by calling 732-895-7366; 732-489-2800; 732-822-5963; 848-466-0354; 732-829-2981 or via e-mail TambayanProductions@yahoo.com. Guests for this production include Warholsoup, the Kuwagos, the Happy Analogues and the Kayumanggi Band. Parokya ni Edgar was formed in 1993 by a group of Ateneo high school students. It has become famous and most lauded for its original rock novelty songs. They often do satirical covers of popular songs. Over the years, the band has transcended musical genres, varying styles from alternative rock to pop rock, fund to rapcore. Their trademark style is that of providing comic relief to their listeners. Also known as "Ang Pambansang Banda ng Pilipinas" (the National Band of the Philippines), Parokya ni Edgar is composed of six members: Chito Miranda and Vinci Montaner on vocals, Darius Semaña and Gabriel CheeKee on guitars, Buhawi Meneses on bass and Dindin Moreno on drums. They happily state: "Our music is happy Filipino chop suey music. Our musical influences are modern world music." Yet beneath the silly gags and the punchlines, the Band has matured musically. They have under their belt six albums with an endless string of hit singles (including one that inspired a movie), loads of music awards, and a fan base that extends from all over the Philippines to all over the world. Bamboo is a Filipino alternative rock band founded in 2002 by Bamboo Manalac (former vocalist of Rivermaya). No asking where the band is named after. Ira Cruz, the guitarist, states "the word bamboo also relates to strength and durability with an island feel to it." One other member is formerly with Rivermaya, Nathan Azarcon. It was after Manalac and Azarcon's departure from Rivermaya (four years after to be exact) that they met again and Azarcon introduced Ira Cruz and Vic Mercado (then members of Pop Ballad band Passage." Bamboo's debut album "As the Music Plays" was released in February 2004 receiving positive response from fans and critics alike. The album also won numerous awards at AWIT Awards, NU107 Rock Awards, and MTV Pilipinas 2004. Catch Parokya ni Edgar and Bamboo in New York! Enjoy the ultimate Pinoy Rock Experience. Tickets are going fast and reports have it that their New Jersey show at the Fast Lane (Asbury Park) Saturday, March 24, 2007, is sold out.