Jose Mari Chan concert on July

FOREIGN ARTISTS like Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, etc. have been dominating the concert scene lately. What can local music icon Jomari Chan say about this? “I really hope the audience will support our local artists more since we’re really suffering from the massive influx of foreign acts,” he says. “If our Kababayans would go for more local music and shun pirates, this will surely help OPM (Original Pilipino Music) to flourish once more.”

Jomari will have a concert with The Company at the SMX Convention Center on July 23, “It’s Complicated: A Valentine Concert in July”, produced by Pelita Uy of Beginnings at 20 Plus, producer of the award-winning film, “Sigwa”. Pelita says she sees “the diminishing passion of Filipinos for OPM” so she calls on the government to help local music. She’s thankful to SMX Convention Center for helping the concert. “Just one meeting with them and they saw our vision. They’re willing to support all local producers producing local acts by giving special discounted rates. Even SM Tickets, will take 50 percent off from commission for local acts. If more theaters will participate, there’s a big chance that the music industry will come alive again. I’m also praying the bill to waive amusement taxes on concerts will be approved so local producers can sell tickets for local shows at lower prices.”

For “It’s Complicated”, Jomari and The Company will have an all OPM repertoire. “I’ll be singing their songs, they’ll sing mine and we’ll have numbers paying tribute to the works of other local artists,” he says.

“We’ll also sing songs that he composed but sang by other artists like ‘Ang Nobya Kong Sexy’ and “Hahanapin Ko’,” says Moi Ortiz, leader of The Company. “We’ve done a show before in Guam but this is the first time we’re doing a concert here with him and it’s really a great honor.”

For tickets or sponsorships, call 470-2222, 753-1609, or 545-2435.