Come rain, come shine, come Kuh!
By Maridol Rañoa-Bismark
The Philippine Star 08/11/2006

Talking to Kuh Ledesma about her recently-concluded first leg of her 25th anniversary US tour (with Basil Valdez, Christopher de Leon, Christian Bautista and Isabella) is like taking a crash course on performing abroad. She leaves nothing to chance and leaves no stone unturned in her drive to promote the yearly series.

"It’s not just a matter of making money. It’s also seeing that the show is well-promoted. Otherwise, how can we continue doing shows there?," she begins.

So she and her guests attend every dinner (sometimes two a night) each sponsor invites them to. They go to every Filipino video store they could find to sign autographs and shake hands.

The extra pounds from the eating binges don’t show on her lean frame. It’s because Kuh sheds those pounds as quickly as she gains them.

And considering that she has a different producer in every city (seven all in all in her recent tour which coincided with her 25th anniversary as solo performer), that means not just eating everywhere, but meeting a lot of people.

"I actually enjoy it," reveals Kuh. "I go to the US three months ahead of the scheduled tour and meet everyone I have to meet."

It also means staying in one car, chatting about God with her guests, whose spirituality is as deep as hers. And so bonding comes as naturally as singing for them.

"I never heard them complain despite the grueling schedule. It’s humbling and I feel so grateful," Kuh gushes. That’s why she will hold the second leg of the tour, this time in Edmonton, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Los Angeles, Cache Creek, Dallas, Seattle, Las Vegas and Lakeland.

Meantime, Kuh is back in Manila to prepare for a two-night concert with Mon David called Come Rain, Come Shine at the Captain’s Bar of Mandarin Oriental on Aug. 18 and 25, 8 p.m.

Besides the music, Kuh and Mon share something else which is just as special. Mon, grand prize winner at the London International Jazz Competition, happens to be the vocal coach of Isabella, Kuh’s daughter.

"That girl shows a lot of promise," Mon observes.

Kuh interjects, "I’ve been singing the praises of pop music to Isabella. But she insists hers is another musical calling – jazz."

So the mother backs off and lets her only child do her thing. At least she won’t be lurking under the shadows of her famous mom, who goes by the moniker of "Pop Diva."

"It’s a good thing Isabella has her own style," explains Kuh. And at least it’s not metal rap, which Kuh admits is not exactly her favorite genre.

"That’s the only thing I haven’t done," she relates.

But if Kuh doesn’t listen to metal rap, she feels the opposite when it comes to Sarah Vaughn.

"Her music has influenced me," Kuh says. It could very well be the music Isabella heard when she was still in the womb.

"Once I chance upon an artist I like, I don’t get tired listening to his music over and over," reveals Kuh. Conversely, there are artists (no names, please) she will never be caught dead listening to.

Not in the list, of course, is the late George Canseco, whose music started Kuh off in the business. She has paid tribute to him in a concert twice in a row. And she plans to hold another tribute, this time with other artists doing his immortal hit songs.

So let the music play on. Kuh Ledesma will always have her arsenal of songs to serenade music lovers, not just here, but in other places around the world as well.

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200608111704.htm

Kuh, still strong on her silver year in music
By: Terrie B. Fucanan | The Manila Times
11 August 2006 | 8:39 AM


Pop diva. Queen of concept shows. Singing icon. Enterprising artist.

Kuh Ledesma will surely never run out of such complimentary titles. Her strong staying power in the music industry especially the concert arena is attributed to her timely choice of music platform, her perfect assemblage of guest performers and her concert themes that never cease to delight and amuse.

And she’s still halfway through celebrating her silver anniversary as a solo artist. In February Kuh marked this milestone by opening the one-year music series called “Kuh Ledesma Presents” at the Captain’s Bar of the Mandarin Oriental Manila.

On the concert front, she staged a successful Valentine show with the concert queen Pops Fernandez at the Big Dome, and just recently returned from the well-received first leg of her anniversary tour in Chicago, Orlando, San Francisco, Ohio, Angeles, Phoenix and San Diego in the United States.

Earlier this year the enterprising Kuh also opened a little theater at the promenade of Greenhills called Teatrino, which she coowns with business partner Precy Florentino.

In the summer she cooled down hot evenings with her Captain’s Bar gigs with Bobby Soul, a former member of the legendary fifties’ group, The Platters.

This rainy month of August, Kuh will once again hit the Mandarin Oriental music lounge with another renowned performer: the award-winning jazz singer Mon David.

“The show will revisit Mon’s music talent,” says Kuh. “He has been in the industry for so long and has worked with many music genres.”

“Come Rain, Come Shine” as the show is billed, will be held on August 18 and 25 at 8 p.m. It will feature nostalgic songs and jazz tunes perfect for the rainy season, adds Kuh, including those by Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald and several pop songs leaning on rhythmic jazz.

And if the audiences are lucky, David might also give them a taste of his upcoming jazz album. The First London International Jazz Festival grand champion is finishing his music album with the UK label Candid Records, which allowed him to inject his own material into some songs.

“There’s a track that contains lyrics of a Capampangan folk song, which I vocally styled in jazz,” said David, who is also trained in classical, kundiman and even pop music. “I’ve done this combination before in London and the audience liked it. It’s a good start at showcasing Filipino languages to the world."

In September Kuh will be back in the United States to continue the second leg of her anniversary tour. Traveling with her in Canada (Edmonton, Vancouver and Winnipeg) and the US (Los Angeles, Cache Creek, Dallas, Seattle, Las Vegas, Lakeland) are guest performers Martin Nievera, Jericho Rosales, Basil Valdez and daughter Isabella.

Filipinos awaiting Kuh’s return can expect the same musical bravado that she delivered in the first leg of her tour—the magnificent costumes, beautiful choice of songs and the remarkable vocal talents Filipino artists are known for in the world.

But there is one more important component lacking in Kuh’s 25th-year celebration. She’s still working on her anniversary album, which she will simply call K, and will contain the very best of her music. K will feature songs in Pilipino and remakes of kundiman.

“I wanted to have the album done in time for my US tour, but then I thought why rush it when I’m enjoying every minute of the creative process that goes with each song?” she says. “I’ve decided to release K at the end of the year. It will be the culmination of my anniversary year, my work of legacy.”


-------------

For more information on Kuh Ledesma, log on to www.kuhledesma.net. For tickets to the Come Rain, Come Shine shows, call 551-7253 to 55, 721-0635 and 721-6726.

http://www.yehey.com/entertainment/music/a...6&id=127013

BUZZSTATION

Edgar Cruz

08/12/2006

Biz news you can use

Kuh Ledesma. She is back from a successful series of shows in the US with Christopher de Leon, Isabella, Christian Bautista and Basil Valdez, which took them to Chicago, Orlando, San Francisco, Ohio, Los Angeles, Phoenix and San Diego as part of her 25th anniversary as a solo artist. She adds, “It should be 27 years if we add my Music and Magic stint.”

Upon her arrival, she met select members of the media to announce the special two-night show entitled Come Rain, Come Shine with Mon David at the Captain’s Bar of Mandarin Oriental Hotel on Aug. 18 and 25 at 8 p.m. Mon is this year’s London International Jazz Festival grand winner who is currently recording a jazz album with Candid Records London which will include a “jazz-ified” version of the Kapangpangan song “Abe Moko.”

The second leg of her US concert tour will take place in September in such places as Los Angeles, Cache Creek, Dallas, Seattle, Las Vegas and Lakeland including shows in Edmonton, Vancouver, and Winnipeg, Canada. For ticket inquiries, call 551-7253 to 55, 721-6726 and 721-0635.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/20060812/life/20060812lif4.html

It’s showtime!


08/15/2006

Kuh celebrates 25 years as singer

The country’s Pop Siva, Kuh Ledesma, embarks on the second leg of her US tour this September as she celebrates 25th year in the industry. Her stops include Edmonton, Vancouver and Winnipeg in Canada and Los Angeles, Cache Creek, Dallas, Seattle, Las Vegas, Lakeland in the United States. Please watch out for further announcement of the performance dates.

Log-on to www.kuhledesma.net for more details.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/life/20060815lif3.html

Show Time



Inquirer
Last updated 00:32am (Mla time) 08/17/2006

Published on Page D8 of the August 17, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

Kuh at Captain’s Bar

On Aug. 18 and 25, Kuh Ledesma performs some of the most memorable songs of years past at the Captain’s Bar of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Manila in “Come Rain, Come Shine.”

For the two-night show, Kuh infuses a hint of jazz into her repertoire that includes staples from Sara Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, Barbra Streisand and Michel Legrand.

Special guests are Mon David and Kuh’s daughter Isabella. Call 721-0635, 891-9999 or 551-7253.

http://showbizandstyle.inq7.net/entertainm...rticle_id=15640

Kuh has truly evolved as an artist!



Crispina Martinez Belen

At the recent press conference which served to announce her coming two-night engagement at the Captain’s Bar of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Manila on Aug. 8 and 25 entitled "Come Rain, Come Shine," Kuh Ledesma launched into a brief song, indulges to a TV reporter. She definitely still has it. No one other local singer can be said to have retained after all these years that quality he or she began with as a young singer.


Yet, one cannot help but agree, including Kuh Ledesma herself, that she has indeed evolved as an artist.

"I have evolved as an artist and as a result I am now, more than ever very careful with my choice of songs, and am thoroughly involved with my projects," confirmed Kuh.

The most telling of this development of course was the reception of the Filipino–American audiences for whom she performed recently during the 1st leg of her US Tour to celebrate her 25th year in the industry as a solo performer. For who best can detect such a change but audiences who rarely see and hear her live?

Her audiences across the US and Canada readily offer testimony to this, including one that said that most striking thing about her shows were its unpredictability. After all, immediate expectations of course include standard musical fare. Not that she was remiss of any of her shows in the past, this time, Kuh was thoroughly involved in the selection of the repertoire that left audiences delighted at the surprise.

The selection could be said to be more attentive to the audiences and at the same time, also personally fulfilling to her.

Such attention to audiences comes as a testimony to a change in the premiere singer’s own attitude towards her craft. Whereas as a young solo performer Kuh’s own reticence, which, by her own admission, sometimes left a gap between her and her audiences. That brief song in front of the camera showed that very change—Kuh is less introverted now and is more open than she ever was.

More evidence of this newfound confidence and openness? "My favorite artist is Seal," says Kuh. The proclamation comes as a surprise, coming from someone who’s made herself a household name singing classics and standards. Seal may not be completely removed from what we know of Kuh’s choices, but the artist sort of symbolizes her now keener sense of the modern.

And although one can easily credit her fondness for Seal to the latter’s introspective attitude as an artist, Seal is definitely modern, in terms of sound alone.

Kuh further demonstrates this openness to the ways of the current state of affairs in the music industry when she says that while she may not be a big fan of Mariah Carey, she appreciates the artist’s epic efforts which surprisingly happened in a little over a decade. "I’m surprised that this girl has done all of this. I am not a fan of her but the fact that she has done all of what she has is amazing," Kuh asserts.

Also at the recent US Tour, Kuh demonstrated an enthusiasm to perform in the way that audiences saw quite clearly: In all her shows that lasted more than two and a half hours, Kuh made multiple costume changes. Audiences could only appreciate it with a collective sigh, many report. When she sings "Ako ay Pilipino," Kuh is in full royal regalia, wearing a royal ethnic outfit topped with a crown. Each performance is always goose-bump inducing and could only elicit standing ovations in every city.

Her albums can also attest to the changes and reinventions. At a time when acoustic was all the rage, she did it ahead of everyone else in the local music scene.

Yet, while one might think this evolved sense of artistry might eventually prove to be predictable, one might want to expect the unexpected.

In fact, her next album, although a compilation of songs already sung before, will be something to watch out for. Kuh says this is one of the albums with which she was thoroughly involved. "It has an interesting title," says Kuh.

What has a Kuh Ledesma not done yet and wants to? For one, Kuh wants to help more talented young artists and work on a Gospel album as a testimony to her faith.

But for now, audiences will have to delight in Kuh’s next project – the two-night affair at the Captain’s Bar where she is set to perform classics and a few modern inspirational songs. The clincher? The songs will be given a jazzy treatment and she will be performing with recently internationally acclaimed performer Mon David and daughter Isabella. Now that’s really something to watch out for. "Come Rain, Come Shine" is a production of Headline Concepts, Music Museum and the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Manila.

Come September, Kuh goes back to the US and Canada to mount the 2nd leg of her tour. Filipinos can expect her on Sept. 8 in Canada, Sept. 15 in Seattle, Sept. 16 in Anaheim, Sept. 22 in Cache Creek, Sept. 23 in Texas, Sept. 29 in Las Vegas, Sept. 30 in Florida and Oct. 1 in Missouri. Kuh is taking with her other premiere local artists such as Basil Valdez, Isabella, Jericho Rosales and Martin Nievera.

Please watch out for further announcement of the performance dates or log on to Kuh’s website at www.kuhledesma.net.

http://www.mb.com.ph/ENTR2006081771915.html

Friday, August 11, 2006


Kuh, still strong on her silver year in music
By Terrie B. Fucanan

POP diva. Queen of concept shows. Singing icon. Enterprising artist.

Kuh Ledesma will surely never run out of such complimentary titles. Her strong staying power in the music industry especially the concert arena is attributed to her timely choice of music platform, her perfect assemblage of guest performers and her concert themes that never cease to delight and amuse.

And she’s still halfway through celebrating her silver anniversary as a solo artist. In February Kuh marked this milestone by opening the one-year music series called “Kuh Ledesma Presents” at the Captain’s Bar of the Mandarin Oriental Manila.

On the concert front, she staged a successful Valentine show with the concert queen Pops Fernandez at the Big Dome, and just recently returned from the well-received first leg of her anniversary tour in Chicago, Orlando, San Francisco, Ohio, Angeles, Phoenix and San Diego in the United States.

Earlier this year the enterprising Kuh also opened a little theater at the promenade of Greenhills called Teatrino, which she coowns with business partner Precy Florentino.

In the summer she cooled down hot evenings with her Captain’s Bar gigs with Bobby Soul, a former member of the legendary fifties’ group, The Platters.

This rainy month of August, Kuh will once again hit the Mandarin Oriental music lounge with another renowned performer: the award-winning jazz singer Mon David.

“The show will revisit Mon’s music talent,” says Kuh. “He has been in the industry for so long and has worked with many music genres.”

“Come Rain, Come Shine” as the show is billed, will be held on August 18 and 25 at 8 p.m. It will feature nostalgic songs and jazz tunes perfect for the rainy season, adds Kuh, including those by Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald and several pop songs leaning on rhythmic jazz.

And if the audiences are lucky, David might also give them a taste of his upcoming jazz album. The First London International Jazz Festival grand champion is finishing his music album with the UK label Candid Records, which allowed him to inject his own material into some songs.

“There’s a track that contains lyrics of a Capampangan folk song, which I vocally styled in jazz,” said David, who is also trained in classical, kundiman and even pop music. “I’ve done this combination before in London and the audience liked it. It’s a good start at showcasing Filipino languages to the world.”

In September Kuh will be back in the United States to continue the second leg of her anniversary tour. Traveling with her in Canada (Edmonton, Vancouver and Winnipeg) and the US (Los Angeles, Cache Creek, Dallas, Seattle, Las Vegas, Lakeland) are guest performers Martin Nievera, Jericho Rosales, Basil Valdez and daughter Isabella.

Filipinos awaiting Kuh’s return can expect the same musical bravado that she delivered in the first leg of her tour—the magnificent costumes, beautiful choice of songs and the remarkable vocal talents Filipino artists are known for in the world.

But there is one more important component lacking in Kuh’s 25th-year celebration. She’s still working on her anniversary album, which she will simply call K, and will contain the very best of her music. K will feature songs in Pilipino and remakes of kundiman.

“I wanted to have the album done in time for my US tour, but then I thought why rush it when I’m enjoying every minute of the creative process that goes with each song?” she says. “I’ve decided to release K at the end of the year. It will be the culmination of my anniversary year, my work of legacy.”


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information on Kuh Ledesma, log on to www.kuhledesma.net. For tickets to the Come Rain, Come Shine shows, call 551-7253 to 55, 721-0635 and 721-6726.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2006/a...060811lif1.html

BUZZSTATION

Edgar Cruz

08/22/2006

Kuh shifts

It looks like Kuh’s endeavors have turned more commercially oriented thought still maintaining the artistic standards for which she is highly regarded.

She has virtually given up the Republic of Malate after she rebuilt it when a fire gutted the restaurant-café-theater complex some three years ago. It could have easily replaced the bohemian hub Los Indios Bravos of the ‘60s, which used to operate meters away from the Republic, until Kuh had a change of heart. Good Earth restaurant has moved to SM Mall of Asia, while she vacated the theater and rented it to a lessor, who is now constructing an old Japan club. She comments, “Mahirap mag-operate ng theater. It’s big work!”

She will no longer appear in ASAP ’06 on a regular basis. In its place, she has opted to do shows in North America which—although she did not put it this way—is a more profitable venture. She is building her relationship with her producers and their sponsors. She shares that when touring, she spends as much time to promote including attending one to two dinners she is invited to by sponsors.

She seems to have cut her passion for interior designing too. Currently, she does not have an on-going architectural project, her last being Teatrino at the Promenade in Greenhills. She says she has stopped expanding Hacienda Isabella in Batangas for the time being. Regine Velasquez and Robin Padilla shot scenes of their new full-length feature, Till I Met You, there. Instead of building more facilities, she is finalizing the present ones and their detailing.

There will be no tribute concert for National Artist for Music George Canseco this year. Last year, she produced and starred in a tribute to George on his first death anniversary at the CCP. She says she may do such tribute every two years with a new set of singers each time.

I have no doubt Kuh will be a National Artist in due time for enriching Filipino life with her art with a Pinoy heart and mind and with a global perspective. She would like to do a new version of Inspired Madness, a show which she mounted at the CCP. The Peque Gallaga-directed show took place in the ‘80s, correctly forecasting (I think it’s more creating it) the current trends in music, fashion and lifestyle these days.

Where is Kuh taking herself? No doubt to the road of being a National Artist!

Kuh will do the last leg of the Come Rain, Come Shine concert series with Mon David at the Captain’s Bar of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on Aug. 25 at 8 p.m.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/life/20060822lif3.html

Kuh dazzles in her unique jazz show
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kuh Ledesma successfully staged her unique jazz concert billed “Come Rain, Come Shine” last Friday at the Captain’s Bar of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

"Come Rain, Come Shine" also happens to be the title of a song by famous jazz artist Ella Fitzgerald. Kuh and special guests Mon David and Isabella performed a repertoire of jazz classics and pop-jazz hits.

It includes a mixture of jazz standards like "Night and Day" and "Fly Me to the Moon" and jazzed-up renditions of popular hits like "Separate Lives," "You Gotta Be," "Love Moves in Mysterious Ways," "Just the Way You Are" and "I Honestly Love You."

Inspired by jazz divas like Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, the show was a brave staging of great jazz talents top billed by Kuh Ledesma who is one of the respected artists in the industry. She rendered each song perfectly, whether it was a pop song or a difficult jazz standard.

For "Come Rain, Come Shine," Kuh chose two guests who love jazz music just as much as she does. They were jazz artist Mon David, who won first place in the London International Jazz Competition last March, and her own daughter Isabella, who has been training under Mon and has developed into a promising jazz singer in her own right.

Mon had the audience whistling and clapping to his numbers "My One and Only Love" (which he performed in the London tilt) and "No More Blues" by bossa nova legend Antonio Carlos Jobim. Mon’s sterling performance left no doubt in the minds of the audience that he deserved his first-place finish in the world competition.

Mon also performed "Nature Boy," another song that won him the title in London.

Isabella’s performance proved that she is truly her mother’s daughter. She added a different feel to the show by letting her own personality and style shine.

"Come Rain, Come Shine" will have a repeat on August 25 at the Captain’s Bar of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. For tickets and reservations, call Headline Concepts at 551-7255, Music Museum at 721-0635 or the Mandarin Oriental Hotel at 891-9999.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/aug23/ente2.htm

KUH LEDESMA - A Celebration of 25 Years in Show Business with Special Guests BASIL VALDEZ, JERICHO ROSALES, ISABELLA FRANCESCA and MARTIN NIEVERA • Seattle Friday, Sept. 15, 2006 at Meany Hall, University of Washington • Los Angeles Saturday, Sept. 16 at the Grove of Anaheim, 2200 East Katella Ave., Anaheim CA • Cache Creek in Brooks, CA Friday, Sept. 22 • Las Vegas Sunday, Sept. 24 • Lakeland, FL Saturday, Sept. 30 at Lakeland Center, Youkey Theater, 701 West Lime St. • St. Louis, MO Sunday, Oct. 1 at Kickapoo Theater (This listing of guests and tour dates is based on the info shown on www.kuhledesma.net)

Kuh’s class act


08/24/2006

Kuh Ledesma has always been known for her so-called “concept shows,” and her latest concert, billed “Come Rain, Come Shine” at the Captain’s Bar of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, is no different.

The choice of title was an indication of what the evening was going to be like for the audience that packed the Captain’s Bar on opening night last Friday, Aug. 18. “Come Rain, Come Shine” also happens to be the title of a song by jazz great Ella Fitzgerald, so people went to the show expecting to hear Kuh and special guests Mon David and Isabella perform a repertoire of jazz classics and pop-jazz hits, and that’s exactly what they got.

The evening’s repertoire was a mixture of jazz standards. It was an inspired choice of concept because jazz as a musical genre is a difficult one to sing—it requires not only vocal precision, but also a fair amount of style and class. Remembering the jazz divas of old—like Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald—it is obvious that a local singer would have to be both very talented and very brave to carry off a concept show like this. And in local music circles, Kuh Ledesma is one of the artists who is capable of doing that.

Jazz met its perfect match in Kuh that night. Vocally, she was flawless as always. Her voice was in perfect control on each song, whether these were the easiest of pop songs or the most difficult of jazz standards. Kuh—and the whole show, for that matter—radiated a kind of class not normally seen in local concerts.

For “Come Rain, Come Shine,” Kuh chose two guests who love jazz music just as much as she does (if not more): jazz artist Mon David, who won first place in the London International Jazz Competition last March, and her own daughter Isabella, who has been training under Mon and who has developed into a promising jazz singer in her own right.

“Come Rain, Come Shine” will have a repeat on Aug. 25, also at the Captain’s Bar of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. For ticket prices and reservations, please call Headline Concepts at 551-7255, Music Museum at 721-0635 or the Mandarin Oriental Hotel at 891-9999.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/life/20060824lif5.html

‘Come Rain, Come Shine:’ Talent times three!



Crispina Martinez Belen

Kuh Ledesma’s two–night concert series, "Come Rain, Come Shine," is indeed a triple treat of talent.


There’s Kuh, of course—the country’s Pop Diva, multi-awarded singer and recording artist, and her special guests, premier Filipino jazz artist and London International Jazz Competition champion Mon David, and Kuh’s daughter Isabella, a budding jazz singer who has been training with Mon and proving, despite her young age, that she is a chip off the old block.

The night, of course, belonged to Kuh. The show, with its repertoire of jazz standards and pop-jazz hits, fit her to a T. No one else can hold a candle to Kuh when it comes to performing songs by the likes of Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. She was poised, stylish and in full control of her vocals from the opening number—a jazzed-up rendition of "I’m Alive" by Celine Dion—to her follow-up songs, which included "One on One" and "Night and Day" before she called Mon David onstage.

The choice of guests for this show was crucial. It was important to bring in guests who could hold their own alongside Kuh, especially since some of the songs were to be performed as duets. The choice of London International Jazz Competition champion Mon David—who is one of the most underrated artists in the Philippines—was an inspired one. Mon impressed the audience with his renditions of "My One And Only," which was one of the songs he performed in London, and "No More Blues" by Antonio Carlos Jobim. Listen to Mon, and you’ll understand why he won over more than a hundred competitors from 27 countries. Especially enjoyable was Kuh and Mon’s duet of "Separate Lives," "How Do You Keep The Music Playing" and "You’ll Never Find."

Then Kuh came back onstage to perform three more songs: "Get Here," "Take A Bow" and "Rain" before bringing on her daughter Isabella. It was a joy to watch mother and daughter trade lines onstage. "My mom is sexier than I am, isn’t she?" said Isabella with a smile as Kuh took off her jacket to reveal that she was wearing the same white bustier top that she was in the first segment of the show. Kuh explained that the reason for wearing the same top was that the zipper on her other top broke.

Broken zippers would probably have ruined the poise of lesser performers, but not Kuh Ledesma. She isn’t called the country’s Pop Diva for nothing. Kuh treated the audience to diva-worthy renditions of "Overjoyed" by Stevie Wonder, "You Gotta Be by Des’ree," "Just The Way You Are" by Billy Joel, "I Honestly Love You" by Olivia NewtonJohn, "Love Moves In Mysterious Ways" by Julia Fordham (one of the most-covered songs in recent memory, but Kuh still managed to give it a new and interesting twist) and "The Way We Were" by Barbra Streisand, one of Kuh’s all-time favorite performers. Although we’ve heard Kuh do this song so many times, it always still sounds new each time she sings it. That’s how talented Kuh is as a singer.

If you’d like to see more of Kuh and her talented guests, "Come Rain, Come Shine " will have a repeat tonight, Aug. 25, also at the Captain’s Bar of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. For ticket prices and reservations, call Headline Concepts at 5517255 or the Mandarin Oriental Hotel at 891-9999.

By the way, we heard that some of the songs that Kuh performed in this show will be carried over to the second leg of her US Tour which will happen in September. We asked her publicist, Calvin Neria, to give us a copy of the tour dates. The shows are as follows: Sept. 8 (Canada), Sept. 15 (Seattle), Sept. 16 (Anaheim), Sept. 22 (Cache Creek), Sept. 23 (Texas), Sept. 29 (Las Vegas), Sept. 30 (Florida) and October 1 (Missouri). Kuh is taking with her other premier local artists such as Basil Valdez, Isabella, Jericho Rosales and Martin Nievera.

Bon voyage and good luck everyone!

http://www.mb.com.ph/ENTR2006082572550.html

Jackie oh!

by
Jackie Regala-Katigbak

A September to Remember

Los Angeles, brace yourselves once more as the concert scene is filled with an A-list set of performers starting September. We have an array to choose from -- running a gamut of variety shows to show bands to high-caliber artists.

*snipped*

Come Sept. 16, Saturday, the following night after MYMP-South Border is the Repeat Concert of Kuh Ledesma, the original diva of the Philippines. Her show on July 8 produced by KATZ Entertainment and Red Fox was so successful and this prompted another Kuh project at The Grove of Anaheim.

Kuh will bring back on stage her glorious music via 25 years of a progressive career watched by many since she started with Music and Magic in the club circuit in Manila.

The svelte and vocally gifted Kuh remains stunning over the years. She has hone and perfected her craft to a T. Joining her on stage are singing icon, Basil Valdez; concert king, Martin Nievera; heartthrob, Jericho Rosales and LA’s newest concert princess, Isabella Francesca. We will tell you more about Isabella in our next Jackie, Oh! There is so much more than meets the eye with this lady charmer. Of course, everyone knows her as the unica hija of Kuh.

http://www.carouselpinoy.com/jackieregala.html

Kuh marks 25th year


By Remy M. Umerez
Inquirer
Last updated 09:45pm (Mla time) 08/25/2006

Published on page H5 of the August 26, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

THIS YEAR, Kuh Ledesma is marking her 25th anniversary as a solo performer in the music industry. She recently finished the first leg of her US concert tour.

"The tour was exhausting but thoroughly fulfilling, because puro maka-Diyos ang aking mga kasamang nag-perform," Kuh beams. She was referring to Basil Valdez, Christopher de Leon and Christian Bautista, who were her special guests in the concert.

Sponsors

"On weekdays, we promoted the show by visiting our sponsors. Some Filipinos don't believe that we are performing unless they see the artists promote the show in person. Marami sa kanila, last-minute magsibili ng tickets. With God's help, our shows were well-received; they loved listening to old melodies," she shares.

Last night, Kuh staged a special concert, "Come Rain, Come Shine," at the Captain's Bar of the Mandarin Oriental, with special guest Mon David, who recently won the grand prize at the London International Jazz Competition.

New album

Kuh is set to release a new album, "K," before the year ends. "This collection will be my pamana to those who appreciate my music," she explains.

Twenty years ago, Kuh staged a major concert, "Inspired Madness," at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. It was a difficult show, with Kuh having to do stunts despite her delicate condition then. "I was three months pregnant pero hindi ko pinaalam sa director ko ," Kuh recalls.

Re-staging "Inspired Madness" will trace how the music of Kuh has evolved through the years.

Nope, retirement isn't in Ledesma's vocabulary. She aims to achieve more in the next 25 years!

http://showbizandstyle.inq7.net/entertainm...rticle_id=17276

The 19th Aliw Awards, the only award-giving body that gives recognition to live performers on stage, will be held on Aug. 31 at the Fiesta Pavilion of The Manila Hotel. The event, to be hosted by singer-actress Vina Morales, Heart Evangelista and TV host Derek Ramsey with Al Quinn as director, will also celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Foundation which was founded by Ms. Alice H. Reyes and some journalist friends in l976. After her, the following became presidents of Aliw Awards Foundation: Leo Baluyut, Beth S. Tagle, Charo Yu and Gloria Wilma "Babes" Encarnacion, who’s the current president.

There are 28 Aliw Awards categories from which will emerge the "Entertainer of the Year," the title held currently by Gary Valenciano who will be elevated to the Hall of Fame level, along with the acclaimed musical group Spirit of ’67. Previously, the only three-time Entertainer of the Year awardee was Martin Nievera.

Special awards will be given to megastar Sharon Cuenta. Stage director Tony Espejo, the world-famous Ramon Obusan Dance Company and the Madrigal Singers who’ll be conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Ms. Encarnacion said this year’s Aliw Awards will have two beneficiaries: the St. Joseph Pastoral Council’s Youth Ministry and the Alagad ni Maria Religious Group. The event will be telecast over RPN 9.

Some of the awards’ nominees are: Jay Cayuca, John Lesaca, Jong Cuenco, Mary Anne Espina, Mayk Kamid and Tots Tolentino (Instrumental Artist); Bong Embile, Joel Molina, Mario O’Hara, Noel Esconde and Roender Camanag (Stage Actor, Non-Musical Play); Eula Valdez, Gidget Reyes, Monique Wilson, Nina Romualdez, Pinky Marquez and Margarita Angela "Yanah" Laurel (Stage Actress, Musical Play); Cris Laurence, Denver Regencia, Ferald Santos, Harry Santos, Sam Concepcion and Sam Milby (New Artist, Male); Aicelle Santos, Florie Mae Lucido, Irra Cenina, Janelle Manahan and Jam Jam David (New Artist, Female);

Miguel Aguila, BJ Tolits and Makisig (Child Performer); Calvin Neria, G.B. Sampedo, Johnny Manahan and Ronnie Henares (Concert Stage Director); Chin Alcantara, Louie Ocampo, Mark Lopez, Mel Villena, Mon Faustino and Raul Mitra (Musical Director); Allan K, Anton Diva, Ate Gay, Marin D’Icon, Pooh and Teri Onor (Stand-Up Comedy Act, Male); Ai Ai de las Alas, Gladys Guevarra, Pokwang, Candy Pangilinan, K Brosas and Ruby Ruby (Stand-Up Comedy Act, Female), Arthur Manuntag, King, Nyoy Volante, Paolo Santos, Richard Merk and Ronnie D (Performer in Hotel, Music Lounges & Bars, Male); Faith Cuneta, Jeli Mateo, Ladine Rozas, Mari Nallos, Sitti Navarro and Nina (Performer in Hotel, Music Lounges & Bars, Female);

Boy Abunda, Derek Ramsey, John Nite, Mark Nelson, Richard Reynoso and RJ Ledesma (Emcee, Male); Bianca Gonzales, Phoemela Baranda, Pia Guanio, Toni Gonzaga, and Mariel Rodriguez (Emcee, Female); Bamboo, Cueshe, Hale, Orange & Lemons, Parokya ni Edgar and Rivermaya (Performance in a Concert, Group); Christian Bautista, Erik Santos, Jed Madela, Mark Bautista and Martin Nievera (Performance in a Concert, Male); Faith Cuneta, Kitchie Nadal, Kyla, Kuh Ledesma and Nina (Performance in a Concert, Female);

Gary Valenciano, Mark Bautista and Ogie Alcasid (Major Concert, Male); Barbie Almabis, Nina, Sharon Cuneta, Sarah Geronimo and Faith Cuneta (Major Concert, Female).

http://www.mb.com.ph/ENTR2006083072996.html

September 11th, 2006



All-Time Favorite Balladeers Join Kuh Ledesma's Repeat Concert

FRESH from her very successful concert series attended by SRO crowds, Kuh Ledesma continues on her second wave series with a show that kicks off on Saturday, Sept. 16 at The Grove of Anaheim. Produced by M.A.R.C. Skin Care & Clinic in cooperation with KATZ Entertainment and First Nations Funding.

La Ledesma holds no specific formula for all her stints. Her best ######ets include having vocals perfectly honed through the 25 years she is in the business; a warm repartee with her audience and signature hit songs which earned her multiple platinum awards. On top of these, Kuh is known to present herself in lavish costumes and props – which makes the show all the more visually exciting.

And then of course, there is the presence of guest performers who are all popular and respected in their own fields.

Take for example, pop icon, Basil Valdez. The vibrant history of Philippine contemporary music is intervwoven with the story of Basil Valdez, the country's all-time favorite balladeer. A much-awarded singer and multi-talented artist, Basil established the benchmark of aesthetic value and timelessness in his more than 25 years in the music industry.

The milestones in Basil's singing career are marked by a series of original Pilipino Music hits that have garnered record-breaking sales of his albums.

"Ngayon at Kailanman," "Kastilyong Buhangin," and "Sometime, Somewhere" are never the same without his unparalleled and distinctive baritone voice. His commanding presence, memorable music, profound performance and uplifting repertoire make him the best-loved and most respected legendary balladeer in the Philippines.

In his recent concert tour with Kuh, Basil never failed to get a standing ovation and cheers for encore. Basil who has earned the moniker "The Voice" , commands a strong stage presence and his songs carry messages that can easily be etched in any music lovers' hearts.
Also joining Kuh in the The Repeat concert entitled "Kuh: 25 Years (Paano Kita Pasasalamatan) are concert king, Martin Nievera; matinee idol, Jericho Rosales and daughter Isabella.

Tickets are priced at $55, $75, $95. Limited VIP seats are also available. Please call KATZ/ Jackie at 562-529-8680; Proser at 619-474-8094; All Access/ Eugene and Maricel at 909-223-2409 and M.A.R.C. at 626-912-7672.

http://www.asianjournal.com/?c=174&a=15821