Here is the opening event to kick off the “Indonesian Arts Festival 2010″. The Open Mic Session will be held on Sunday, 21st February 2010 at the “Earshot Cafe at the Arts House“, starting from 2.30 pm until 4.15 pm.
This free event will be performed by emerging and talented young musicians such as Ivan Jonathan, Chocolatier band, Shili & Adi, and Monalisa band, entertainers that have been performing frequently in many gigs and occasions around Singapore.
Here are some profiles of the performers:
Ivan Jonathan
Having a very diverse musical background, Ivan absorbs everything from classical, rock, ethnic, jazz, and everything in between. From performing classical piano work in Esplanade Concert Hall to getting hype on stage with his Jazz-Fusion project. Upon graduating from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) with a Diploma in Music in Piano Performance, Ivan continues to expand his horizon and is currently pursuing a BA (Hons) in Music in Jazz Piano at the Lasalle College of the Arts, Singapore. Active in Singapore musical scene, Ivan, who has clinched “The Best Keyboardist” award in Asian Beat 2007, has played almost all esteemed venues, such as the Esplanade concert hall, Nokia Powerhouse stage, DXO and Victoria Concert Hall and also performed for Mediacorps Channel 5 & Channel 8 Productions. He has also worked as composer, performer, arranger, and mentor in the music industry. To date, Ivan has worked with artists such as Lee Wei Song, Allan Moo (Wu Qi), The Moluccas, Zhang Jinquan, Eka Mairina, and the Taiwan twin duo sensation ‘By2’ just to name a few.
As a talented composer and songwriter, He constantly searches for a new ground to cover, combining multiple elements and genres to voice out something fresh in every performance. Always trying to experiment with different medium, although championing piano as his main passion, Ivan also sings, strums the guitar, pumps the bass, strikes the drums, and occasionally kills one or two cat with the violin.
Chocolatier
Chocolatier is an acoustic band formed by music loving youths when they entered an Indonesian Talent Competition, PINTU Idol, back in October 2008. Having winning the PINTU Idol, Chocolatier continues to entertain in various events held in NTU, from CEE Night, IG Opening Ceremony, Freshmen Welcome Ceremony, and lately during Union Day. Despite the members’ busy schedules, Chocolatier endeavors to keep performing and singing their hearts out to reach the audience. And the group’s defining value, “Sing to bless, not to impress,” serves as a foundation for their humble performances, because they believe, through music they can touch lives and make a positive impact for others.
MONALISA
Formed on September 2009, Monalisa is the latest acoustic band you have to hear. The band admit that they all met quite a while ago due to their same interest in watching music show in a cafe or bar. They are Nandra/Mamenk on guitar, Zaza on guitar, Edo on bass, Rama on percussion and also Adi/Bemo as the frontman/vocalist of the band. Moreover, Monalisa is influenced by some phenomenal groups such as Radiohead and Coldplay. Sounds rocking? Well, you have to truly watch their performance live at Indonesian Arts Festival 4. They will surely rock you out!
ShiLi & Adi
ShiLi and Adi have been hitting the pub scenes avidly this year as a dynamic acoustic duo offering a wide range of soothing R&B/jazz y renditions of pop numbers and a twist of ro ck tunes. They are known for their notable, creative medleys and fresh, original arrangements of standard covers. The pair had been singing together since their college days but only decided to take it down the professional path in 2008, starting with a regular live spot on Saturdays in Reddot Brewhouse at Dempsey Hill where they are still performing to date, almost a year later.
Their other regular spots include a happy-hour stint from Mondays to Fridays at Paulaner Brauhaus, Millenia Walk, entertaining the regulars with oldies, jazz standards and pop tunes, as well as a late-night slot at Acid Bar, Peranakan Place, entertaining a wilder, younger audience with a penchant for rock, R&B and top 40 songs. These experiences show that they are able to cover songs of a wide genre for crowds of all ages.
ShiLi and Adi have also performed for numerous Dinner and Dance events, including one with Ministry of Health earlier in February this year, as well as many weddings at various venues to date – where they have been honoured to collaborate with other like-minded, professional musicians.
With these promising portfolios in their hands, IAF’s Open Mic Session will surely amuse your Sunday afternoon. Offering you four awesome bands and Earshot Cafe’s cozy atmosphere, this event is definitely not to be missed! And did I mention that it’s free!
The Earshot Cafe is located at 1 Old Parliament Lane. Click here for Map.
