The 1st MANILA SKA FESTIVAL (Part 1)

It was the final stop of Shuffle Union's "INVINCIBLE Live Album Tour", a series of shows promoting Shuffle Union's latest release, "INVINCIBLE", and PiliSKApinas decided it was time to give tribute to the people who love ska...... the 1st MANILA SKA FESTIVAL!

It was gathering not only for the festival's performers, but it was a night specially dedicated to the followers and listeners, both old and new of the music we all love. And the night rekindled for the old the love that was introduced to the new set.

JC and Diana of Wooden Canvas were on hand for the festival's side event, the special treat for all that was the photo gallery inside Wooden Canvas, displayed photos of the performers from different points in time (did you hear yourself say, "Ako yun ah!" while peeking at one of the photos?).

As the crowd swelled, HOPSKATCH warmed up with a few songs, and then proceeded with their set, Katong and his group, has definitely come a long way and their set was the first of the long list of performers. the 1st half of the festival appeared as though a reunion of SKAMAX bands when STEADYMOVINBEAT took the stage and gave the crowd a glimpse of things to come on the dancefloor. I personally enjoyed their original songs, specially "Corporate Fool," which are getting better and better; I hope to see a feature release of them very soon.

Up next was PINK COW, who played sans Francis as Life Without Francis with the UMBLE UNO Horny horns, they greeted the crowd with the demeanor characteristic of the band, as they played covers and originals to teh delight of the crowd. Afterwards, soaked in sweat, the people braced themselves for more dancing for the subsequent bands.

Oh by the way, Hil of Bisikleta Productions helped in the hosting duties, he was paired with a reluctant host wearing bennies and white shoes. Well placed was ROCKET PUNCH's set, in-between the SKAMAX and Clubska alumni, the Global City Rudies really hit the people on the spot, with crowd favorites being part of their repertoire. Participating on a few of their songs were Renz , and suddenly it was OUT 4 LUNCH!, and Kaloy of SMB who sang "Banana."

The rain started to pour, but it wasn't enough to douse the heat that was coming from the aggregate of warm bodies already stationed on the dancefloor. Up next, MARCOS CRONIES, these guys can be considered as one of the more "senior" bands of the scene, and all the way from San Fernando, they delivered! These guys are great and are not showing any signs of slowing down anytime soon.

"Are you tired yet?" not by a longshot! The night was relatively young, and it was time for the night's hosts, SHUFFLE UNION to energize the dancefloor. In anticipation of the dancefest that was coming, the crowd that was there from the 1st band did not leave the dancefloor (im going to be using this noun for a couple more times before this review is through). Shuffle Union's set were part old and part new, playing song's from INVINCIBLE, and old originals that are characteristic of the band.

After a few songs, Noel of SKABECHE, and Melvin of Jeepney Joyride, joined in for a jam session that made for more dancing. Our thanks to Noel for coming down all the way from ska hotbed Bulacan that night. Mae and Jan, led the way when Mae exclaimed "Ang kantang ito ay ginawa para sa inyo" (This song was made for all of you), during the introduction, as the opening riff of "Dance With Me" played on, in recognition of the support.

Flashes of old? Maybe for the "older" segment of the performers, and the audience. Not to alienize the younger set, but I couldn't help but remember those old times, when my contemporares were young. Then JEEPNEY JOYRIDE took to the stage. Norman has a way with the audience, and this I have come to know a long time ago. Their original song, "Ayoko Na Sa Iyo," has a strong appeal. Biased? Yes I am, its a personal favorite.

COFFEE BREAK ISLAND was on hand, and came next. A hardworking lot, CBI provided more fuel for the dancefloor, and played with fervor behind Paul's characteristic voice. Joining them later was Nomer (Shuffle Union) who donned the keyboards on the latter part of their set that featured a heavy dose of 2-tone favorites.

News was that bars and restaurants of CUBAO X ran out of beer and alcoholic drinks after 1AM? As this writer found out when I was trying to get some brews at Mogwai. Fuel for the dance maybe. Cheers! Fortunately a few enterprising souls prepped some mixed drinks for a minimal amount near the table where the INVINCIBLE cds were being sold.

Our unending gratitude to everyone who made this historic night possible, from WOODEN CANVAS, to PiliSKApinas, to Jam 88.3, to HOPSKATCH, STEADYMOVINBEAT, ROCKET PUNCH, PINK COW, MARCOS CRONIES, JEEPNEY JOYRIDE, COFFEE BREAK ISLAND, and to my bandmates from SHUFFLE UNION. But most specially, big cheers to everyone and all, to the audience, and to you! Yes you! See you at the next MANILA SKA FESTIVAL, we promise it will be a bigger and better one! This is for everyone who SKA and beyond!

*photo credits: Erick Cusa , for more of his photographs from the 1st MANILA SKA FESTIVAL click here

*MORE photos
facebook here: Bea Wong, Augie Punch
multiply here: Hannah Margarita, Mark Cristino

*Related review here : TRASHRADIOMANILA

*To view a video of Shuffle Union's "HE'S MINE" performed live at the 1st Manila SKA Festival click here (courtesy of Chikoi)

One Week Ago at Big Sky Mind

This is a long overdue review of the gig that was at Big Sky Mind last July 24. It was TRIBUTES, the 2nd thanksgiving night for the 1st issue of SPROUT Magazine. The night featured SHUFFLE UNION , COFFEEBREAK ISLAND, LADY-I , DREADKNOT USED, and JEEPNEY JOYRIDE. After rehearsals, in preparation for the 1st Manila Skafest the following night, we went straight to that quaint but famous venue of E.Rodriguez, and found that people had already gathered enough to fill the venue and the attached sidewalk that held familiar faces.

The Final stop of the "INVINCIBLE Tour"

The Final stop of the "INVINCIBLE Tour" is the "1st MANILA SKA FESTIVAL"
to be held at CUBAO X, and hosted by the Wooden Canvas Gallery.
July 25 - 3PM Onwards (Photo contest / exhibit)
7PM Onwards : Skafest concert
Performers include:
SHUFFLE UNION
COFFEE BREAK ISLAND
JEEPNEY JOYRIDE
and jam session with Noel of SKABECHE
Marcos Cronies, Steadymovinbeat, Rocket Punch
Pulikats, Pink Cow, Hopskatch, and more! (we'll keep you posted)
MORE DETAILS TO BE POSTED

**DOWNLOAD the mechanics for the photo contest and photo gallery here

SKAMAX returns! / INVINCIBLE Tour hits 9 Mile

SKAMAX is back, and plans are already set for it to hold a monthly run.
( A little background)

Skamax was set-up in 2003 to cater to the growing number of SKA bands that time. The show held its 1st event at Freedom Bar that year, and on to different venues through the years including Kolumn Bar, and most recently (2007) at Hellacious Bar, before going dormant. A unique feature of the event was that bands took turns in hosting the event, giving them an opportunity to experience organizing the show, from inviting performers to advertising, and inviting patrons.

9 Mile is perfect for SKAMAX, I'm sure those of you who attended the Skamax gigs at Hellacious Bar in 2007 agree, it's meant to be an intimate gathering of both performer and audience. Last Saturday, as part of Shuffle Union's "INVINCIBLE-Live Album Tour", PiliSKApinas hosted Skamax.

First to play was TEMPORARY DISCONNECT, all the way from Laguna, their set was reminiscent of the energy early Skamax bands had that this writer witnessed in 2003. I enjoyed watching their set with a keen eye. Up next, PULIKATS, the ska rockers hailing from Pulilan, treated the attendees to a great set of a potent mix of punk and ska. Both groups have the qualities Skamax bands possessed through the years. Attitude? these boys have it!

SHUFFLE UNION came next, and we tried our very best to keep up with the energy TD and Pulikats had. (I believe we did good keep up..haha), thanks guys for joining in with the dancing during our set. And we had some help! Melvin of Jeepney Joyride joined us once again, straight from their QC gig the same night, and Jun of Coffee Break Island played drums on a couple of SU's songs.

Was the gig finished? nah, there were a few surprises that night. The MIGHTY CONTRAS played, they are a sharp lot, they can just plug in and play on a whim. But there was another guest(?)band! (those in attendance uttered a few name suggestions..haha).

Actually it was an impromptu set from Paul and Jun of Coffee Break Island, and JR of Shuffle Union, the set included The Clash songs thrown in for good measure. And the morning ended with a beer, a chat, and a cup of coffee at New City Food House at 6:30 AM. Thanks to everyone who came! to all the bands, the audience, and our surprise guests.

See you at 1962 Tambayanan this Saturday (JULY 11) for the continuation of The INVINCIBLE Tour! but before that you can catch Coffee Break Island and Shuffle Union at The Leprechaun for a Friday night playdate (JULY 10)

For tour updates / more photos from last Saturday's SKAMAX visit our Myspace and Facebook pages
More photos here

INVINCIBLE tour hits Los Baños!

The sky was clear and the air seemed to emanate a positive vibe from all those who came.

Last July 2, 2009, Shuffle Union and crew descended on one of the hotspots for Los Baños denizens, Java Avenue Bar, as we brought the Invincible Live Album Tour to yet another southern stop. It was a night filled with music as students from nearby UPLB and Colegio de Los Banos trooped to the venue to witness the annual Open Jam event/Invincible Live! Album tour Stop sponsored by the UPLB Gamma Sigma Red Scorpions.

Shuffle Union, and fifteen Laguna-based bands, playing various genres ranging from alternative, soul, reggae, and hardcore, played to a capacity crowd who packed the venue by as early as 8PM. In fact, people seemed to spill onto the streets and tables outside when we got to the venue.

Aside from the participation of Shuffle Union’s trombonist, Marlon Palustre, and honorary member Melvin Cabañero of Jeepney Joyride, this was the first time we had been able to play in front of a Laguna crowd after a long time, and all we can say is that it was truly a memorable experience for us!!

Big cheers to the guy who jammed with us! Once again, we would like to thank the main sponsors of the event, as well as those who came and witnessed a night of music, dancing and fun! It was fun bringing the ska train down to Los Baños, Laguna. We will definitely be back!

Some photos from Java Ave:














For tour updates visit our Myspace and Facebook pages

Shuffle Union July Schedule at a glance

Be sure to catch SHUFFLE UNION as we go around for the rest of July. Here is a list of our gig schedules at a glance, support Shuffle Union and grab yourself a copy of the "INVINCIBLE Live" cd (that comes with a free limited 1" Invincible pin button), that will be available at the gigs.

*JULY 10 - @ Leprechaun Bar with Coffee Break Island
*JULY 11 - "INVINCIBLE Live Album Tour" @ 1962 Tambayanan with: The Go Signals, Steadymovinbeat, Rocket Punch, and Marcos Cronies.

*JULY 22 - @ Sazi's (Mayrics) with Coffee Break Island.

*JULY 24 - Sprout Magazine Launch @ Big Sky Mind with CBI and other bands.
*JULY 25 - "INVINCIBLE Live Album Tour" hosted by Wooden Canvas Gallery @ CUBAO X
with: CBI, Jeepney Joyride, Rocket Punch, Steadymovinbeat, Pulikats, Marcos Cronies, Pink Cow and more!

*JULY 31 - UP Diliman (details to be posted soon)

Updates and photos! from the Los Baños, and SKAMAX stops of the tour to be posted soon!

For tour updates visit our Myspace and Facebook pages

We are Shuffle Union!

Was it humid last Saturday night? we sure felt like that during our performance, as the people danced and closed in at The Leprechaun that evening. Steady flow of beer..check..small talk here and there..check..Meeting up with people you haven't seen in ages?..check..a gathering of friends..check!

It was an extra special performance for us that night, when long-time Shuffle Union trombone player, (and erstwhile retired?)Marlon, along with long-time honorary SU member, Melvin from Jeepney Joyride graced the 'stage'. Inducing more heat from the warm bodies who danced to Shuffle Union's set in the process. Salamat to everyone on the floor. It was a fun night to be with friends.

Some of SU's photos from that night:
Laguna! We are Shuffle Union and we are coming! see you at Java Avenue Bar, at Lopez Ave, Los Baños, Laguna (near UPLB) this Thursday night for the continuation of the "Shuffle Union-INVINCIBLE Live Album Tour".

For a related article and more pictures of other performers that night, check out TRASHRADIOMANILA

For tour updates / more photos visit our Myspace and Facebook pages