~ Come Rayne Or Shine ~: Events

Showing posts with label Events. Show all posts

Stephen Rahman Hughes in Seduction Club

Friday, June 29, 2012 by Audrey

I know, I know...I update for a bit, and then silence for like a few months! Sorry about that...been quite busy with work and stuff, but I just HAD to post this up ASAP coz I'm still feeling 'giddy' after a great night out with my sister yesterday. We went to watch Stephen Rahman-Hughes perform at Seduction Club in KL! Found out about it on his official FB page and also in his radio interview a few days ago, so we went and got tickets to the show *grins*

We reached rather early (around 8.30pm...the show was scheduled to start at 9pm), and I thought we could get good seats seeing that it's a 'free seating' event. But when we got there, I see so many 'Reserved' signs around the best tables (near the stage) that I got slightly miffed. How is it that one can reserve seats at a free seating performance??! When I called to ask about the tickets, the guy on the phone said that I had to come and buy the tickets myself...let alone being able to reserve tables. Pfft...not cool!

Anyways, we got ourselves an unreserved table...still relatively near I guess, but we were facing the SIDE of the stage instead of the front. And here is where I got miffed also...in this kind of setting, surely not many people (if any!) will be dancing on the 'dance floor'. Why not just move the tables there so we can get a better view of the performance? Seriously...bad bad management on the tables! The result of it was when Stephen performed, there was this HUGE empty space on the floor, and we were all just sitting on the sides watching and listening -___-" He did encourage people to go to the dance floor and boogey, but suffice to say no one took him up on the offer. LOL!

Okay, complaints aside....the show was great! Stephen arrived quite late (around 10pm!!), but he apologized and said that he just flew in from the UK...and I guess his plane got delayed of some sorts. Still, he jumped into his set of songs with great enthusiasm and panache...looking great also in a black jacket, pants and t-shirt. He started with some songs from the album, and then mixed some other popular songs in between. Some songs (that I could remember...I'll need to check my videos for the songs that I've managed to record) were like 'Who You Are' by Jessie J, 'Halo' by Beyonce, 'Set Fire To The Rain' by Adele, and even 'Somebody That I Used To Know' by Gotye!

Stephen performing....*grins*

There were also some older songs that he sung, which he also jokingly said were for people WAY older than him...and he's only 26 years old. LOL! Well, he certainly doesn't look 26, but he doesn't look his age either...I so wish I had his good genes. *wishful thinking* Swooning aside, I did notice that I rather enjoyed his performances with slower songs than the club-y, pop songs that he did. I don't know...I guess I am too used to listening to him belt out slow, big songs that show his range rather than the pop-py songs that don't really do his voice much justice. =/ Also, I find it hard to hear him while he's singing the fast songs...bad sound system maybe, or maybe he was feeling just a wee bit tired that he didn't really enunciate? Not too sure, but it was still good to be able to watch him perform...albeit in a very small, quite intimate (but smoky) club setting. He mentioned before in between songs that he used to do gigs in clubs and bars before his musical theatre career took off, and it was good for him to come back and do something like this again, so I guess it's a walk down memory lane for him =)

After a few more songs (notably, my two favorite songs, 'Bertemu Di Syurga' and 'Ku Lepas' BACK TO BACK! YAYY!), he ended his performance and then the DJ mentioned that we could go to the VIP area to a meet and greet session with him! Seeing that there were not many people around, my sister and I just kinda jumped and walked hastily there to queue up...LOL! I brought along a copy of my CD just in case if there was an autograph session, and I'm so glad I did! Anyways, there were a few more people in front of us, so we just waited patiently for our turn....

When it was our turn, it was quite a cool (and surreal) experience...for me at least. Stephen was smiling and shaking our hands, asking our names, thanking us for coming and generally being so sweet and nice! Okay, I guess all of the artistes I've ever got to meet are really nice...it's their job right? Still, it's great to be able to talk with him a little and not being pushed about like other meet and greet sessions. I asked him if he could sign my album leaflet for me, and he did! After which, I asked if I could take a photo with him, and he said 'Yes, snap away!' which was so cool =) I didn't of course, but I did ask if one of the photographers could help us take a photo with him with my camera, and he did. He took two photos, but because my camera's flash was off, and the lighting wasn't too good...they turned out so dark! He showed it to me, and I quickly set the flash on for him to take another photo. All the while, Stephen was really patient and never complained.

Then we got another photo, and we all said our thank yous and got ready to leave for other fans to take photos with him. He said the nicest thing..."Hope to see you soon!" (Okay, in hindsight, I'd probably never be able to meet him again any time soon or whatever, but so far I've not had a famous person say that to me...so it was kinda nice in a way *grins*) and I was like, "Yes, I hope so too!" I asked him when will he be back in Malaysia, and he said maybe later on in the year...he might be doing a slightly bigger concert. YAYY! I told him that was great, and will definitely look forward to it before we left =)

The photo of us together...the nicest (and brightest!) one. Gosh, I look so weird next to him...but so great to be able to take a photo with him! [/teenybopper moment]

So yup...yesterday was one of my favorite nights! It's always a pleasure being able to meet someone famous and one you admire, and to have him being so nice is always a plus (even though I get it's part of his job...but hey, he's probably really nice in person too. I just could only meet him in this kind of setting so what the heck...I'll enjoy it while it lasts). Thanks for a great performance, Stephen...it was cool to see a different side of you as a singer /performer. I needed that break from reality too =)

My signed album...he personalized it for me too! AWWW =D

I do plan to upload my videos of the show too...so stay tuned for them! Hope I can get them uploaded fast =)

Unforgettable Concert Indeed...

Thursday, February 18, 2010 by Audrey

Managed to score tickets to the Konsert Amal Diraja (Royal Charity Concert Gala) that was held at KLCC's Plenary Hall yesterday. The concert was organized by the Alzheimer's Disease Foundation Malaysia (ADFM) to raise funds for the foundation. And oh my, was it some concert!

I went with my sister again, and we reached just about in the nick of time. Went to collect the tickets according to instructions from the SMS I received, but ended up being tossed from one counter to the other...>.<" Thank goodness in the end, we managed to get the tickets, and off we went to watch the concert. Seats were again quite far off, but it's to be expected (the tickets were priced from RM100 to RM1200, can you imagine??!)

The concert that night was attended by some royalties as well, but they were 'fashionably late' as usual. Sometimes I wonder if our 'tidak apa' attitude was because of the examples set by leaders....since they can be late, it shouldn't be a big deal if WE'RE late right? We're not VVIPs like them...*sigh* Vicious cycle. Anyways, I digressed...

The theme for the night - Unforgettable!

The orchestra...a 66-piece one at that too! The orchestra was named the KL International Festival Orchestra, and yet I think about 90% of the musicians are not Malaysian. (Go figure) Conductor for the night was Maestro Eugene Pook, a Malaysian conductor based in New York.

They played songs from Phantom of The Opera to start off the night...lovely medley of All I Ask Of You, Phantom Of The Opera, Music Of The Night and Think Of Me, to name just a few. I loved the lush, full sound of the strings and trumpets, but somehow it was kind of marred by the weak sounds of a drum middle of it. >.<" It contrasted a lot with the full sound of the orchestra, but thankfully it's only certain parts of the medley. I still enjoyed it loads though!

Next were a couple of songs with a solo violinist, Ms. Jessica Lee from the US. One of it was the beautiful 'Cinema Paradiso'! It was breathtaking watching her play...even from my distance, the way she moved and swayed with the music was so inspiring! I wish I could play and emote like that, but alas...my music skills are kind of sad. LOLL!

After that, there were a few numbers by multilingual singer, Ms. Estee Pook. I didn't manage to get good enough photos of her (I blame the distance and my not-so-good camera. LOL!), but she had a great voice. She sang the Frank Sinatra song, "New York, New York" and a Chinese number. Okay, I'm no great singer, but I can't help hearing her Malaysian/Chinese accent when she sings "New York, New York"...it kind of grates a little, but she more than made up for it with her strong voice. (Psst...I wonder if it's a coincidence that the artiste and the conductor share the same surname!)

During the intermission, my sis and I managed to snag better seats since there weren't many people up at the top tier seats...heh! This was much better *grins*

After playing a medley of the famous John Williams' songs (including theme songs from Star Wars, Super Man, and Indiana Jones), in walked Sean Ghazi! Sorry, the photo was too far away...but he was superb! I actually have not heard him sing before, but I've heard of him and his achievements in the local scene.

Sean sang songs from P. Ramlee, a couple of cover songs like "Bridge Over Troubled Water" as well as songs from his album, "Semalam". I think my favourite song from him would be the song "Semalam"...written by him and a co-writer, it was a song harking back to the days of old beautifully blended with contemporary styles of today. Couple that with his nice theatrical voice, his funny banter with the audience and (quite) slick dance moves, it's a joy to watch and listen =) Oh, and it also helped that he cut quite a dashing figure in his suit *wink*

After Sean, there was another surprise guest: Datuk Rahzam Hashim (I hope I got the spelling right!), a corporate figure who serenaded us with a few swing-y numbers...it was a really pleasant surprise to see a corporate figure who knows how to have fun, and doing it so well!

*******************************************************************************

After the concert ended, I noticed a counter selling Sean Ghazi's albums, so I went to grab a copy...only to see a few minutes later:

The performers of the night signing autographs! The queue wasn't a long one, so I jumped in also, clutching my program...*grins* Seated here from the front was Ms. Estee Pook, Ms. Jessica Lee and Sean (standing). They were later joined by Maestro Eugene Pook, whom I managed to talk to and congratulate him on his great conducting *grins* He was really nice...saying thank you to everyone =)

Ms. Jessica Lee...she was really sweet. =)

And Sean Ghazi...who knew he's already 40 years old right? He SO doesn't look his age! He was really nice too...asking fans for their names before personalizing it with his autograph =) I asked for a photo, and he acted sad when I said I wanted to take a photo of him alone...LOL! But he jovially posed for one *grins*

After taking a photo of him, someone offered to take a photo of us together, so in a spur (or maybe a silly) moment, I said yes. Result? Eep! Ignore the fugly person next to Sean...hahaha! Thinking back on it, I think I must have flummoxed Sean by acting like such groupie. LOLL!

After getting both our programs signed, my sis and I headed back to Suria KLCC (where we parked the car) through the park and by gosh, I didn't want to pass up the chance to take this photo...it was SOOO pretty at night!

My 'stash' of the night...signed program book, ticket stubs and album! *grins*

Yes, I've had my 'head in the clouds' for a while...it's not every day we meet someone famous, right? But I'm really glad that there's someone who will always be my biggest fan...someone who will love me regardless of how I look or how crappy I felt every other day; his handsome face, ever-jovial personality and waggy tail whenever he sees me: Scottie. *grins* This little happy piece of reality I will always treasure =)

Stay tuned for videos! Yes, I managed to snag some videos too...hehehe!

The Jiwang Queen Reigns Supreme!

Thursday, February 18, 2010 by Audrey

I recently got invites to Mia Palencia's new album launch at Wisma Bentley Auditorium on 13th November. Naturally, I was excited because I've heard Mia before when she was in the group Double Take...she has an amazing voice! Breezy and sweet, yet she can also belt out big notes too! Her new album is called 'Songs From The Jiwang Kingdom' and she was showcasing songs from that plus some songs from her first solo album 'Finding My Way'.

I went with my sister, and we reached early...got our seat numbers (which was the last row from the stage...*sigh* Oh well, we came for the music, no?) and headed out for dinner first before going in.

The view from our seats...SOOO far!! Thank goodness for zoom in cameras...LOL!

Another view of the auditorium...the setting was nice! Looks quite posh, and acoustics were VERY good...and I liked the wood paneling on the sides (I think those helped with the acoustics or something...I seem to notice these kind of panelings at concert halls. =P)

The lady of the hour! The showcase started late, but Mia was very nice and apologized for starting late...very true her words: "...true to Malaysian style, we all have to start with a delay..." LOL!

Mia with her band and Jun (far left) - her collaborator in her new album. I was really interested in the band member playing the 'drum beats' on the right...I don't know what's it called, but it gives a nice sound to give the songs a lift in beats...soft and gentle for the tender moments in song, but can also bring a nice bass-y beat for more uptempo songs!

Mia with a friend who plays cool violin!

And another friend who played a whole song with just the bass guitar...cool! It was quite funny at the beginning when he asked Mia, "Jazz ah?" and Mia replied with, "Yes yes, Jazz" LOLLL!

All in all, it was definitely a cool night! Mia not only kept everyone entertained with her breezy voice, but she was quite a showman as well...always having a funny remark on her songs, cracking jokes about her shiny hat ("Low budget ma...I have to DIY, throw some light!") or poking fun at her friends who joined her on stage *grins*

From the title of the album, I thought it would be something 'emo' because when the word 'Jiwang' comes to mind, images of sad rock love songs spring up...LOLLL! But as Mia aptly puts it in her album, "Jiwang is not a single emotion, but a web of many. If you have ever stood at the edge of the great ocean, looking out to the horizon, your toes buried in the sand, the water washing gently over your feet, and felt small, significant, grateful, blessed...humbled and proud all at the same time, then you know what I mean." Yes, Mia, I definitely know what you mean after listening to your tracks...*grins*

Her songs always have a great melody and meaningful lyrics...some are great to listen to in the middle of the night whenever you are pondering, or on your way to a destination - looking as the road and trees passing by. =) Some are great to have a good laugh over, like Poor Mary which has a little moral story cleverly infused with a very famous nursery rhyme! Definitely get this album if you like listening to Jazz or 'quiet music', as Mia puts it. :)

And here, I enclose some videos from the showcase to let you have a taste of why Mia, the Jiwang queen, reigns supreme...enjoy! *grins*