THE NEO'S MUSIC MUSEUM SHOW

Coming off from a successful CAFA reunion show at 7th Note last Sept 27, the Neos followed it up by participating in the successful fund raiser of the UP Centenial group (this time at Music Museum Auditorium in Greenhills). Apart from the NEOcafas who took the finale numbers for the show, the cast at Music Museum included an all UP cast including ex-Butterfly singers (folk songs, protest songs, 60s type), stage pro Bituin Escalante (daughter of Butterfly mainstay Gigi), award winning composer Dero Pedero and the Area One Band (Beatles sound led by talented John Lesaca ). The NEOs found it a thrill to do Music Museum if only for the fine accoustics of the auditorium. CAFA loyalists Nore Lim and Bili Mayo were present in the audience. Bili commented later: "At last, here's a show where I actually heard all of the NEOs vaunted 4-part harmony!"

The interesting thing about the show was that there were no real rehearsals for it. It was assumed that everyone was a pro and where the performers came through inclusive of the spiels that they had to deliver as required under the program. The usual sound checks and run throughs were done just a few hours before the show. The only sign of panic from the NEOs (if you may call it that) is the fact that the promised professional make-up artist was not there to the consternation of Irene. Meanwhile, the Dero was in his element as he made a song-and-dance of Neil Sedaka numbers in his bedazzling sequinned vest (shades of Liberace or should I say, Kuya Germs!). After his songs, Dero joined the NEOs this time for the finale numbers.











It was a lot of fun mixing it up with the other performers and the organizers during the token rehearsal, backstage while the performance was ongoing, and even after the show as well-wishers stopped performers in their tracks if only to chat. The organizers outdid themselves with a fascinating mix of performers that had the mainly UP crowd hopping and dancing on the aisle and outside their seats by the time the hot Area One Band came on in the middle of the program. UP alumni (distinguished politicians, lawyers, etc.), family and friends were into it up to the finale Aquarius number that never seemed to end. Singing Monday Monday and the other songs on stage, I hope I did not come on as agape while performing on stage since I observed many in the audience (some of them surprisingly young people) mouthing complete song lyrics in sync with the performing NEOs! Needless to say, it was high activity that night for everyone.

Guys, the NEOs are in their element and are now really hot to hook up with the CAFAsingers again for the proposed NY gig soon!