The new year coincides with a new act coming to Saipan and R&B band Art East will make its debut tonight when it headlines Club V's 11th back-to-back party with outgoing group Street Beat.
Fresh from gigs in Malate and Ortigas in the Philippines, the eight-person Art East band is led by vocalist and manager Jason Sta. Ana and is made up of bassist Roderick Gulfan, keyboardist Ryan Yamar, guitarist J.V. Calicdan, drummer Melbourne Cenina, and vocalists Eric Adriano, Jem Llamazan, and Donna Esteban.
The group's ages range from 22 to 32 years old and they've been playing together since 2007.
While Saipan marks the first time Art East will be performing abroad, Sta. Ana said members of the band are no newcomers to off-island gigs as they have performed outside the Philippines in the past, albeit separately in different bands.
Speaking for the rest of his bandmates, Sta. Ana said the Commonwealth is definitely a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila.
For one, Saipan's sandy beaches and quiet, laid-back atmosphere reminds the group of Boracay, one of the Philippine's more popular beach resorts.
He also said they are already looking forward to entertaining Saipan's party habitués at Club V as well as Southern Cross. They are also expected to perform at Saipan Grand Hotel's latest poolside event, which will be offered soon.
Like all musicians, Sta. Ana said the band's ultimate goal is to record an album, but while that dream remains on hold they are just happy to play beautiful music and entertain the crowd with their renditions of chart-toppers by Rihanna, Beyonce, and Chris Brown, among others.
Club V's one-night only, 11th back-to-back party with Art East and Street Beat will start at 7:30pm tonight. Door charge is $5 with one complimentary drink.
The event is sponsored by Chivas Regal, Docomo Pacific, Miller Lite, Stress Free, Saloon De Manila, and Shirley's Coffee Shop. For more information, call 234-6601 ext. 301-302.
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