Bamboo

WOULD ROCK and roll sound “right” in a swank dance club?

Specifically, would the likes of Urbandub, Bamboo, or Wolfgang feel at home in Encore – the former Embassy?

A good time

“I just want to give people a nice time, like watching rock bands in a big club with a superb sound system,” says Jericho Fernando, vice-president for sales and marketing of JB Music store chain, who’s teaming up with several partners to stage “Rock n Rogue” – a monthly series of gigs at Encore in the Fort, Taguig.

The event kicks off on April 29 with Urbandub as main act.

Other bands set to play on the succeeding months include Up Dharma Down, Bamboo, The Dawn, Razorback, Wolfgang, and more till December.

Fernando says the idea to bring these groups to an upscale, if snooty venue was brought up by the owners themselves. “I celebrated my birthday there in 2006 and I invited bands to play in the party. Everyone had fun,” he recalls.

The best sound gear

“Rock n Rogue” is not a business venture in the strict sense, Fernando points out. “We’re not out to make money here, in fact we’re operating at a loss because I’m spending a lot for a full production,” he says. “I’m trying to do something that hasn’t been done yet, at least here in Manila.”

What he means is that the bands will be given the luxury of performing with the best audio equipment. “Many clubs around town fail to offer a really good musical experience because they lower their costs including the sound system,” he observes.

Urbandub

For “Rock n Rogue,” Fernando says he has engaged the services of “the top” audio equipment providers in the local concert scene.

He has also hired music video director and musician RA Rivera to helm the event, which will later air on Channel V.

Different ambience

Best of all, Fernando adds, tickets are reasonably priced inclusive of two beers.

So, is he expecting the typical scruffy rock fan to descend on the posh Encore?

“We’re targeting those who might not have watched the bands in small clubs,” says Fernando. “Now is their chance to see them in a bigger venue, with a different ambience.”

But for those who can’t imagine shaking their heads to “Hallelujah” on a dance floor, think again because rock and roll has no rules.