Really glad I decided to drop by at Singapore Conference Hall yesterday. It was my first time there and my first time listening to the Teng Ensemble. Worthwhile skipping lunch for this musical treat. And what a feast it turned out to be. The free concert was also to acknowledge Singapore Press Holdings' (SPH) donation of $350,000 to 20 social service organisations through its SPH Foundation. This presentation is done annually to support charities that serve families in need, as well as senior citizens and special needs children.
Reaching out through the Arts is an effective way to raise funds and offer financial assistance and psycho-social support to NGOs doing charity work. Music, in particular, cuts across boundaries and unites people in the enjoyment it brings.
The concert was open to the public. As it was a weekday, most of the attendees were senior citizens and specially invited charities among them Lions Befrienders, Minds and Rainbow Centre.
Waiting for the doors to open. I was there an hour early. The queue was already building up.
More waiting inside the purpose-built hall. The acoustics are amazing. Elder-friendly facilities too.
If you enjoy popular songs, you will be well-entertained by the Teng Ensemble. They have added a touch of western flavor to well-loved Chinese and Malay songs which I thought was music fusion at its creative best. The two emcees were excellent, and added a touch of humor that resonated with the audience of mostly senior citizens.
Here are a few video clips for your listening pleasure.
Thank you, Teng Ensemble, for a most entertaining performance. You guys were superb! So were Lily Goh and Miss Lou.
Gotta give it to these Singapore seniors. They certainly know how to live the good life in their golden years. This was evident when they turned up in full force to have a good time at the Fab Four Beatles Tribute held at Serangoon Gardens Country Club last night. Another sold-out event by Jimmy Preslee Productions.
After the 6-course dinner, the Fab Four are ready to take the packed room on a musical journey back to the 1960s and 70s.
This wasn't the first time the Fab Four had performed in Singapore and Malaysia but it was my first time listening to them live and seeing them up close. They are probably the closest we can get to a Beatles concert experience. What a blast from the past it turned out to be. Two thumbs up to the band. They soon had the audience warmed up for a massive singalong and dancethon. Everyone enjoyed themselves so much they wouldn't let the band go. In the end we were treated to an extra 30 minutes of great music. Thanks, Fab Four!
The band played chart-toppers from the Beatles' first album, With the Beatles (1963) to the final one, Abbey Road (1969). Who could ever forget the lyrics of Imagine, Hey Jude or Obladi Oblada? No memory loss here, and definitely no signs of Alzheimer's from the enthusiastic crowd!
After the break the Fab Four returned in colourful outfits straight from the cover of Sergeant Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. They played When I'm 64 from the album and everyone sang along with each word resonating with them. The band continued with more hits from other Beatles albums - Back in the USSR, Please Please Me, Eight Days a Week, and more.
In the special tribute to The Bee Gees, the band removed their Sergeant Peppers costumes to sing a string of hits including Staying Alive, Words, Massachusetts. Needless to say, every song received strong vocal support from the audience!
The Fab Four's last song Twist and Shout drew more happy feet onto the dance floor. What a night! What a band! And what memories their songs evoked! A round of applause to Jimmy Preslee Productions for bringing in the Fab Four and giving us an opportunity to relive those good old days of rock and roll. We are all still very much young at heart.
Me with Jimmy and his lovely wife Judy.
Jimmy Preslee Productions has another not-to-be missed concert coming up in August. Tickets are already on sale and going fast. Glad I have got mine. Am looking forward eagerly to another evening of unforgettable golden oldies this time from the era of King Elvis performed by award-winning ETA Doug Church. See you there!
PS: For a look at the fun we had at last year's 'All Shook Up - Elvis 40th Anniversary', just click on the link below, and be there for this year's tribute on 16/17 August, same venue.
Really glad I decided to drop by at Singapore Conference Hall yesterday. It was my first time there and my first time listening to the Teng Ensemble. Worthwhile skipping lunch for this musical treat. And what a feast it turned out to be. The free concert was also to acknowledge Singapore Press Holdings' (SPH) donation of $350,000 to 20 social service organisations through its SPH Foundation. This presentation is done annually to support charities that serve families in need, as well as senior citizens and special needs children.
