Go egg-hunting with SOUTH BORDER!
An EASTER SPECIAL Featuring SOUTH BORDER
on April 6, 2007; 9 pm
at LA CONGA BAR & GRILL 465 W 7th Street San Pedro, CA
Tickets at $20
$10 for SB Los Angeles Street Team Members
www.thesbstreetteam.com
"WATCH A GREAT SHOW AND GO EGG HUNTING THIS EASTER!
WIN CD'S, T-SHIRTS, TOYS, POSTERS AND AN IPOD SHUFFLE!
PLUS TICKETS TO FUTURE CONCERTS OF SOUTH BORDER."
on April 6, 2007; 9 pm
at LA CONGA BAR & GRILL 465 W 7th Street San Pedro, CA
Tickets at $20
$10 for SB Los Angeles Street Team Members
www.thesbstreetteam.com
"WATCH A GREAT SHOW AND GO EGG HUNTING THIS EASTER!
WIN CD'S, T-SHIRTS, TOYS, POSTERS AND AN IPOD SHUFFLE!
PLUS TICKETS TO FUTURE CONCERTS OF SOUTH BORDER."
Labels: Shows, ST-eu, Street Team
SPOTLIGHT on Randolf "Tata" Balane.
For people who have followed the career of South Border, it is no secret that Tata is a "bass god".
Even Verdin White of EWF was blown away with Tata's performance last February 24 at the Temple Bar in Santa Monica. Tata never had a formal training with guitar. It was a natural marriage for him and his bass. To further learn more about the craft he has chosen, Tata also chose to be a part time music instructor at the Pacific Center for the Performing Arts in Glendora, CA.
"I also learn from the students I teach and I think this job makes the my career even more fulfilling."
Tata shared some original compositions in South Border's album namely Pilgrims and Seven Days to name a few.
source:
-SOUTH BORDER Street Team site-
Labels: Let's talk about, Making a Difference, SBSTsite, Spotlight, ST-eu, the Band
South Border: Down Music Fame's Way
By Jun Ilagan
source: PhilippineNews.com; Mar 28, 2007
JOHN BLACKWELL was impressed.
One evening at The Grove of Anaheim, this demigod drummer for Price and P. Diddy walked up the stage and sat on the drum like it was his throne. He played impromptu with the all-male pop/R&B Filipino band South Border, who counts his Filipina wife as a big fan.
There was no rehearsal, just a near-telepathic connection. Very quickly, the entire group found its groove and was jamming all night and rocking the house.
It was just another fun gig for Blackwell. But for South Border, playing with a drum guru was yet another laurel among the many they have been reaping since making Los Angeles their home in September 2006.
“We have been coming here to the U.S. the past years, but it was only sometime April last year that we thought of staying here for a while to see how far we can go,” Jay Durias, keyboardist and musical director, told Philippine News.
Call it déjà vu, but it was exactly the same mindset that Jay, drummer Paul Benitez, guitarist Butch Victoriano, saxist Ric Junasa, and bassist Tata Balane took with them to Manila in 1992 from Davao City, where they had been playing as the Hemisphere band. They were the preferred back-up musicians of major concert artists who came to the southern city from Manila.
“We simply wanted to try our luck in the big city,” Paul added.
Changing their name to South Border, the band went on to add so much glitter to Manila’s musical entertainment landscape, hopping from one gig to another in school campuses, TV studios, high-end bars and lounges. After cutting their first album in 1996, ‘Kahit Kailan’ and ‘Love of My Life,’ among other hits, clogged the airwaves.
In 2002, South Border was joined by new vocalists Vince Alaras and Duncan Ramos, who replaced the two singers who have since ventured on their own.
Top concert producer-promoter Sony Music-Philippines, mesmerized by South Border’s sheer talent and showmanship, came out in the open with a bold forecast as early as 1996.
“Sony said that South Border was the only Filipino band with enough talent to break into the overseas market, particularly the U.S., and become international artists,” recalls Lucy Slattery of the L.A.-based Slattery Entertainment Group, the band’s business manager.
Lucy is credited for bringing to Manila bigwig artists, such as Incubus and Brian McKnight. Importing South Border over to the U.S. was a decision made after testing the waters for Asian bands in Hollywoodland.
She remembers burning a South Border CD and mailing it to a top pop station in L.A. in November 2005, without identifying the band, let alone its ethnicity.
“I just didn’t want to leave room for any prejudicial judgment, no matter how remote,” Lucy said.
Two weeks later, she got a call from the station manager, asking for more CDs and the assurance that these were already available in the market. The radio station played the ‘generic’ band’s music without reservation.
The big break came last year when Gian Fiero of Oakland, an authority on pop music, published his review of South Border on his website.
“We have all been bracing for the ‘Asian invasion’ for quite some time now and South Border is just the group to bring it in,” Fiero declared.
Tour manager Rodrigo Gaite, who left a budding marketing career in Detroit to join the South Border team in California, explained: “The venues where South Border performs regularly are by no means easy to get into.”
In between shows for Filipino communities around California, South Border is a regular at BB King’s at the heart of Universal Studios, for instance. Every one in Hollywood knows BB King. No mediocre artist swaggers in, asks for a spot, and walks up to the same stage where Stevie Wonder and Earth, Wind, & Fire, among others, have shared their music.
“You’ve got to be good to be able to perform at BB King’s,” Rodrigo said. “It was there that we were able to make a good impression on Verdine White, co-founder and bassist of Earth, Wind, & Fire.”
Then there’s The Viper Room on Sunset Boulevard, formerly owned by Johnny Depp and a favorite watering hole of celebrities. Billy Idol and Sheryl Crowe have staged concerts there, and before them, Jim Morrison and The Doors.
Despite a stream of booking offers, South Border still yearns for home.
“We cannot turn our backs on Manila’s music scene because that’s what brought us here in the first place,” Jay emphasized. “Fact is, we cannot categorically say we are basing ourselves in the U.S. Except for two members, we are all married and with families back home.”
The band is now producing its seventh album. At the same time, L.A. is abuzz with word about the production of a multi-artist super album for world release.
You guessed right. South Border’s in it.
source: PhilippineNews.com; Mar 28, 2007
JOHN BLACKWELL was impressed.
One evening at The Grove of Anaheim, this demigod drummer for Price and P. Diddy walked up the stage and sat on the drum like it was his throne. He played impromptu with the all-male pop/R&B Filipino band South Border, who counts his Filipina wife as a big fan.
There was no rehearsal, just a near-telepathic connection. Very quickly, the entire group found its groove and was jamming all night and rocking the house.
It was just another fun gig for Blackwell. But for South Border, playing with a drum guru was yet another laurel among the many they have been reaping since making Los Angeles their home in September 2006.
“We have been coming here to the U.S. the past years, but it was only sometime April last year that we thought of staying here for a while to see how far we can go,” Jay Durias, keyboardist and musical director, told Philippine News.
Call it déjà vu, but it was exactly the same mindset that Jay, drummer Paul Benitez, guitarist Butch Victoriano, saxist Ric Junasa, and bassist Tata Balane took with them to Manila in 1992 from Davao City, where they had been playing as the Hemisphere band. They were the preferred back-up musicians of major concert artists who came to the southern city from Manila.
“We simply wanted to try our luck in the big city,” Paul added.
Changing their name to South Border, the band went on to add so much glitter to Manila’s musical entertainment landscape, hopping from one gig to another in school campuses, TV studios, high-end bars and lounges. After cutting their first album in 1996, ‘Kahit Kailan’ and ‘Love of My Life,’ among other hits, clogged the airwaves.
In 2002, South Border was joined by new vocalists Vince Alaras and Duncan Ramos, who replaced the two singers who have since ventured on their own.
Top concert producer-promoter Sony Music-Philippines, mesmerized by South Border’s sheer talent and showmanship, came out in the open with a bold forecast as early as 1996.
“Sony said that South Border was the only Filipino band with enough talent to break into the overseas market, particularly the U.S., and become international artists,” recalls Lucy Slattery of the L.A.-based Slattery Entertainment Group, the band’s business manager.
Lucy is credited for bringing to Manila bigwig artists, such as Incubus and Brian McKnight. Importing South Border over to the U.S. was a decision made after testing the waters for Asian bands in Hollywoodland.
She remembers burning a South Border CD and mailing it to a top pop station in L.A. in November 2005, without identifying the band, let alone its ethnicity.
“I just didn’t want to leave room for any prejudicial judgment, no matter how remote,” Lucy said.
Two weeks later, she got a call from the station manager, asking for more CDs and the assurance that these were already available in the market. The radio station played the ‘generic’ band’s music without reservation.
The big break came last year when Gian Fiero of Oakland, an authority on pop music, published his review of South Border on his website.
“We have all been bracing for the ‘Asian invasion’ for quite some time now and South Border is just the group to bring it in,” Fiero declared.
Tour manager Rodrigo Gaite, who left a budding marketing career in Detroit to join the South Border team in California, explained: “The venues where South Border performs regularly are by no means easy to get into.”
In between shows for Filipino communities around California, South Border is a regular at BB King’s at the heart of Universal Studios, for instance. Every one in Hollywood knows BB King. No mediocre artist swaggers in, asks for a spot, and walks up to the same stage where Stevie Wonder and Earth, Wind, & Fire, among others, have shared their music.
“You’ve got to be good to be able to perform at BB King’s,” Rodrigo said. “It was there that we were able to make a good impression on Verdine White, co-founder and bassist of Earth, Wind, & Fire.”
Then there’s The Viper Room on Sunset Boulevard, formerly owned by Johnny Depp and a favorite watering hole of celebrities. Billy Idol and Sheryl Crowe have staged concerts there, and before them, Jim Morrison and The Doors.
Despite a stream of booking offers, South Border still yearns for home.
“We cannot turn our backs on Manila’s music scene because that’s what brought us here in the first place,” Jay emphasized. “Fact is, we cannot categorically say we are basing ourselves in the U.S. Except for two members, we are all married and with families back home.”
The band is now producing its seventh album. At the same time, L.A. is abuzz with word about the production of a multi-artist super album for world release.
You guessed right. South Border’s in it.
CD REVIEW: South Border "Episode III"
By Gian Fiero
source: musesmuse.com
Genre: R&B/AC
Sounds Like: South Border
Technical Grade: 10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 10
Commercial Value: 10
Overall Talent Level: 10
Songwriting Skills: 10
Performance Skill: 10
Best Songs: Sweet, Wish You Were Here, Better Man, Tha Show, Rainbow
Weakness: None!
CD Review: How do you follow-up a 5-song EP that wins 4 Muse's Muse Awards? With a "Platinum" edition of an LP that contains 15 songs and video footage; including the previous gems "Sweet," "Tha Show," the fan favorite, and most downloaded song in Asia, "Rainbow."
South Border's stellar musicianship is second only to their palpable passion that comes through in their music, which is reminiscent of the great song-driven R&B bands of the 70's such as Heatwave, The Gap Band, and The S.O.S. Band, but with a contemporary flare. Like many of those R&B icons, South Border has showmanship that translates well in their recordings and is an essential part of their branding.
Their most commercial track, the infectious, carribean flavored, "Wishing You Were Here," is a bonafide hit with cross over appeal that radio will embrace; especially in the aftermath of Robin Thicke's huge number one single, "Lost Without You," which has resonated with R&B/AC audiences.
The new songs on Episode III capture and represent what will more than likely become their staple and the key to their mainstream success: the love ballad. And why not? Armed with three of the best vocalists in the biz (Vince Alaras, Duncan Ramos, and their resident keyboardist/songwriter/MD, Jay Durias), they are abundantly qualified. The Joe inspired, "Better Man," the retro, "Too Crazy," and "Wherever You Are" (the perfect complement to their smash "Rainbow"), and what can be used as the South Border wedding song, "Best That I Can," make the strongest artistic statements and aptly showcase the diversity of their individual and collective strengths.
Yes, South Border's timing is excellent and this latest Episode is one that music lovers AND the industry will want to tune into.
Advice: Persevere! Your breakthrough is approaching.
source: musesmuse.com
Genre: R&B/AC
Sounds Like: South Border
Technical Grade: 10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 10
Commercial Value: 10
Overall Talent Level: 10
Songwriting Skills: 10
Performance Skill: 10
Best Songs: Sweet, Wish You Were Here, Better Man, Tha Show, Rainbow
Weakness: None!
CD Review: How do you follow-up a 5-song EP that wins 4 Muse's Muse Awards? With a "Platinum" edition of an LP that contains 15 songs and video footage; including the previous gems "Sweet," "Tha Show," the fan favorite, and most downloaded song in Asia, "Rainbow."
South Border's stellar musicianship is second only to their palpable passion that comes through in their music, which is reminiscent of the great song-driven R&B bands of the 70's such as Heatwave, The Gap Band, and The S.O.S. Band, but with a contemporary flare. Like many of those R&B icons, South Border has showmanship that translates well in their recordings and is an essential part of their branding.
Their most commercial track, the infectious, carribean flavored, "Wishing You Were Here," is a bonafide hit with cross over appeal that radio will embrace; especially in the aftermath of Robin Thicke's huge number one single, "Lost Without You," which has resonated with R&B/AC audiences.
The new songs on Episode III capture and represent what will more than likely become their staple and the key to their mainstream success: the love ballad. And why not? Armed with three of the best vocalists in the biz (Vince Alaras, Duncan Ramos, and their resident keyboardist/songwriter/MD, Jay Durias), they are abundantly qualified. The Joe inspired, "Better Man," the retro, "Too Crazy," and "Wherever You Are" (the perfect complement to their smash "Rainbow"), and what can be used as the South Border wedding song, "Best That I Can," make the strongest artistic statements and aptly showcase the diversity of their individual and collective strengths.
Yes, South Border's timing is excellent and this latest Episode is one that music lovers AND the industry will want to tune into.
Advice: Persevere! Your breakthrough is approaching.
Filipino talents shine at Lunar New Year 2007.
Filipino talents shine at Lunar New Year 2007; February 19, 2007
Text and photos by DIONESIO C. GRAVA
source: Balita.com
Text and photos by DIONESIO C. GRAVA
source: Balita.com
LUNAR YEAR PRINCIPALS: LA 18 KSCI-TV officials
(from left) Director of Community Relations Joyce Shimazu “Kababayan LA”
host Janelle So and General Manager Brian Reed pose for a photo
with members of South Border: Vince Alaras, Duncan Ramos and Jay Durias.
(from left) Director of Community Relations Joyce Shimazu “Kababayan LA”
host Janelle So and General Manager Brian Reed pose for a photo
with members of South Border: Vince Alaras, Duncan Ramos and Jay Durias.
LOS ANGELES — A parade and festival will ring in the Year of the Boar in historic Old Pasadena on Feb. 18 with Filipino musical talents very much in the limelight.
It will be LA 18 KSCI-TV’s sixth Lunar New Year celebration indicating the rise and influence of the Asian Pacific American population in diverse areas of Southern California. On Thursday Joyce Shimazu, the station’s director of community relations, and broadcast journalist Janelle So, host of LA 18’s “Kababayan LA,” introduced some of the featured entertainers to member of the press.
Brian Reed, general manager of the TV station, stated that the annual event “is something we like to do because it expands our commitment to the community and allows us to see who our viewers are. We like them to have lots of fun and entertainment. Every year the event gets bigger and better; the plan is to go on with it indefinitely.”
The parade will be from 10 am to 5 pm along Colorado Boulevard, between Pasadena and Raymond avenues, and will have Philippine-born Apl de Ap (Allan Pineda Lindo) of the popular Black Eyed Peas as Grand Marshal.
Participants will include traditional lion dancers, marching bands and decorative floats. There will also be prominent dignitaries, local news personalities, pageant queens and their courts and top name Asian American celebrities including the cast of Justin Lin’s new movie, Finishing the Game; “Heroes” star James Kyson Lee, Miss Universe 1997’s Brook Lee, “Desperate Housewives” actor Alec Mapa, and 50 First Dates’ Amy Hill.
The family-oriented festival will take place from 11 am to 5 pm at Central Park, which will also have food and vendor booths and raffles. Multi-awarded Filipino band South Border will perform. The group—composed of Vince Alaras (vocals), Duncan Ramos (vocals), Paul Benitez (drums), Ric Junasa (saxophone), Butch Victoriano (lead guitar), Tata Balane (bass), and Jay Durias (keyboards, musical director)—had attracted stand up crowds wherever they performed including top Hollywood and New York spots. They headlined at highly popular B.B. King’s clubs. Road manager is Rodrigo Gayta.
Also to be featured are the musical talents of Jin and Far*east Movement. Former Ruff Ryders’ artist Jin is a Chinese American who is freestyle champion and considered a rapper extraordinaire. The Far*east Movement is another influential group in the rising Asian American music scene. Members are Kevin Nishimura, James Roh and Jae Choung.
Emcees for the Festival will be Gwendoline Yeo of Desperate Housewives and Paul Kim. Yeo is a native of Singapore and a former Miss Chinatown USA and Miss Asian America. Yeo is nominated this year for a best actress in a drama award at the NamicVision Awards for her work on AMC’s Broken Trail, starring alongside Robert Duvall. Paul Kim, “PK,” is the founder and producer of an annual international Korean talent show and also hosts a weekly show on Radio Korea.
The Lunar New Year is marked by the first full moon of the New Year and celebrated in most Asian countries as a combination of thanksgiving, new beginnings, colorful festivals, foods and parades. It is one of the most important holidays observed with family and friends.
The Pasadena festival will be held in Central Park at 275 Raymond Ave. Viewers are encouraged to take the Metro Gold Line to Del Mar Station or Memorial Park Station to avoid traffic and parking delays.
LA 18/KSCI-TV was founded in 1976 and airs daily in Mandarin, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean and Japanese.
It will be LA 18 KSCI-TV’s sixth Lunar New Year celebration indicating the rise and influence of the Asian Pacific American population in diverse areas of Southern California. On Thursday Joyce Shimazu, the station’s director of community relations, and broadcast journalist Janelle So, host of LA 18’s “Kababayan LA,” introduced some of the featured entertainers to member of the press.
Brian Reed, general manager of the TV station, stated that the annual event “is something we like to do because it expands our commitment to the community and allows us to see who our viewers are. We like them to have lots of fun and entertainment. Every year the event gets bigger and better; the plan is to go on with it indefinitely.”
The parade will be from 10 am to 5 pm along Colorado Boulevard, between Pasadena and Raymond avenues, and will have Philippine-born Apl de Ap (Allan Pineda Lindo) of the popular Black Eyed Peas as Grand Marshal.
Participants will include traditional lion dancers, marching bands and decorative floats. There will also be prominent dignitaries, local news personalities, pageant queens and their courts and top name Asian American celebrities including the cast of Justin Lin’s new movie, Finishing the Game; “Heroes” star James Kyson Lee, Miss Universe 1997’s Brook Lee, “Desperate Housewives” actor Alec Mapa, and 50 First Dates’ Amy Hill.
The family-oriented festival will take place from 11 am to 5 pm at Central Park, which will also have food and vendor booths and raffles. Multi-awarded Filipino band South Border will perform. The group—composed of Vince Alaras (vocals), Duncan Ramos (vocals), Paul Benitez (drums), Ric Junasa (saxophone), Butch Victoriano (lead guitar), Tata Balane (bass), and Jay Durias (keyboards, musical director)—had attracted stand up crowds wherever they performed including top Hollywood and New York spots. They headlined at highly popular B.B. King’s clubs. Road manager is Rodrigo Gayta.
Also to be featured are the musical talents of Jin and Far*east Movement. Former Ruff Ryders’ artist Jin is a Chinese American who is freestyle champion and considered a rapper extraordinaire. The Far*east Movement is another influential group in the rising Asian American music scene. Members are Kevin Nishimura, James Roh and Jae Choung.
Emcees for the Festival will be Gwendoline Yeo of Desperate Housewives and Paul Kim. Yeo is a native of Singapore and a former Miss Chinatown USA and Miss Asian America. Yeo is nominated this year for a best actress in a drama award at the NamicVision Awards for her work on AMC’s Broken Trail, starring alongside Robert Duvall. Paul Kim, “PK,” is the founder and producer of an annual international Korean talent show and also hosts a weekly show on Radio Korea.
The Lunar New Year is marked by the first full moon of the New Year and celebrated in most Asian countries as a combination of thanksgiving, new beginnings, colorful festivals, foods and parades. It is one of the most important holidays observed with family and friends.
The Pasadena festival will be held in Central Park at 275 Raymond Ave. Viewers are encouraged to take the Metro Gold Line to Del Mar Station or Memorial Park Station to avoid traffic and parking delays.
LA 18/KSCI-TV was founded in 1976 and airs daily in Mandarin, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean and Japanese.
"I'd Still Say Yes"
SB performing "I'd Still Say Yes" - Milpitas High concert.
video uploaded by: EMILIE
video uploaded by: EMILIE
Labels: only in the USA, ST-eu, Street Team, Video
SOUTH BORDER @ Hilton Hotel
Spring Break party with SOUTH BORDER!
on March 31, 2007 (Sat); 10:30 pm
at Hilton Hotel
55 Universal Hollywood Drive Ballroom D
Universal City,California
Notes:
*TICKETS AT $25 each
CALL (818) 284-5516 for ticket reservations
**OTHER PERFORMERS: Jeff Jensen, Robbie Duran
***AN EXCLUSIVE GET TOGETHER WITH THE LOS ANGELES STREET TEAM HAPPENS FROM 9-11 pm!
REGISTER NOW AT WWW.THESBSTREETTEAM.COM
on March 31, 2007 (Sat); 10:30 pm
at Hilton Hotel
55 Universal Hollywood Drive Ballroom D
Universal City,California
Notes:
*TICKETS AT $25 each
CALL (818) 284-5516 for ticket reservations
**OTHER PERFORMERS: Jeff Jensen, Robbie Duran
***AN EXCLUSIVE GET TOGETHER WITH THE LOS ANGELES STREET TEAM HAPPENS FROM 9-11 pm!
REGISTER NOW AT WWW.THESBSTREETTEAM.COM
Labels: only in the USA, Party, Shows, ST-eu, Street Team
"Tulog"
SB performing "Tulog" - Milpitas High concert.
video uploaded by: EMILIE
video uploaded by: EMILIE
Labels: only in the USA, ST-eu, Street Team, Video
First Chat session - Postponed.
ANNOUNCEMENT:
I just received an e-mail from Philippine's SBST Leader, Daphne saying that...
According to Rodrigo, SB's Road Manager...
The boys are not available on:
March 3; Saturday, 5 am [CET/Europe-Italy]
March 2; Friday, 8 pm [CA time]
They wil be on the road to San Diego for their show. However, he will find another sched when the boys can join the chat. Sorry for this.
Will keep you guys updated. =)
I just received an e-mail from Philippine's SBST Leader, Daphne saying that...
According to Rodrigo, SB's Road Manager...
The boys are not available on:
March 3; Saturday, 5 am [CET/Europe-Italy]
March 2; Friday, 8 pm [CA time]
They wil be on the road to San Diego for their show. However, he will find another sched when the boys can join the chat. Sorry for this.
Will keep you guys updated. =)
Labels: Chat sessions, Din says, flip-flop, Let's talk about, News, ST-eu, Street Team
SOUTH BORDER @ The Mint
on Mar. 16, 2007 (Fri); 11 pm
at The Mint
6010 Pico Boulevard
Los Angeles, California - 90035
for more info:
call - 33.7866-118.299
www.themintla.com
Labels: only in the USA, Shows, ST-eu
SOUTH BORDER @ MAASU
on Mar. 10, 2007 (Sat); 9 pm
at the University of Illinois
Assembly Hall
1800 South First Street
Champaign, Illinois - 61820
for more info:
www.sc.maasu.org
at the University of Illinois
Assembly Hall
1800 South First Street
Champaign, Illinois - 61820
for more info:
www.sc.maasu.org
Labels: only in the USA, Shows, ST-eu
SOUTH BORDER with AEGIS
on Mar. 03, 2007 (Sat); 10 pm
at Scottish Rite Auditorium
Scottish Rite Center
1895 Camino Del Rio
San Diego, California
Matinee Show starts at 3 pm and Evening Show at 7:30 pm.
for more info & tickets call:
(619)274-1627 / (858) 693-1143 / (760) 722-8024
at Scottish Rite Auditorium
Scottish Rite Center
1895 Camino Del Rio
San Diego, California
Matinee Show starts at 3 pm and Evening Show at 7:30 pm.
for more info & tickets call:
(619)274-1627 / (858) 693-1143 / (760) 722-8024
Labels: AEGIS, only in the USA, Shows, ST-eu