The gigs of mid-March scratch a different kind of itch, especially when you’re either an indie kid who wants to get out of their comfort zone or a regular who just got off work and wanted to see their usual bands on the weekend. From the sweltering heat of a hardcore show happening at 120 beats per minute or a dream pop performance that sets the mood for the entire night, the gig culture is thriving this weekend, with a wide variety of options to choose from. Before the summer time kicks in, here are a bunch of shows that you should look out for in the month of March.
Tabang Vol. 2
Mow’s Bar, Matalino Street, Quezon City
March 14
Pay-what-you-can
CADM, a music photographer, has organized a benefit show for budots pioneer DJ Love’s hospital bills and other medical expenses. Joining the benefit show lineup are alternative rock and punk acts like There’s Era, (e)motion engine, Eggboy, and many more.
ONCE MORE (with no feelings!)
Kashmir, Poblacion, Makati City
March 15
P400 per ticket
Alternative music production Shoplifters United is back with another lineup of heavy hitters from the dream pop and alternative rock scenes. Headlined by Megumi Acorda, Tangerine Party, Cinema Lumiere and many more.
PAGTATASALASTASAN (Banghayan Tryouts)
Mow’s Bar, Matalino Street, Quezon City
March 15
P200 Entrance, P100 for try-out registrants
Hip-hop and skate crew Junkie Rebels Crew are putting up their rap battle league tryouts called “BANGHAYAN TRYOUTS.” The event will have performances from screamo band Ghost Stories, hip-hop acts Plazma the Demented, GA Chillerong Ghetto, and the hardcore act TNG. The event will serve as a benefit show for the residents affected by the fires in Pook Daang Tubo.
Ating Basement, Ating Shelter
Mow’s Bar, Matalino Street, Quezon City
March 16
P350 per ticket
Sining Shelter, an independent artist-run music venue from Paranaque City, and its crew will be putting up their second run of benefit shows this coming Sunday at Mow’s Bar, Quezon City. All proceeds of the show will go to the repairs of the venue’s roof. The show is in collaboration with other independent productions and artists such as Don’t Tell Nanay and Elev8 Me L8r, bringing in their regular mainstays such as Lovely Loser, A Piloto, 25hearts, Watch the World Turn and many more.
Past Gigs
Shreddin’ At Shakey’s
The month of March is fast approaching and we’re just getting started with a loaded lineup of gigs consisting a diverse lineup of genres. From the basement shows of riot grrrl bands to the large-scale hip-hop shows happening in the VisMin region, there’s so much to choose from when you’re craving for live music. Discover more of these alternative music communities and fun concerts.
Shakey’s Buendia Branch, Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Makati City
March 7
DM to reserve tickets
Alternative-rock production At Last Productions are having a sequel of their fast food series. They are now mounting a rock show in Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, specifically in the Buendia branch. Headlining the show will be bands from the college rock and indie scenes such as Of Mercury, Izzy Mariano, Nic Laforteza, Fitter Karma and a collaboration set between Raki Natividad and Lucas Miguel.
Who the Hell is the Faculty Club?
Mow’s Bar, Matalino Street, Quezon City
March 7
P300 online pre-sale, P350 walk-ins
Pop-rock band The Faculty Club will be debuting their live performance and launching their first single. Opening the show will be their closest peers and friends such as (e)motion engine, Wuji Wuji, cherryfocus, sci fye and a DJ set by Kadiliman.
Live at The Cozy Cove
The Cozy Cove, Leonard Wood Rd, Baguio City
March 8
Show is sold out
Nine Degrees North are back with another live showcase featuring one of the best pop soloists such as Moira and Kiana, and a special hometown performance of Cup of Joe. Live footage will be documented and an intimate session between the artist and audience will happen. Whether or not you’re from Baguio, it’s always important to always add The Cozy Cove for your gig itinerary.
So What’s the Point?
From-Here Playgrounds, The Crossroads, Cebu City
March 8
P300 online pre-sale, P350 walk-ins
A three-way collaborative gig between independent music productions such as singleplayer, Melt Records and John Bottles Events, “So What’s the Point” will feature two visiting emo bands and one pop-rock band coming from Manila, namely Thirds, The Mind is a Terrible Thing and 10 a.m. Departure. Playing alongside will be the indie rock regulars of Cebu’s music scene such as monopolice, Awkward Dancer, Kubra Commander, and many more.
Hip-Hop Jam Cebu Music Festival
Quano Cor. Seno Avenue Grounds, Mandaue City
March 8
P4500 for Early Bird VIP, P1500 Early Bird Silver, P800 General Admission, P500 GetSigned General Admission
Hip-Hop Jam Cebu Music Festival will feature a mix of popular rap artists from Metro Manila such as Hev Abi, Hellmerry, Sica, Zae, Paul n’ Ballin. There will be local Cebuano rappers who will share the same stage as other artists such as Mistah Lefty, Cookie$ and Winston Lee. Tickets are still up for grabs.
Riot Grrrl Revolution
Mow’s Bar, Matalino Street, Quezon City
March 9
P250 online pre-sale, P300 walk-ins
Independent music collective Noisy & Standing are putting up an all female lineup in celebration of Women’s Month. Ranging from riot grrrl punk, emo, and folk music, the collective will also feature an all-female and queer merchant alley at the show. The lineup will have Dana Paulene, Noa Mal, Sintasan, Salem and the Stellar Cats and many more.