Suite Chic's Picks for May

If you'd like to indulge in some music and art, catch Japanese artist Yukinko Akira as he paints to music. Yes, to music! I saw something like this in Edinburgh, a few artists painting to live music, and it was awesome and inspiring at the same time. To be able to watch art in progress is a privilege. Although Mr Akira will not be painting to live music, but to recorded music, I believe the process is the same. Don't miss it! Happening at the Esplanade Concourse venue on 21 May 2009, Thursday - 24 May 2009, Sunday at 7.15 – 7.45pm and 9 – 9.30pm each day. Details here.

For some fusion gamelan music, join RiB or Rhythm in Bronze, a group from Malaysia at the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre on 22 May 2009 Friday – 24 May 2009 Sunday. Their first set starts at 7.30pm. Details here.

My friend Darius Tan will be singing at the Outdoor Theatre next week 27th May 2009 Wednesday and 28th May 2009 Thursday at 7.15pm and 9 pm, with another actress Celine Rosa Tan. She has amazing vocals so do come down and watch these two as they fight/sing/play on stage. Details here.

Mekar Bhuana

Mekar Bhuana is a Sanur-based organisation founded by legong dancer Putu Evie Suyadnyani and her New Zealand husband, ethnomusicologist Wayan Pon Smara (Vaughan Hatch) to preserve the performing arts heritage of Bali.

They are coming down to Singapore to perform at the Esplanade Waterfront on the 2nd and 3rd of May, 2 sets a night. Admission is free!

The group will present five performances of rare seven-tone semara pagulingan repertoire (from Banjar Pagan Kelod, Denpasar, Kamasan, Klungkung and Gianyar) and pelegongan repertoire (from Teges Kanginan, Ubud and Banjar Tegal, Kuta). Vaughan Hatch will present a talk on this rare music and the ensembles during the festival.

Details here.