The SlickMaster's Files: The Scene Around: F&D Sessions

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

The Scene Around: F&D Sessions - SITTI Live at 19 East

06/11/2023 10:27:49 AM

The date was May 31, 2023. A rainy Wednesday afternoon ignited one of the worst traffic situations recently. Hell, it took me four and a half hours from my place in Marikina City to go to a music hall that's approximately 26 kilometers far.

Amidst the traffic jam and long queue of passengers (plus the fact that I got to watch an episode of Voltes V Legacy on its two online broadcasts), it didn't stop me and nearly hundreds from visiting 19 East as they saw Sitti, alongside other bands, perform later that night – on a payday Wednesday. Yes, despite my arriving late to the party.

This edition of F&D Sessions was also backed up by its diverse roster of talents such as Centerfold, Maeve, and Poi, plus other billed performers like Roy Antonio, Laraza, and Sssun. A seven-act show at the premiere music venue of the south. Sounds like a long night for music lovers, especially those who waited for the country's bossa nova queen's set.

Although later than originally scheduled, Sitti took over the stage by almost 1:00AM, but the crowd was still at it. Forget that she and her band were on a longer-than-usual set. Hell, even forgot that she performed her legendary hit song 'Para Sa Akin' earlier than usual just in case some people wanted to go home. Either way, they're freakin' satisfied to be there at midnight of (technically) 1 June 2023.

I found other groups impressive as I watched the show, too. Roy Antonio and Sssun were goddamn as kick starters. Other bands like Maeve and Laraza delivered solid goods, as always. Centerfold turned up the pace by a bit before the main act. Plus, despite being bumped off last, Poi is one heck of an artist that can close the show by any means necessary. He's like a sleeper in the draft. He can deliver good songs, and given more chances and exposure, he will shine as a musician.

Overall, it was a feel-good mid-week and payday gig – a saving grace for those who would rather spend their night elsewhere because the weather made the traffic somewhere in SLEX disaster.