Mikey Bustos, Jessica Sanchez and SamaSama Project in Chicago concert to celebrate FAHM 2016
CHICAGO, IL — This October, Filipino-Americans in the Windy City are invited to celebrate Filipino American History Month (FAHM) with an evening of fun and music at the “TGIF” concert featuring American Idol Jessica Sanchez, YouTube sensation Mikey “PinoyBoy” Bustos, and Chicago’s own Filipino folk fusion band, SamaSama Project on Oct. 7 at the Copernicus Center.
“It’s going to be a fantastic, festive Friday evening this Fall!” says Lou Ella Rose, SamaSama Project vocalist. “The title of the concert plays with the letter ‘F’ to represent not just Friday, but also Filipinos, Filipino-Americans, and Filipino American History Month. Thank goodness, I’m Filipino American!”
Aside from the concert, the lobby of the center will be converted into a Fiesta Hall featuring Filipino food kiosks such as Oxtail Filipino Inspired , a bazaar for early holiday gift shopping, and information booths of Chicago-based not-for-profit organizations.
Fiesta Hall opens at 5PM and is free admission. “Various local artists will perform at the Fiesta Hall such as Hill Ford, Miki Pascual, Nina Mae Vidal, Jcrew, The Silayan Choir, 3JNR Rondalla, Defensor Method Filipino Kali-Eskrima with Guro Nonong and other special guests,” says Everett Icao, Fiesta Hall Stage Manager.
“With the concert and the Fiesta Hall, these events are set to be the biggest FAHM celebration in the Midwest,” adds Icao.
This multi-event affair is hosted by the Philippine American Cultural Foundation with Golden Tara Creatives in celebration of FAHM, which is an annual event established by the Filipino American National Historical Society.
Founded in 1996, the Philippine American Cultural Foundation aims to promote cultural, educational, social and civic activities among Filipinos and Filipino Americans in the Midwest.
For a limited number of out-of-state ticket holders and VIP ticket holders, Chicago’s renowned Field Museum is offering an exclusive tour of its collection of ten thousand Philippine artifacts collected in the early 1900s by American anthropologists on Oct. 8. Advance reservations required at [email protected].
Early Bird Group discounted tickets are available. VIP tickets are also available for the best seats in the 1,800-seat theater and access to the special meet-and-greet and signing after the show.
“TGIF” is on Oct. 7, 2016, 7:30 pm, at Copernicus Center, 5216 W Lawrence Ave., Chicago, IL. For ticket inquiries and sponsorship opportunities, visit PACFmidwest.org/2016-tgif-chicago or SamaSamaProject.com. Contact [email protected] or 630-379-9636.
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DETAILS OF PERFORMERS
Jessica Sanchez
Hailing from California and being one of the Top 2 finalists in American Idol Season 11, Jessica Sanchez has made a name for herself wowing audiences with her powerful vocals! She is biracial, with a Mexican father and a Filipina mother. A great singer and songwriter with plenty of style and talent, she was invited to record the theme song for Hillary Clinton’s campaign.
Mikey Bustos
Mikey Bustos is a Filipino Canadian singer and comedian who was one of the Finalists of Canadian Idol. His YouTube Video parodies have made him a YouTube celebrity garnering millions of viewers and fans. He recently came out with “F-I-L-I-P-I-N-O,” a parody of Megan Trainor’s song “No,” which hit 12 million views in its first week
SamaSama Project 
SamaSama Project was launched as one of Chicago’s premiere Filipino Folk Fusion band in 2008. “SamaSama” translated as “united, together” truly live up to their name creating a blend of Filipino folk, rock, ska, and Latin music, inspired by a 1970s musical movement called Manila Sound. Over the years, the talented group led by Lou Ella Rose on vocals and Baron Cabalona on drums have made their mark showcasing a fusion of Filipino traditional folk and contemporary music at many notable venues. They also performed in Madrid, Spain for the Pope’s World Youth Day MacroFestival Concert for over 12,000 youth. Inspired by the drive to promote Culture through music and the arts, SamaSama Project continue to captivate audiences with their unique sound that transcends all boundaries.
SamaSama Project is composed of Lou Ella Rose (lead vocals), Baron Cabalona (drums), Ran Sevilla (rhythm guitar, back up vocals), Cesar “Bobot” Ong (keyboards), John Kniker (lead guitar) and Gerry Lomotan (bass guitar). #####
