By WALTER ANG
Aug. 30, 2023 | USA.Inquirer.net
LOS ANGELES — Filipino American actor and vocalist Jaime Barcelon will serenade audiences at his solo concert on Sept. 28 titled "The Heart of the Matter."
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| Jaime Barcelon |
The show's theme will trace Barcelon's artistic journey "from his hometown of Metro Manila to Hollywood," where he has been based for almost a decade now.
It will be held at the Gardenia Restaurant and Lounge and musical direction will be by Gerald White.
His song selection ranges from contemporary pop hits to Broadway tunes and selections from the Great American Songbook.
"I will be singing a wide range of genres in the show," he says. "I'll be singing some classics that I was inspired by growing up in Manila by artists such as the Carpenters and standards like `Someone to Watch Over Me.'
"I'll also be singing songs made popular by singers such as the great Frank Sinatra, John Legend, Sara Bareilles and Linda Ronstadt and Broadway tunes."
Singing, acting
"I got into singing purely because I enjoyed it very much as a kid and it did help me come out of my shell as I was painfully shy. In my teens was when I started to get more involved with choir, school productions and taking lessons."
Barcelon sang professionally as a member of The Ryan Cayabyab Singers, a group founded and mentored by the renowned composer. He now sings with the pop gospel vocal group RAISE and the Metropolitan Master Chorale.
He eventually branched out into acting and has performed in both musical and concert galas for theater company East West Players. Other theater credits include Coeurage Theatre Co. and "Edith Can Shoot Things" at Playwrights' Arena.
Barcelon has acted in numerous network television shows spanning hit procedural dramas to sitcoms and films such as "American Auto," "Criminal Minds" and "9-1-1."
Collaboration
Barcelon first met Gerald White last year upon taking White's sight singing class. With over 25 years teaching experience, White is a prolific singer/songwriter, accomplished pianist and teacher based in Los Angeles.
"Then I started taking voice lessons with him to prepare for the American Traditions Vocal Competition. I was a quarterfinalist and got to travel to Savannah, Georgia to compete."
There, Barcelon competed with established Broadway talents, classical singers and rising jazz stars.
"I knew the competition would be fierce so I really wanted to prepare as best I could. I've been working with him ever since and I was thrilled when he said he would do my show because he's very busy!"
Meaningful
"I've been in the US for a little over 10 years now. I've found so many things meaningful! Getting a chance to act on TV is a rush of excitement and there's always a part of me that is in awe of simply being there.
"With TV I've learned the importance of focus and grounding myself. There's a lot going on a filming set so when the camera is finally on you, it's time to deliver.
"With theater, it's the community. Of course, there is also that live energy that is so palpable that makes it so special. The biggest lesson I've learned here is perseverance and finding ways to stay fulfilled because it's a very challenging industry."
"The Heart of the Matter" is on Sept. 28. Visit jaimebarcelon.com.
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https://usa.inquirer.net/135726/singer-actor-jaime-barcelon-to-serenade-fans-in-la-solo-concert