By Virginia Balanon
Produced by E-talent International and Triple J Productions, the soothing voice of Asia Juris Fernandez charmed her way to the hearts of Melbourne audience, putting them under a wonderful spell of soul and acoustic music, during her one-night-only sold-out concert on 24 November at the Sunshine Polish House in Ardeer, Victoria.
The Filipino singer-songwriter, who started her music career as the lead vocalist of the acoustic band MYMP (Make Your Momma Proud) in 2003, performed a selection of her originals, TV series and movie themes (“Di Lang Ikaw”, “Someday”, “A Love to Last a Lifetime”) and acoustic covers of famous OPM classics like “Forevermore” (Side A Band), “Rainbow” (South Border), “Nasaan Ka Na” (Nyoy Volante) and “So Slow” (Freestyle). Every song gave the audience a “moment” – of memories, of emotions, and of dreams; with her gentle voice accompanied by the mesmerising melodies of Eduardo “Odja” Jimenez’s keyboards and the rhythmic strums of Caloy Calpito’s guitar.
Melbourne’s local artists, Bryan Yap, Shanelle Diongson, Myca Baculi, Patricia Cardona, Trish Madronio and sisters Dayanara and Darianna Nuez, shared the stage with the Asia’s soothing voice delivering their renditions of greatest hits and also performing a special production number with JURIS, singing one of MYMP’s cover songs “Tell Me Where It Hurts”.
Closing the night, Juris left the audience with an early Christmas wish, her acoustic version of a famous Christmas song “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”. And that was just the perfect treat!
Juris Live in Melbourne was sponsored by Megaworld International, The Filipino Channel (TFC) and Saladmaster, in cooperation with supporting partners Migration Corporation Australia, MLV Accounting, Pinta Print, Melbourne Australia Tours, Kabayan Restaurant, Salon de Yvonne, Tau Gamma Phi, Talyer Auto Shop, Liz Honey Promotions and Sandok Productions.
