by TJ Delima
On June 21, 2023, Cebu City was ablaze with the exhilarating melodies of the Fête de la Musique Island Stage, held at the enchanting La Parisienne Cebu. This event celebrated the universal language of music, bringing together talented artists, passionate performers, and a vibrant audience.
Fête de la Musique is a renowned global festival that brings together musicians and music lovers from all walks of life, aiming to highlight the diversity of musical practices and promote creative and cultural expression. This year’s festivities in the Philippines took the festival to ambitious levels, with nearly thirty stages happening across the country including Cebu, Siargao, Baguio, and more in a span of one week, kicking off with pocket stages around Metro Manila on June 17th and culminating on the main stage on June 24th.
Tomorrow For Sure, an up and coming indie rock band, kicked off the show set the tone for the evening with their captivating pop rock melodies. Alice Who took the stage next and rocked the show with their unique pop sound. The band’s fusion of catchy tunes and thought-provoking lyrics had the audience singing along. Marielle Montellano, a talented singer on a quest to discover her musical destiny, mesmerized the audience with her soulful ballads.
Sansette, a local Cebuano indie band, delivered a dynamic and bubbly performance, leaving everyone in high spirits. Their tropical vibes and infectious rhythms created an atmosphere that transported the crowd to an eternal summer.
Vincent Eco then took up the stage. The unassuming folk-rock artist shared his heartfelt songs and his soulful set captured emotions for everyone in attendance.
Closing the night out was KRNA, a dream pop outfit from Cagayan De Oro City. Their dreamy instrumentals, combined with powerful vocal performances, left the audience in awe, creating a fitting finale to an incredible evening of music.
Throughout the musical performances, visual artist Wo Hu lit up the stage with stunning audioreactive visuals that moved along gracefully to the music. The unique visual touch captured imaginations and completed a truly memorable audiovisual experience.
The overall satisfaction of the event was undeniable. Attendees reveled in the performances, appreciating the diversity of musical styles and the talent showcased on stage. Enjoying La Parisienne Cebu’s cozy atmosphere, sipping some wine, beer and pizza. The place was filled with joy, as friends and strangers alike came together to enjoy the magic of music.
As the night came to a close, the echoes of the performances lingered in our hearts. The Fête de la Musique 2023: Island Stage Cebu showcased the diverse musical talent of Cebu City and left an indelible mark on all who attended. If you missed out on this remarkable event, mark your calendars for next year’s edition. Until then, let the melodies continue to fill your soul, and may the spirit of music guide your every step.
This year’s Island Stage: Cebu was presented by Filla Killa, Alliance Française de Cebu, and Melt Records with the Alliance française de Manille, B-Side Production, The Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia, the Department of Tourism, and Kardinal Stick. Sign up for updates on future music events from Melt Records.