Thousands of music fans will experience the ultimate thrill and excitement with another great time of singing, swaying and grooving to the exuberant sound of Earth, Wind & Fire Experience featuring Al McKay during its much-awaited concert tour this August.

The celebrated band, acknowledged as one of the hottest groups of the past four decades, will mount a return engagement with several live performances to be highlighted by a major concert on Aug. 22 at the Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City .

Other shows in the tour produced by Steve O’Neal Productions are scheduled today, Aug. 20, at Limketkai Mall, Cagayan de Oro City; Aug. 23 (Kadayawan Festival), SM Mall grounds, Davao City; and Aug. 24, Bacolod Coliseum, Bacolod City.

“Earth, Wind & Fire Experience” returns to the concert scene five months after its successful tour last March where it enthralled sold-out audiences at the Manila Hotel Tent City , Cebu Sports Center and Araneta Coliseum with its spellbinding performance of its hit songs.

The musical event will showcase the talent and artistry of its frontman Al McKay, renowned bandleader, guitarist and songwriter who is widely credited for the success of some of the greatest hits of Earth, Wind & Fire.

Recognized for its magnificent fusion of R&B, funk, soul and disco music, Earth,. Wind & Fire achieved international popularity for such hits as “Shining Star,” “Fantasy,” “September,” “Let’s Groove” and “Boogie Wonderland,” among many others.

The two-and-and-half hour gig is expected to be transformed anew into an impromptu dance party by concert-goers by joining the excitement of the event not only by watching but by singing, swinging and grooving to the beat of the band.

For eight years since 1973, when he first joined Earth, Wind & Fire as rhythm guitarist, McKay was responsible not only for a lion’s share of its instantly recognizable sound, but also for writing and co-writing some of its most memorable hits.

Together with founder Maurice White, he penned such Earth, Wind & Fire classics as “September” and “Sing A Song,” both of which emerged as chart-topping signature tracks for the group.

During his stint with the band, it notched several career milestones, including the release of the album “Head To The Sky” (1973), which yielded its first two legitimate hit singles, “Evil,” and the title track, “Keep Your Head To The Sky,” both Top 30 R&B and Top 60 pop charts.

Verni Varga’s ‘Power of Music’

If we seldom see Verni Varga on stage, it’s because she’s very choosy with her shows. So when there’s a Verni Varga concert, people get up on their feet and line up to the ticket booths because they know that they’re up to see something different and exciting when she performs.

Well, it should delight fans of Verni to know that she’s doing a concert billed “Power of Music” on Aug. 21 at Metro Concert Bar along West Ave., QC . Performing with her are Duncan Ramos and Luke Mijares. Caloocan Rep. Mitch Cajayon is co-producing the concert with Jobert Sucaldito. Jobert was asked by friends from the movie press how he was able to convince Ms. Varga to perform at Metrobar. Jobert, who’s the man behind Front Desk Entertainment Production, said “she’s my very good friend from way back kaya pinagbigyan lang niya ako.”

On her part, Verni said “I’m very excited to perform at Metrobar for the very first time. I’m truly preparing for this concert. I’ve worked with Luke Mijares a couple of times already but this is my first time to sing with Duncan Ramos. I’m really excited to do this show. So let’s see each other sa Metrobar on Aug. 21. Let’s party all the way.”

Aug. 21 is a special day for Filipinos as it is the 25th anniversary of People Power, and so Verni’s “Power of Music” is in celebration of People Power. The show also features Manila Councilor Uno Lim and The Foxy Ladies. Tickets are available at Metrobar, Jobert said.

Presentors to the show include Globe Asiatique, Xando Block & Burn Tablets, Graia Construction Corp., and People’’ General Insurance Corp. Major sponsors are Bodega ng Bayan, Bodega 99, Tampisaw Beach Resort (in Lipay Dingin, Iba, Zambales), Pan de Pidro, Anchor Lite Milk, Aficionado Germany Perfume, Cocozen, MET Tathione, Faces & Curves, Belo Essentials, Novu-Hair, Myrna’s Bulalo Haus, Jorge & Patricia del Rosario, and Mrs. Vicky Cu of Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

Kristine Hermosa signs contract as endorser of Aescultura

Beautiful ABS-CBN star Kristine Hermosa recently signed a contract as the new endorser of Aescultura, a cosmetic clinic that is borne out of the brilliant minds of doctors who want to change people’s lives by making them more beautiful. Aescultura’s team of excellent cosmetic and plastic surgeons believe they have successfully blended the art and science of cosmetic surgery. Their aesthetic skills, combined with their medical proficiency and state-of-art medical facility, makes them a force to reckon with in this field.

Aescultura makes sure that a client’s natural and inner beauty shines through. Its doctors have made it their noble mission to enhance the appearance of every face and body entrusted to them without compromising their natural beauty.

Present during the contract-signing were Dr. Rea Flores-Trinidad, COO; Dr. Francis Decangchon, president; Ms. Ma. Emelda Tan, board director; Dr. Edwin William Tan , CFO, and Kristine of course, and her mom, Mai.

Aescultura is located by Future Point Plaza One, 112 Panay Ave., QC.

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Aug. 20, go to former Chief Justice Emilio Gancayco, Consul of Monaco Fortune A. Ledesma, Manuel Collantes, Phillip Salvador, Bro. Mike Velarde, Noel Trinidad, Cheloy Ignacio, Rep. Melon Recto-Silverio, Jaime Picomell, Tanya Montenegro, Trinidad Gomez, Christine Gatchalian, Helen A. dela Virgen, Pocholo Capule, Claire Miranda, Rudy Fontanilla, Atty. Jose Villanueva, Milagros A. Binalla, Alex Datu and Vincent del Rosario of Viva Group of Companies…Belated b-day greetings to Taiwan-based Loida Lagana-Huang (Aug. 19)…Condolence to the family of Shirley Halili Cruz’s sister Jo on the death of her 15-year-old daughter Eeka who drowned in a family outing in Sagada…