After the long wait, Akon’s “Freedom Tour ’09” Manila concert finally pushes through at the Araneta Coliseum on Friday, Oct. 23, with Billy Crawford as special guest.

The Senegalese-American hiphop/R&B superstar recently voiced his sympathy to the victims of the recent typhoons, and volunteered to share part of his concert proceeds to the Philippine National Red Cross.

“The key is to take it from the dark side and into the light,” explains the singer of his third album, “Freedom,” released late last year. “I’m not gonna be miserable, preachy and unhappy forever. Of course, when you first come out from doing time, you’re excited about being free and want to teach everybody what you’ve learned. But it’s like with the name Konvict Entertainment (Akon’s record label). I always use the name as a reminder of where I don’t want to be. It was always for a positive purpose, but some people were falsely translating my message. Just because you presume something a certain way doesn’t mean it’s necessarily that way. You gotta take the time and get fully educated about it, then judge for yourself.”

Produced by ALV Events International, OctoArts Entertainment, Tiffany Chocolates and Regal Multimedia Inc., Akon’s “Freedom Tour ’09” is presented by Human, Calayan Surgicentre, AMA University, ABS-CBN, in cooperation with Crowne Plaza, PCSO, San Miguel Strong Ice, Magnolia Pure Water and SMART. Media partners include Magic 89.9, Wave 89.1, RX 93.1, 103.5 MaxFM, and MYX Music Channel. Tickets are available at TicketNet and ALV Events International. Red Cross booths will also be set up near the gate to accept donations in cash or kind. Showtime is 8 p.m.

Tribute concert to young heroes Friday night at MOA

A grand youth festival featuring 30 popular and rising bands is scheduled Friday night at the Mall of Asia’s San Mig By the Bay. The event starts at 1 p.m. with exhibits, booths, and symposia.

Music marathon then follows at 5 p.m. with the country’s hottest bands including The Dawn, Sandwich, The Jerks, Sugarfree, Duster, Cambio, Tropical Depression, Syato, Radioactive Sago, Kenyo, Heber Bartolome, Moonstar 88, Imago, Color it Red, Jess Santiago, Paraluman, FMD, 6Cyclemind, Tropical Depression, Kjwan, Chilitees, Peryodiko, Tatsulok, Pedicab, FMD, Join the Club, Nico and Carlo, Camerawalls, and Aurora.

The media partners and sponsors include TV5, MTV, GSM Blue, Smart Communications, Netopia, the United Nations Development Programme, Heritage Suites, Jam 88.3, Wave 89.1, Magic 89.9, 99.5 RT, 103.5 Max FM and is organized by the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development.

A theme song, “Voice for Change” has also been composed by Rom Dongeto, especially for the event, with music video performed by Sugarfree, featuring KaTwo of the band Duster. A 2-hour television special on the project is also scheduled for Nov. 14, from 9 to 11 p.m. on TV5. Tickets for the youth festival/ music marathon are available at TicketNet branches.

Homegrown music legends perform at Ayala Malls

Ayala Malls bring another musical spectacle that will revive the sweet rock ‘n roll sounds of the ’60s! The Electromaniacs, performs live at the Ayala Malls!

Ayala Malls relives the music of the 1960s, with Electromaniacs original members Lito Toribio on drums, Emil Caballero on bass, and Ernie Delgado on lead guitar and new additions to the group Lenny de Jesus, Rolly Roldan and Noel Plana (Lenny de Jesus as their manager) together with Tonyboy Cojuangco this month of October.

Catch the Electromaniacs with guest Tonyboy Cojuangco on Friday, Oct. 23 in Greenbelt 3 Park; and Oct. 25 in Glorietta 5 Atrium.

Version 4.0 at Makati Shang Friday night

One of today’s hottest live bands, Version 4.0 performs some of the best covers at Conways Bar at the Makati Shangri-La on Friday, Oct. 23, Friday at 8:30 p.m.

Conways hosts a nightly gig affair the entire month of October featuring seasoned acts like Side A, Spirit of ’67 and Rockin Revival among others.