Tuesday (Feb. 16) is a red-letter day for thousands of die-hard fans of Chicago and other certified music enthusiasts as the legendary singing group holds its highly-anticipated live concert at the Big Dome in Cubao, Quezon City.

“Chicago Live In Manila!,” produced by Ovation Productions, will take fans on a nostalgic trip down memory lane when it showcases the authentic and endearing sound of the classic hits that have made Chicago one of the most successful and longest-running US pop and rock band.

To be featured as special guest is the local band Midlife Crisis.

The musical event will feature hit ballads like “Questions 67 & 68,” “Beginnings,” “Make Me Smile,” “25 or 6 to 4,” “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is,” “Lowdown,” “Color My World,” “I’m A Man,” “Saturday In The Park,” “Dialogue” and “Free.”

Other songs to be performed are “Feeling Stronger Everyday,” “Just You And Me,” “I’ve Been Searchin’ So Long,” “Call On Me,” “Wishing You Were Here,” “Old Days,” “If You Leave Me Now,” “Baby, What A Big Surprise,” “Love Me Tomorrow,” “Hard Habit To Break,” “No Tell Lover,” “Look Away,” and many more.

The concert is a tribute to the enduring achievements of the popular band renowned for its ability to charm and inspire audiences with the beauty of its music, the novelty of its style and the world-class quality of its act.

The group has also earned the attention and acclaim from other top musicians who have been influenced by its music, and consistently maintained the loyalty and support of millions worldwide throughout its successful career spanning more than 40 years.

The fresh attention focused on Chicago puts the spotlight on the remarkable career of a group formed in 1967 in the Windy City and which has consistently maintained a reputation for great sounds and live performances.

The band has produced a formidable string of hits in the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s that have earned for it a total of 19 gold albums, 13 platinum albums, 12 Top Tens, and five No. One. From its singles, it has scored 21 Top Ten hits, five No. One records and five gold singles. In all, Chicago has sold over 120 million albums worldwide.

Another big factor that has inspired Chicago in its early years was the show of admiration and support by some of the big names in rock who have turned avid fans of the group, including Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Brian Wilson, Al Kooper and Carlos Santana.

Starting as a rock band composed of versatile instrumentalists, the group initially played a series of late-night jams at clubs on and off campus in Chicago in 1967, until it turned professional as a cover band called The Big Thing and, later, Chicago Transit Authority (eventually shortened to Chicago).

Chicago’s triumphant streak continued through the 1990s. It received one of the highest recognitions from the entertainment industry when it was honored with its own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on July 23, 1992.

The members of Chicago are Robert Lamm, James Pankow, Lee Loughnane, Walter Parazaider, Lou Bardini, Jason Scheff, Tris Imboden and Keith Howland.

“Chicago Live In Manila!” is sponsored by Imarflex, ETC, 2nd Avenue, RJ 100.3 FM, Mercedes-Benz, Edsa Shangri-La Manila and GMA.

Other supporters include Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, The Philippine Star, BusinessWorld, Jack TV, Magic 89.9, 105.1 Crossover, Monster Radio RX 93.1, 96.3 Easy Rock, 90.7 Love Radio, 97.9 Home Radio, NU 107, 105.5 FM Underground Radio, philstar.com, GetzMo!, Focalcast Network and OptimaSignsolutions.

Tickets are available at Ticketnet outlets at all SM Department Stores.

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‘In Love With Balladeers’ post-Valentine show

OJ Mariano and Josh Santana will showcase their talents during a post-Valentine concert entitled “In Love With Balladeers” on Feb. 18, 9 p.m. at the Metro Concert Bar, West Ave., Quezon City.

The concert promises to be a night filled with love, romance and memories as OJ and Josh serenade the audience with songs that are sure to capture their hearts and make one fall in love.

Of the concert, OJ said: “I am really excited to perform in this concert since my last concert was in 2008. I look forward to perform with Josh Santana who is a superb singer.” OJ joined “Star In A Million” more than a couple of years earlier.

On his part, Josh said: “I am very thrilled to take the concert stage again this year. And sharing the stage with a very good friend, OJ Mariano, makes it even more exciting. OJ is a great singer and it’s a great honor to do a concert with him.”

“In Love With Balladeers” is presented by Joel Cruz Afficionado Germany Perfume. Part of the proceeds will be donated to the Molave Youth Home.

Meanwhile, OJ Mariano, dubbed as the Soulful Balladeer and Awit Awards’ Best New Male Recording Artist (2006) has released a Premium Edition album from his OJ Mariano “Ballads” album. It features the hit song “Pangako Ko,” the official theme song of the Mexican telenovela “Maria de Jesus” aired on ABS-CBN. Other songs included are OJ’s original compositions, “Tayo Na Nga” and “Hanggang Dito Na Lang.”

The album also features the following songs: “Sana’y Malaman Mo,” “If Ever You’re In My Arms Again,” “It’s Over Now,” and revivals like “In Your Eyes,” “Love Will Keep Us Alive,” “Sukiyaki,” “Dance With My Father,” and “Di Ka Na Akin.”

Josh Santana, known as the Fil-Hispano Balladeer, has also released a new single entitled “Magpakailanman.” He has also released his album entitled “Josh Santana Eres Tu,” to prove that indeed he is the first and only Filipino-Hispanic balladeer.

Of his being a Fil-Hispanic balladeer, Josh said: “This is the first time I’m choosing my music without pretension. I believe that music is a universal and a very powerful language and I really want to share something I really enjoy listening to.” He also explained that Filipino and Spanish music are familiar to us Filipinos, and such music coming from the heart.

Again, you will enjoy more of his music and that of OJ Mariano in their post-Valentine concert, “In Love With Balladeers” on Feb. 18 at the Metro Concert Bar, West Avenue, Quezon City.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Feb. 16 go to jeweller Erlinda “Liding” Oledan, actress-singer Shermaine Santiago, Tessie Luz, Winston Marbella, Josie Puzon, Lily Ayson-Foronda of San Rafael, San Esteban, Ilocos Sur, Bob Velasco Jr., Lulu Reyes, Julie Esguerra, Grace Ramirez, Thelma Matias, Robert M. Young, Rafael C. Aquino, and Mary Jane Papin. Happy wedding anniversary to Gabriel and Margot Ripoll. The organizer of the A. Mabini High School Batch ’77 reunion headed by Luz Aquino, Leonora Escribe Cabael, Alice Escudero, Baby Palma, and Amy Tindoc Vicencio, are calling all the graduates of 1977 class of A. Mabini High School to attend their coming reunion with the theme of “Balik-Eskwela 2010,” on Feb. 20, at the Jade Vine UN Ave. cor J. Bocobo Ermita, Manila.