Richard Poon

Going out of what’s usual should be a challenge worth taking for every talented artist. Celebrated crooner Richard Poon is set to do a show brave enough to take a road less traveled as far as his classy sound is concerned. The singer in suit to be backed-up by a 15-piece big band will do a medley of Willie Revillame songs expected to make his audience smile.

The unlikely medley is one of the highlights of his pre-Valentine show simply called “A Night With Richard Poon” and scheduled on Feb. 10, 8 p.m., at the Meralco Theater. Noticed for his musicianship and serious efforts to go out of the box, Poon is bound to keep his fine form doing what is an invitation for ridicule.

Asked if such medley would instead make the affair less high-end, his reply: “Not at all. I’m singing the songs in a big band arrangement and we will make it sound so class. I don’t think it will diminish the high-end feel of the show. Instead, it will bring a new connection to the crowd.”

“I also believe that I impress the audience with my strengths but I connect more with my weaknesses.”

According to Poon himself, 85% of the repertoire at hand consists of new songs and arrangements. The current sensation is not to waste the opportunity of having a big band for support. 

The singer-songwriter who sounds to be date-less this Valentine, argued, “I challenge myself to give something new in every big show. I wanna give a big chunk of something new all the time.”

The former member of U-Turn has a lot of much-awaited shows lined-up, like one in Arthouse Singapore with his band on March 17 and 18. He is also part of the Heartthrobs US Tour with Piolo Pascual, Sam Milby, John Lloyd Cruz, and Gerald Anderson. They will do gigs at Gateway Theater, Chicago (March 26); San Jose Event Center, California (March 27); Manhattan Center, New York (March 31); Heritage Forum, Anaheim California (April 3); and Will Rogers Memorial Center, Dallas (April 4).

In the meantime, Poon assures fans he will help out create a more romantic atmosphere as the love month reaches its climax. According to his road manager, there’s a portion that will make couples dance sweet on stage and a surprise guest will appear. It’s to his advantage that he knows how to convey through performing the meaning of “timeless, always fresh” love songs. (Call Ticketnet outlets or log on to www.beccamusic.com for tickets.)