2007 was expected to be "The End" for local rock bands. Although this did not exactly prove true, record companies and a handful of acts in the band scene actually felt a decline. But a few groups managed to cheat their death. Sugarfree is one such band.

The power trio is composed of Ebe Dancel on lead vocals and Guitar, Jal Taguibao on Bass and back-up vocals, and newcomer Kaka Quisumbing on Drums. They take pride in the robustness of their sound despite being a mere 3-man band, so it is quite ironic that they should choose to work with a 33-piece ensemble for their upcoming major concert this month.

Sugarfree celebrates its 8th year anniversary with grandeur. No less than the Manila Symphony Orchestra joins the band in this ambitious endeavor. "Sugarfree Live!" which happens on September 29, 2007 at the Music Museum also boasts an "all-star" production team: Treb Montreras (who worked with the band on the music video of "Tulog Na") will be directing both the live show and the video documentation; Angee Rozul of Tracks Studio is in charge of the multi-track audio recording; and Shari Villa will work her magic on the lights.

Collaborating with an orchestra has been a long-standing dream shared by original members Ebe and Jal. An attempt was made in May of 2005 at the Hard Rock Café where they performed an acoustic set with Ebe on acoustic guitar, Jal on acoustic bass, then-member Mitch Singson on drums –accompanied by a flutist, two violinists, a cellist, and a pianist. Later that year came "Rockestra" where Sugarfree and the MSO first worked together. In Ebe’s words, the experience was "magical." "Naiyak ako," he says. And this year seems to be the perfect time to fulfill their dream and awe the audience in a concert that will last a full 90 minutes or so.

For a band that has had three successful albums, it’s been quite a challenge drafting a list of songs to perform during the concert, after all, there’s a chance their more recent converts may not be as familiar with the singles from the debut album "Sa Wakas" (released in 2003) like "Telepono," "Mariposa," or "Burnout." Meanwhile, their original followers, who probably have less opportunities of catching the band’s gigs these days, most likely just hear the more recent hits from the sophomore album "Dramachine" (released in 2004) such as "Prom," "Kwatro" (also included in the "Pinoy Blonde" OST) and "Tulog Na" or from "Tala-Arawan" (released in 2006) such as "Batang Bata Ka Pa" (also included in "Kami nAPO Muna"), "Kung Ayaw Mo Na Sa Akin" and "Dear Kuya" on the radio.

Undeniably, it is the 2005 smash hit "Hari ng Sablay" and their presence on TV with "Makita Kang Muli" (the "Panday" teleserye theme song) that has kept Sugarfree afloat. And for several weeks now the music video of their current single "Wag Ka Nang Umiyak" directed by Quark Henares has been enjoying the #1 seat on MYX’s Daily Top 10, which ascertains that this major concert comes at a perfect time.

The band insists on remaining mysterious about what else is in store on the night itself but they guarantee their loyal fans, who have consistently remained "young" through the years, that the Php 300 (Orchestra Center), Php 200 (Orchestra Side), or Php 100 (Balcony) they are shelling out will be well worth it.

"SUGARFREE LIVE! with the Manila Symphony Orchestra" is made possible by San Miguel Beer, Globe G-Cash, Penshoppe, JB Music, Hamer, Ovation, Zildjian, Hairshaft, Dencio’s, SNS, Gretsch, and media partners Jam 88.3, Magic 89.9, Barangay LS 97.1, NU 107, UNTV, Manila Bulletin, and MYX.

For ticket inquiries, please call Music Museum at 721-0635 and Ticketworld (located in all National Bookstore branches) at 891-9999.

Check out the Sugarfree Live! concert ad here:
http://www.titikpilipino.com/news/events.php?eventid=456