REtroSPECT benefit concert set for Feb. 6

Retro-pop singing group REtroSPECT reunites in a one-night concert on Feb. 6, at the Fiesta Resort & Hotel Saipan’s Hibiscus Hall for the benefit of ABS-CBN’s Bantay Bata Foundation International. (Contributed Photo)

Internationally known retro-pop musical group REtroSPECT reunites for a one night-only benefit concert billed RETROWORLD REtroSPECT Reunion Concert Tour 2016 on Feb. 6 at the Hibiscus Hall of the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan.

Part of the proceeds of the concert will be donated to ABS-CBN’s Bantay Bata International Foundation.

REtroSPECT will again belt out their original Filipino songs Bakit Nga Ba? (Why are we?), Who Will?, Chika Doo, Getaway, Trilogy, It’s Party Time, and If I Don’t Love You.

They will also have their own rendition of classic hits by ABBA, Earth Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, Boy George, and other ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s cover songs.

Group members are now based in different parts of the world. Leader and producer J. Martin is now based in Guam, Em-J now resides in Naples in Italy, Goldie now lives in Vancouver, while Ogie stays in Manila.

This will be REtroSPECT’s second time to hold a show on Saipan after also performing in a sold out back-to-back concert with singer Geneva Cruz last June 11, 2011, as part of the celebration of the Philippine Independence Day.

Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan general manager Abner Acosta said the group gained a huge following in Guam after being an in-house band in one of the local bars there.

Acosta added that the concert will have limited seating with the Hibiscus Hall can only accommodate 300. Tickets cost $30 for general admission and $50 for VIP.

The American Federation of Musicians of the U.S. and Canada certified REtroSPECT as an internationally renowned retro pop group.

Saipan will be the fifth stop of REtroSPECT’s 16-city world tour that started on Jan. 15 at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City, Philippines during the annual Sinulog Festival.

They also had shows in Iloilo City and Manila in the Philippines and are scheduled for another concert at the Sheraton Laguna Guam Resort in Tamuning on Friday, Feb. 5.

The 23rd ALIW Awards’ Best Group Performer Hall of Fame awardee will also have two-night shows Los Angeles (Feb. 12 and 13), San Francisco (Feb. 19 and 20), and Queens in New York (Feb. 26 and 27).

The cities of Toronto (March 5), Calgary (March 6), Vancouver (March 11), and Victoria in British Columbia (March 12) will be their next stop. The group will then continue their tour in Europe with Milan, Italy their first gig on March 19.

They will also have shows in Liverpool and London in the United Kingdom on March 25 and 26 before ending their world tour in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on April 1.