Strummin’ Foundation August Update: Rehearsals, Events, and an Upcoming Masterclass
The Strummin’ Foundation wrapped up an eventful August with a series of exciting activities and announcements. Guitarists began weekly rehearsals at Kwinti Studjows, preparing for the highly anticipated November concert. The upcoming collaboration with singers is expected to further elevate the energy and excitement surrounding the event.
In a heartwarming addition, representatives from Dr Klown visited one of the rehearsals to introduce their impact work at Mater Dei Hospital. This collaboration emphasises the Foundation's commitment to blending music with community service.
On August 22, the Foundation hosted an open-mic night at StoreRoom in Ta’ Xbiex, featuring performances by guitarists, band members, and singers. The evening was a success, offering both entertainment and a sense of community.
Looking forward, the Foundation is preparing for its popular Pasta Night, with all proceeds going to support Dr Klown. This event also contributes to the "20 Years of Gold" concert, ensuring a night of great food for a great cause.
In addition, the Strummin’ Foundation is partnering with VocalBooth Studios to offer a three-hour voice masterclass on September 20, led by Malta’s acclaimed singer-songwriter and vocal coach, Pamela Bezzina. Open to singers aged 14 and up, the masterclass will focus on enhancing vocal technique, stage presence, and song interpretation. Participants will benefit from Bezzina’s extensive experience, which spans various popular Maltese bands and international performances.
Pamela Bezzina, renowned for her soul and gospel style, has made significant contributions to Malta’s music scene both as a performer and a coach. As the founder of VocalBooth Studios and a certified Vocal Massage Therapist, Bezzina is dedicated to nurturing talent and promoting vocal health. Her masterclass is a unique opportunity for singers of all levels to develop their skills under her expert guidance.
Early-bird tickets for the masterclass are available until September 8. The Strummin’ Foundation continues to foster a vibrant musical community, offering valuable experiences for artists and audiences alike.
Vilhena Philharmonic Band to Make Historic Debut at Manoel Theatre
In a historic milestone, the Vilhena Philharmonic Band of Floriana will perform for the first time at the renowned Manoel Theatre in Valletta. The concert, titled "150 Anniversarju: Kunċert Strumentali mill-Banda Vilhena," is being held to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the band's founding in 1874.
The choice of the Manoel Theatre as the venue holds special significance, as it is named after Grandmaster António Manoel de Vilhena, the same figure who inspired the band's name. This performance underscores the band's deep-rooted connection to Maltese history and culture.
The concert, under the baton of Musical Director Mro. George Debono, will feature a diverse selection of music, ranging from classical masterpieces to contemporary compositions, including pieces unique to the Vilhena Philharmonic. The band will be accompanied by the Amadeus Chamber Choir and tenor Brian Cefai, with presentations by George and Elisa Cassar.
Scheduled for Sunday, September 22, at 7:00 PM, this concert promises to be a significant cultural event. Those interested in attending can book tickets by contacting a committee member, sending an email to societadevilhena@gmail.com, or via the band's Facebook page, "Socjeta Filarmonika Vilhena."
Established in 1874, the Vilhena Band Club has a rich and storied history, tracing its roots back to an earlier band from the late 1860s. Under the leadership of Maestro Giuseppe Borg, the band quickly rose to prominence, becoming one of Malta’s leading musical societies and expanding its activities to include theatrical performances.
Throughout its history, the band has faced numerous challenges, including the destruction of its club during World War II. Despite these setbacks, the band has consistently played a vital role in Floriana’s civic and religious life, participating in major national and religious events.
Beyond its musical achievements, the club has served as a hub for various community activities, including sports, civic initiatives, and social events. It was also the first in Malta to establish its own radio station, Radju Vilhena. Despite a declining population in Floriana, the club remains vibrant, with an active Youth Section and ongoing efforts to preserve its rich history and expand its facilities.
As a cornerstone of Floriana’s cultural life, the Vilhena Band Club continues to make significant contributions to the community, particularly through its involvement in the Feast of Saint Publius. The club maintains close ties with Malta’s highest ecclesiastical and civil authorities, including the Archbishop and the President of Malta, ensuring its continued relevance and importance in Maltese society.
X-Tend Celebrates 40 Years of Music with Special Anniversary Album
X-Tend, a group that has entertained thousands of Maltese and international fans across multiple generations, is marking its 40th anniversary this month with the release of a new album. This special collection, which includes a limited edition of some of their greatest hits, commemorates the band's enduring legacy.
Scheduled for release on September 25th, the album will be the thirteenth in X-Tend’s history, which began in 1984. The band’s name was inspired by an ironmongery shop in Sliema, close to where they first started playing, embodying the youthful dream of a group of friends who, like many others, simply wanted to enjoy making the music they loved.
At the time, the members could hardly have imagined that they would still be active four decades later. Reflecting on their journey, one of the founders remarked on the band's longevity, a testament to their enduring passion for music.
For those who grew up with X-Tend's music, iconic tracks such as "I Can Feel," "Midnight Sun," and "Boys Of Tomorrow" remain vivid reminders of the 1980s. The new album, titled X-Tend 1984-2024, will be available later this month in major stores, including a vinyl format that has seen a resurgence in popularity akin to its heyday when the band first formed.
Despite the passing years, the three members of X-Tend humorously assert that they still feel as youthful as ever—at least in spirit. As many of their hits continue to resonate, particularly their Christmas classics, X-Tend's musical journey is far from over. Following the release of this album, plans are already underway for another collection of hits, this time featuring songs in the Maltese language.
Valletta's Strada Stretta to Host Rock-Fueled Evening with Rock N’ Roll Circus
The Valletta Cultural Agency’s Strada Stretta programme is set to return with a bang on the 20th of September, featuring an electrifying evening of rock classics and crowd-favorite hits at the highly anticipated event, ROCK’IN THE STREET.
The event will showcase performances by the newly-formed Rock N’ Roll Circus, a dynamic collective of some of Malta’s most talented musicians and vocalists. This rotating ensemble is led by veteran rock artists Mikaela Attard (vocals) and Wayne Camilleri (guitar), who first brought the group together just weeks ago for a memorable debut at a local beer festival. Their performance was met with rave reviews, with many stating that "they rocked the crowd" like never before.
Joining Attard and Camilleri on stage will be a stellar lineup that includes Stefan Pia, Talitha Dimech, Matthew James Borg, Frank Calleja, Luca Xuereb, and other top-tier artists. The band is set to perform a selection of rock and crossover "must-plays," including iconic tracks such as Livin’ on a Prayer, Ace of Spades, Comfortably Numb, Personal Jesus, Highway to Hell, and Money for Nothing. The night promises to be a celebration of timeless rock 'n' roll, with a repertoire that will have the audience singing and dancing along.
ROCK’IN THE STREET with the Rock N’ Roll Circus will take place on Friday, 20th September, at 8:30 PM on Strait Street (between Melita Street and St. John Street) in Valletta. The event is free to the public and is part of the Valletta Cultural Agency’s ongoing Strada Stretta programme, which continues to bring vibrant cultural experiences to the heart of the city.
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