RJ shares stage with rising artists on 80th birthday

— The country’s rock n’ roll pioneer and icon, Ramon “RJ” Jacinto, is turning 80 on June 3.

The businessman-musician will mark the occasion with a special birthday show in his Bistro RJ at Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati. It features young rising stars in the music industry, who will pay tribute to classic artists.

Frank Sinatra and Michael Bublé will be interpreted by 33-year-old Milo Ibrado; Elvis Presley interpreted by 29-year-old young Elvis sensation Bam Angping; Dean Martin interpreted by 18-year-old David Young; Pavarotti and Josh Groban interpreted by 17-year-old Nathan Randal; Karen Carpenter interpreted by 21-year-old Aquila Packing; and Amy Winehouse interpreted by 28-year-old popular influencer Mix Fenix.

RJ will have a duet with each one of the young performers and will do a dance set after the show.

RJ Bistro, the home of rock n’ roll, is going on its 40th year and is the longest-lasting music lounge, featuring live music catering to three generations of rock n’ roll lovers.

In his 65-year journey as a musician, record producer and broadcaster, his pioneering radio station DZRJ’s mission is to discover or give exposure to rising stars. Many became icons of our music industry such as Sampaguita, Juan dela Cruz band, Apo Hiking Society, Florante, Andrew E, Father and Sons and many other rock bands.

DZRJ was founded in his backyard in 1963 with a bunch of third-year college Ateneo de Manila classmates. It revolutionized music by being the first to feature the latest US hits giving first exposure to the Beatles, Eric Clapton, Beachboys and many others.

DZRJ also received two Presidential Awards: the first for being the voice of freedom during 1986 People’s Power Revolution and the other for Edsa 2.

RJ has also made huge contributions by establishing RJ handcrafted guitars in 1988 which is now a leading supplier of guitars for local customers as well as the only Philippine guitar maker that exported to Japan and other parts of the world.

As is its practice through the years, RJ Guitar Center with 10 branches will hold its legendary birthday sale on May 31 and June 1. All items are discounted in all the stores as well as online, Shopee, Lazada, Tiktok with increasing discounts every few hours climaxing in a 50-percent discount on every item in the store from 9 p.m. to mall closing.

For reservations to RJ’s 80th birthday special show, call 0906-2211524 or go to Facebook.com/rj bistro.