“Let the Music…Speak” Concert Event: Feed the Need for Change!

Contributed By: Heather Dumlao

Jersey City, NJ - “Feed the Need to Make the Change” was the message behind last Saturday’s (March 20, 2010) Let the Music…Speak concert event hosted by G Productions.

Part of the proceeds made that evening were donated to Autism Speaks, which is one of the nation's largest research and advocacy organizations dedicated to increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders as well as funding studies into the causes, prevention, treatments and cure for autism.

AJ Rafael says, “Our goal here was to possibly establish a connection between Autism Speaks and Music Speaks so that through music, we could gather talented people to build support and awareness.”

The event, which was held in Jersey City, NJ, was in full attendance as local talents from the NYC/NJ Metro area performed live for adoring fans.  Some of those local performers included in the lineup were: WarhoulSoup, Triangle Offense, Myke Christian & Band, Inspired Dance Crew, and JSG (Just Some Guys) Dance Crew.  Special guest appearances were also made by Youtube sensations - JR Aquino and AJ Rafael & his band.   Aside from local performers present at the event, local vendors also came out to support the cause including: AJ Rafael Clothing, Pnoy Apparel, Manila Gorilla, Sing, Love, Smile Clothing, Francis M Clothing Company  (Pambihira Ka Pinoy), and Wuzz Up Cafe and Restaurant.

Gladys Arnejo, main coordinator for G Productions, says that her goals when organizing the event were not only to provide local performers with a platform to perform,  but to also give them a creative outlet that would help inspire people through music.

She says, “I liked the idea of giving a chance to local artists to perform here so that they could show off their potential.”

Ace Arnejo or “Weeping Panda” as he likes to refer himself as, also says the main focus of the event was to initiate a certain necessary “change.”  The change he refers to is a kind that forces people to become more socially aware.

He says, “If we could at least change one person through our music, that one person would reflect that change and inspire others exponentially.”

All in all, the event was a major success.  East Coast Pil-Ams hope to see more collaborative efforts like these become more prevalent in the area.