Last Friday, the Roy family threw a benefit concert for Karl who is still recovering from his last stroke which happened a few months ago.  I knew about Karl's condition although i wasn't familiar with his current condition.  At the benefit, i was happy to learn that Karl was actually in Music Museum for the benefit and was on his feet.  I guess i was afraid that he was paralized and on a wheel chair when i first heard that he needed therapy.  Thank God that he's ok and on his way to recovery.

My girlfriend Rhea and I arrived in time, in spite of the friday night traffic and even had time to spare.  We got a quick bite to eat then made our way back to Music Museum just in time for the show.  I thought Playphonics was up first since they were the first band we saw but pictures proved me wrong and i later learned that Gayuma had opened the show.  I really did like Playphonics!  I was my first time to see them and i thought that they were really cool in every way.  From the way the singer spoke AND sang of course into the microphone was brilliant!  The drummer and bassist were tight and had a nice groove.  The guitarist had all these ambient sounding riffs which really caught my attention.  It was good fun watching them and it was a great way for us to start our night of music.  Peryodiko played as well and that was another treat for me.  All these established musicians sharing a stage and doing something out of what i imagine to be their ordinary.  Another great set with bits of humor here and there by Vin Dancel.  I enjoyed his jokes about his and Ebe against his jokes regarding Kevin and Karl.  Other bands that i was able to watch were Kastigo, again a first for me.  I thought the intro was fantastic!  Guitar shredding madness with these hard beating drums and in your face rocking bass lines!  Instantly i was turned on by them!  When the singer came out to sing i realized that i had heard them on the radio  in the past and was happy to see them live.  Backstage i met them and mentioned how i'd love to see them perform in a small bar gig where the sound balance is different and the area smaller.  Manager Ann Barcelona warned me to bring ear plugs, from their 3 song set i could see why.  DRT played as well and i was surprised to see that Jay is the only original member left.  I had no idea that their bassist and drummer had been changed.  I knew about Manuel leaving and being replaced by Dan but i didn't know about the other two.  Ok lang, they opened with Night by Night by Steely Dan and played Led Zeppelin's Immigrant Song as a 2nd song.  Im a huge fan of Steely Dan and more especially Led Zeppelin so im very hard to please if you're gonna cover their songs but, their 3rd song which i imagine was an original was alright and helped end their set on a positive note.  Oh i also caught Cosmic Love, another band whose members have changed over the last few months.  It was fun watching them as well...so much going on onstage!  With one guitarist going to his amp to spend some time with it to having 2 percussionists while the bass and the drums hook up for that back bone while the other guitarist plays the funk out of his guitar.  I particularly liked the vocals mixed with the female back up vocals...good tunes!

We left while Mayonnaise was playing because i had to get to a gig at Bela Bar.  Luckily it wasn't far otherwise i would have missed much more of the night.  Sad that i missed Greyhoundz and Sandwich and Razorback and Kjwan and Sugarfree.  I really love those bands.  Over my love for them, i'd even learned that marc played guitar in Kjwan's set, Nino played drums in Greyhoundz set, and something about Raimond being crazy during Sandwich's set.

I hope for the best for Karl!  Brother, if you're reading this, get well soon man!  You are always in my best wishes and prayers and i always hope for the best for you!  To more good times ahead, I Salute You!