The word is out. A Grammy-winning flutist is in town to spread some love and peace. Flutist Nestor Torres, known more for his smooth jazz, but who often incorporates other genres into his sound, is stepping into the limelight to perform with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) come Oct 28. We chat with this maestro whose music is inspired by the yearning for peace and understanding.

How would you describe your own sound?
My sound is a blend of my Latin heritage’s melodic and rhythmic sensitivity, classical music’s clean and precise technique, and the improvisational freedom that jazz allows. Mix that with two cups of pop music’s crossover appeal and three tablespoons of world music, and you get my sound, which, by the way, is unlike anything you’ve ever heard! It is very likely you’ll find a certain sense of comfort and familiarity in my music.

Yes, we noticed you often marry different genres in your music, even Middle Eastern beats. Is there any rationale behind this?
Yes and no. No in that the music is who I am; a reflection and expression of the diverse experiences and different cultures I come from and am exposed to. Yes in the sense that, for all the distorted perceptions we in the West may have of the Middle East, I wanted to reflect its humanity, richness and innate beauty in at least one or two songs in my new CD Dances, Prayers & Meditations for Peace.

Dances, Prayers & Meditations for Peace seems to be driven by ideals such as peace, hope and harmony. Is this a departure from your previous works?
It is not a departure in the sense that I have always created my music with the intention of inspiring and empowering people. But it is also a departure in that I am being vocal about it. I feel that the times we live in require that we confront the tough issues and the difficult questions head on. I am an artist and a musician; this is how I choose to do it at this time.

So who are your influences?
My father’s my most significant musical influence. As for the flute, Hubert Laws is, and will always, be my flute idol, especially the work he did 30 years ago. Other influences include Tito Puente, Miles Davis and Nat King Cole.

Let’s talk about your concert with the SSO. What songs will you perform?
Familiar songs like “El Condor Pasa,” “Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White” and “Somewhere over the Rainbow.” There will also be newer pieces from Dances, Prayers & Meditations for Peace.

And is there any symphonic pop musician who you feel is promising?
Yes. Nestor Torres!

Philippine art has been gaining more attention—and raising more eyebrows—in Singapore’s galleries recently. And one artist who is causing a buzz here is Rodel Tapaya. Catch his stuff at his first overseas exhibition Parables, held at Utterly Art.

Absorbing, whimsical and a little uncanny, Tapaya’s paintings are inspired by mythical stories originated from the barrios. Each work comprises a character derived from folklore and set against a patterned background. The characters look a little apprehensive, and, sometimes, even sulky, while neatly camouflaging with their surroundings. When asked about the process of making these works, Tapaya says, “I tried to capture the personality of the main character of stories or parables by painting portraits with suspicious gazes. Prior to drawing these portraits is the making of the leitmotif, or the recurring theme, for the background.  The motif or patterns are composed of figures, things and symbolisms relevant to the story. Each painting has a different motif.  And the motifs interweave with the representations of the characters.”

Parables shows a departure, as well as a continuum, from Rodel’s previous works. Curator Pwee Keng Hock explains, “Rodel’s earlier paintings were not as figurative or portrait-based and were more academic or abstract, but the element that carries through his works is the use of a grid system. Here, the grid is used to demarcate the patchwork motifs that he has used as background to his works.”

This may only be Rodel’s first overseas show, but his works are worth a look. Come expecting a visual banquet of patterns and motifs entwined with wary characters staring back at you. Riveting and with a distinct rural flavor, Parables is set to be hypnotic.

We spent last year’s Halloween club-hopping and promptly cringed when we saw our 30th vampire, whined when we glimpsed the 20th wicked witch and screamed when we spotted the 5th Frankenstein (and it wasn’t out of fear). Yes, spider webs, ghosts and the likes are getting way tooooo predictable and boring. So imagine our elatedness when we heard a few party spots this year are welcoming the night of horrors with some refreshing themes. Come all tricked out in something other than Dracula’s teeth and check out these hangouts for a real treat.

I’m a Glam Oddball

Inspired by clubs such as Blitz, Taboo and Mudd Club in the UK and the US of the ’80s and ’90s, The Butter Factory (#01-03 Riverside 48, 48 Robertson Quay, 6333-8243) puts up a Halloween party on Oct 28 with the theme “Freakshow Fashionistas.” Things are going to get grotesque, shocking and yet, fashionable.

Performance art is going to be one of the highlights. Greet the headless butler, pick up the bearded lady Mariah Scary, chat with the heads on the tables, get chummy with a disjointed man and shake hands with the conjoined twins. Just leave your common sense at the door.

The dress code? Glitzy, glamorous, wayward, eccentric and OTT. Owner Bobby Luo quips, “We don’t want a normal cobweb-and-broomstick kind of Halloween. Take some time to put together your outfit rather than just renting the whole costume from a shop. Pick something from your wardrobe, or from the hardware shop, and just mix and match everything!”

There will be a mini runway for people who are in costumes to strut their stuff. Local designers Ernest Seah, Ling Ling and Mark Ong have also been commissioned to create outfits which will be showcased.

If you don’t have the time (or imagination) to put together an outfit outrageous enough to suit this party, step into the face-painting booth “The Freak Machine” outside the club to be made up, then piece together a costume at “The Chic Freak Boo-Teeq” for free. We bet you won’t be recognizable after that.

Save Me

Bar None’s (B1 Singapore Marriott Hotel, 320 Orchard Rd., 6831-4657) Halloween party on Oct 28 is titled “Superheros Convention,” and the place will be decked accordingly. Lounge away in the bat cave of Bruce Wayne, or call your buddy from Superman’s signature red phone booth. Forget reality.

Think again if you think the organizers of the party want the bar to be packed with punters wearing their underwear on the outside. Marketing Executive of Bar None Pamela Tan says, “Guests are encouraged to invent their own superheroes powers. So what will the staff of the bar wear at the party? “We’re inventing our own outfits too: Expect spandex, tights and all that stuff in technicolor!” she adds.

High Seas

If Pirates of the Caribbean is your favorite movie, and you say “Ahoy!” instead of “Hello!” whenever you greet your friends, head down to Thumper (Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Rd., 6735-0827) on Oct 28. The place is being transformed into Davy Jones’s ship.

Like all pirates, drink up and make merry. WAT Da Funk! will be hurling out chart toppers and rock tunes, while DJ Ann churns out dance numbers. Come pretty in lots of eye shadow like the sexy Jack Sparrow, and don’t forget to bring a parrot (if you have one, that is).

Big on Fun

Zouk (17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988) is tying in with theater company Dream Academy in this year’s revelry, and the title of the party is “The Not So Little Club of Horror,” a spin off from Dream Academy’s latest musical Little Shop of Horrors.

Come dress to kill on Oct 28, and see if you can catch a glimpse of stars such as Hossan Leong, Selena Tan, Pam Oei and Emma Yong, who are headlining the musical. Hop over to Phuture where a new night “Holla! With Nervous” is being launched. DJ Nervous will be dropping hip hop and R&B beats to make all fly girls and b-boys carve up the dance floor.

Reviving the Dead

If celebrating Halloween with local bands and DJs sounds like a hell of a lot of fun, head to Home (#B1-01/06 The Riverwalk, 20 Upper Circular Rd., 6538-2928) on Oct 31. This year’s party “The Dead Come Home” features some local musicians who want to make heads turn with their music.
Outfits 1234X, Destroy All Monsters, Happy Hour Gizmo and Ronin will be singing punk, rock and hardcore songs praising the dead, before DJs Sham, Zahir, Aida and Joe Ng seize the decks and hurl out indie numbers.

This year’s Halloween is no time to be cowering in your abode, or banging on neighbors’ doors and demanding sweets. Put together a bizarre outfit and hit these party spots. With these novel themes, they could just renew your interest in the supernatural.

For quite some time now, Aldrin has been tearing up Zouk’s dance floors with his signature ONE night. The man was also recently made an ambassador for the Samsung Ultra Edition phones, further upping his hip ante along the way. We ploughed through the crowd dancing away to his house music and reached the decks for a quick chat with the man while giving our tootsies a rest.

First, what is your one sinful desire?
A massage to end each day—what a luxury that would be.

What is the last lie you’ve told?
Can’t remember… I’ve told too many!

One thing that rocks your world?
People on the dance floor truly enjoying themselves. Priceless!

What are you working on right now?
I’m working on remixes of “Love In New Wave” by local band Electrico. It’s been signed to Italian label Cosmonote Blue, and it will be released internationally in Nov, on 12” single and digital download.

What’s one difficult thing about being a DJ?
Having to promote new music, and yet keeping it entertaining for everyone at the same time.
Tell us about your funkiest dance move!
Top rock-six steps-turtle-windmill-backspin-freeze! That’s my favorite break dance combo move!

OK, complete the sentence, “When I am drunk, I…”
“Get a horrible migraine!”

If Lisa Ono has won you over at her concert last year, watch out for another aural treat coming your way on Oct 25. This diva who weaves magic with her Brazilian sounds, has worked with big names including eminent guitarists Toninho Horta and Oscar Castro-Neves, and hopes to collaborate with Claus Orgerman. We caught up with this veteran singer-songwriter for a quick banter.

How did you first get into music?
My parents run a live music house and I’ve grown up having easy access to music. Thus, it was natural for me to get into music.

So what is it about music that has driven you all these years?
I just love singing songs and playing music. Music is the best way to express myself. Playing music heals me and makes me happy. It is everything.

You’ve been playing guitar since you were young. How important is it?
I’ve played the guitar since I started singing. It is my best friend when I’m creating music or singing songs alone.

Who is your muse when it comes to songwriting?
Nana Caymmi and Miusha.

Which is your favorite album since you debuted in 1989 and why?
I have two. Bossa Carioca is one. I made this album with the Antonio Carlos Jobim family and hence, it left a strong impression on me. Another is my latest release Jambalaya-Bossa Americana. I really love it and listen to it at home quite often.

It’s your second time to Singapore, what can we look forward to in your coming concert this time round?
I will definitely perform standard bossa nova songs and new songs from my latest album, Jambalaya-Bossa Americana. Similar to my concert last year, I’d like to make the audience feel at home.

Do you have any words for your fans?
I really appreciate fans and feel happy that they listen to my music. This is my second time to Singapore and I hope to share the joy of music with fans for years to come.

Despite being voted as one of People magazine’s 50 most beautiful people and having garnered praises from big names such as Oprah Winfrey, Chris Botti is still relentlessly touring and whipping out smooth and emotive pop jazz music. We sat down with this man to chat about his music and his upcoming concert.

If you were not a musician, what would you be?
I’ve never really thought about this. I guess one of the reasons I am successful is that I never gave myself a Plan B! I’m not sure what I would be if I wasn’t a musician. I wanted to be a musician since I was 11. That was the first time I heard Miles Davis play.

Besides Miles Davis, which other musician do you like?
I have a lot of influences. I like the sound of Miles’s trumpet. I’m a fan of Chet Baker and pop musicians like Sting too.

OK, what is your all-time favourite song?
Just because it’s the one I heard that got me into jazz: “My Funny Valentine” by Miles Davis.

You’ve worked with Sting, Paul Simon, Natalie Merchant, Paula Cole, Joni Mitchell and others. So which is your most memorable collaboration?
It has to be Sting. He’s been my best friend, and a big success in so many parts of the world. I toured with him during the release of his album Brand New Day, and he brought the sound of my trumpet to whole world.

Speaking of touring, we notice you gig a lot. Do you get homesick?
I don’t have a home. I feel at home on the road!

And what is it that you love most about touring?
The pride of being with this incredible band. My band members are all very well-known musicians, and it’s really an honour to get my music out, and having fans coming up to me. We’re been nominated for seven Grammys, and we’ve won four.

Your coming concert is your first in Singapore. What do you hope to achieve?
I really just want to come with my band and perform. We were fortunate to be well-received in a lot of places. After Singapore, we’re heading to the Philippines, Hong Kong, Japan, then to New York for a couple of days and coming back to the Orient and Thailand.

A remake of Greek playwright Sophocles’s work Antigone, Cheek is a witty offering directed by Natalie Hennedige, and stars Lim Kay Siu, Neo Swee Lin, Jean Ng and Karen Tan. We talk with Ng, who plays the character Antigone who hates her ruler, and seems determined to uphold (her version of) justice. Here’s what Antigone has to say.

What is your one sinful desire?
I dress, sing and dance like Madonna.

And what do you have against the new ruler?
He won’t allow anyone to bury my dead brother whose rotting body is lying in the middle of the city. Anyone who acts against his order will be killed.

OK, so what will you do if you were alone in a room with him?
I will read Osho’s book, Courage: The Joy of Living Dangerously to him, then make him listen to Barbra Streisand’s Christmas Album!

Alright, seriously, what’s your strategy to overthrow him?
I will make use of his son who is in love with me. I’ll get turn him to turn against his father and get him to help bury my brother.

Do you think you’re going against divine will by rebelling against the ruler?
Yes I am! But I have to do what I do and die for what I do. That is also divine will.

Die for what you do? But does death resolve problems?
Sometimes it does. Sometimes it doesn’t. But if you’re already dead, it doesn’t matter anymore.

You sound like a rebel. We gather you think rules are meant to be broken then?
Every rule is meant to be followed by some and broken by others. It depends on who you are, which side you’re on and how Singaporean you are!

Well, is there anyone you get along with at all?
Nobody. I’m Antigone, the cursed tragic heroine who’s larger than life and bigger than Madonna.

Tell us, what are you like on the dance floor?
I have a variety of characters and personas. Experimentation is the occupational hazard of being an exotic dance instructor. I can be shy, wild, daring, or provocative and naughty!

Any tips on seduction?
Seduction is an art. A lady need not be outright raunchy. She has to be confident and love her mind and body, before someone can see her as sexy. With that confidence and some simple exotic dance from exotic dancing, you’ll be attracting and seducing a lot of guys out there without even knowing it.

I see. So what’s your success rate in seducing guys?
I have never really kept a check on my success rate. I think a lot of guys want to be seduced or be led into seduction. It’s just how a woman plays it.

And the worst pick up line you’ve tried?
“Hi, I’ve been tasked to get your number.” I got tongue-tied when the cutie said, “Who asked?”

What is your ideal partner like?
He must be able to listen, dance and massage. I like a man who listens. He needs to know how to dance too. How else can you know how good he is in bed? And all girls like to be pampered so I like a man who can give a good massage and a rubdown after a long night of partying.

OK, many say Singaporeans aren’t having enough sex. What say you?
Who have you been asking?

More people are getting their butts off the chairs and heading to the dance floor with nifty salsa steps. Now, they have something bigger to look forward to than small, crowded parties. Jam packed with shows and workshops, expect three whole days of sexy fun in the inaugural Singapore International Salsa Festival 2006.

Besides local talents, the event also features acts from the US, Europe, Columbia, Cuba, Hong Kong, Malaysia, India and Japan. Performers will take the stage; instructors will impart useful dance skills to win your partner over while DJs will dish out sensual and addictive salsa beats to get the groove going.

With the many acts scheduled, who are the must-sees? Rudy Vee, the senior marketing manager of Quebec Asia says, “Edie The Salsa Freak is an awesome instructor and performer. He has won numerous international awards and this is his first time in Singapore. Another heavyweight is recording artiste Johnny Polanco.” He adds, “Do watch out for DJ Michelle from Hong Kong too. She is the only lady salsa DJ in the world, and she has been spinning at all the top salsa festivals.”

To make things even more exciting, organizers will try to leave a mark in the Guinness Book of Records with the largest salsa casino rueda circle on the last day of the festival. They are hoping for 175 couples to make this record.

So if you are a die-hard fan of salsa, and whirling and twirling is your thing, hit the Singapore International Salsa Festival 2006 for an entertaining weekend out. Acts so sizzling are being showcased, and we bet you won’t be able to sit still.

The unconventional art works of young talents have caught our eye in art shows Normally and Displacementary: An Artvsts Exhibition recently. Normally is a collaborative effort by chin., Chang Jinchao, John Fan and fashion label Vice & Vanity, while Displacementary is a exhibition put up by local art collective Artvsts.

Unlike the exhibition’s name, the drawings and installations in Normally deals with everything peculiar, warped, bizarre and ironic. Fan, for example, has created several pictures of running noses which act as metaphors for rigid individuals who are unable to handle unpredictable and unforeseen circumstances. Don’t be surprised to know that his art is influenced by his sinusitis. More whimsical, chin.’s installation involves a table with a grass patch, in her attempt to piece disparate objects together to tease the mind. While the deer motifs by Vice & Vanity are absolutely droll.

Seven street artists LilPinkDevil, Maes2ro, OneTwoDelta, Orkibal, Phuek!, TheKillerGerbil and Zero, who formed the core of Artvsts, are the participants in Displacementary. Each with their own signature style, create captivating art pieces infused with street art sense, converting the otherwise plain gallery walls into funky and vibrant canvas. Check this out if you’re seriously into street and graffiti art.

More and more young artists are producing more interesting works that go against conventions these days. If you are up for some brain food and a visual feast, hit the shows Normally and Displacementary. And beware of the odd artwork that you’ll remember for some time.