Description
THE GREAT FILIPINO SONGBOOK
SamaSama Project bedazzles the most memorable Filipino songs undoubtedly shaped by American music from the past century.
In 1898, when Spain ceded its sovereignty over the Philippines to the US, the American regime brought a lasting influence on Philippine culture shaped by public education, mass printing and a taste of American popular entertainment especially in music. SamaSamaProject explores the most iconic songs of the period, a harmonious blending of Spanish musical influence, American sensibilities and the Filipino people's deepest sentiments.
Inspired by the era that brought us the most cherished American popular songs and jazz classics and the artists and musicians that keep it alive today, we invite you to experience the Great Filipino Songbook!
Work Sample
Waray Waray (FIlipino Folk Song)
World Music Wednesday featuring SamaSama Project at the Old Town School of Folk Music - Chicago, IL Feb 23, 2022
Running Time: 4:27
Yakap Sa Dilim
Throughout our 15 years of existence - from the time the Old Town School of Folk Music came to us looking for musicians that played Filipino music - we have been committed to our calling of sharing Filipino music to every audience we touch. The diversity of musical influences among our members from Musical theater, jazz, rock, blues to rap is the foundation of our unique sound that transcends all boundaries.
The samples we submitted taken from various performances in the last 3 years - at Old Town School, Illinois State University, Downtown Oak Park, The Hideout, The Graff are testament to our commitment and our passion.
History
SamaSama Project was launched as Chicago's premiere Filipino Folk Fusion band in 2008. "SamaSama" translated as "united, together" truly lives up to their name creating a blend of Filipino folk, rock, ska, and Latin music, inspired by a 1970s musical movement called Manila Sound. Over the years, the talented group led by singer and musical actress Lou Ella Rose and husband Baron Lloyd Cabalona, a versatile musician and arranger have made their mark showcasing a fusion of Filipino traditional folk and contemporary music at many notable venues and events. SamaSama Project regularly performs around Illinois and other Midwest States.
Inspired by the drive to promote diversity and honor the shared history of the two countries they call home through music, this year, SamaSama Project laundes "The Great Filipino Songbook, a collection of songs and stories that shaped the trajectory of Philippine Music during America's Golden Age of music.
Artistic Vision
"Songs make History and history makes songs."
As Chicago musical creatives with immigrant roots from the Islands Philippines, we pay homage to our Filipino traditions while interweaving the influences of American popular culture in every song we create.
The Philippines and the USA have a shared history that needs to find its way into American historical textbooks. With every musical performance, we reaffirm that story and acknowledge the work that our ancestors have started in building a free, creative and vibrant future in the land we now call home.
Programs for Specific Audience(s) Expertise
Kids - we teach children to sing and play Filipino folk songs using instruments that are easy to learn like the ukelele; we also conduct Kulintang (ethnic gongs) workshops
Seniors - we create a musical show with a repertoire of Filipino songs and American classics that spans the period from 1900s to today that Seniors whether Filipinos or not will truly enjoy.
Traditional Folk/Ethnic Artform Statement
Preserving and more importantly sharing our Filipino heritage, our history as Filipino Americans the center and the heart of every song and every performance of SamaSama Project and echoes the desire of the larger Filipino American community in the USA
Name
SamaSama Project
Type
Company/Ensemble
Address
6737 W Rascher Ave, Chicago, IL 60656
Artistic Director
Lou Ella Rose
[email protected]
708.528.6321
Contact Person
Joyce
[email protected]
708.528.6321
Web Site
http://www.samasamaproject.com
Artistic Discipline(s)
Music
- Cabaret
- Folk/Traditional
- Heritage
- Jazz
Spoken Word/Storytelling
Theater
- Musical
Geographic Availability
Central Illinois
Chicago/Chicagoland
Northern Illinois
Southern Illinois
Western Illinois
Fee Ranges
$450 - $7000
Additional Services
Demonstrations
Lectures
Teacher Development
Workshops
Core Audience(s)
Bilingual
- Filipino (Tagalog)
- Bisaya/Waray
Youth