St George’s Square in Valletta will be opening the Notte Bianca Lejl Imdawwal with a bang with Ja-Po-Ro-Set – a series of five shows on Saturday 6 October. Kicking off at 7pm, the gigs will be presented by Morena and Spectrum, the Band Explicit, Mike Spiteri and Band and Fabian Kallerdahl, who will take the stage in turn.
Gozitan vocalist Morena and the Spectrum Band will open the evening captivating pop music lovers with their gig at 7pm. Formed in the late 70s, the Spectrum Band is composed of Patrick, lead guitarist, Joe on bass, Ino on drums, and Ismael on keyboards. During their concert they will be joined by guest guitarist Edmond and young vocalist Christine.
Between 9pm and 10.15pm, the Band Explicit will take the centre stage. The rock group, which has been performing various gigs at clubs and festivals since 2004, is made up of Andrew, Charles, Marco, Mario and Stephanie. This year they have released their first single album, Explicit.
On a completely different note, Malta’s leading ethnic band Etnika will present their show Kabarè Malti, featuring an 11-piece brass band in a 90-minute music, dance and theatre spectacle. Kabarè Malti is set in the tradition of the notorious Valletta city port cabarets. The production features repertoire from the CD Zifna and shows from Bumm Bumm, the Giant Dream as well as a variety of Maltese traditional instruments. Etnika will be performing between 10.30pm and midnight.
Mike Spiteri will be joined by the accomplished Paul Giordimaina on piano and keyboards, and double bassist Mario il-Cocker. For his gig, Mike has also engaged drummer Ruben Navarro, Mark Attard on keyboard and Andrew Zammit on guitar. Mike Spiteri and Band will perform pieces of jazz and blues mixed with fine soul between 12.30am and 2am.
Jazz lovers will be treated to a unique mix of Swedish jazz tradition with the rhythms and colours of rock music, reggae and world music by Swedish pianist Fabian Kallerdahl and Company from 2.30am to 4am. Kallerdahl is one the most prominent and proficient musicians of the younger generation. He has been named the “Jazz in Sweden” artist for the year 2006 and his work is considered as jazz of the future.