#mtlewis

You'll note from the line up that while many of the bands are from Pampanga, the stage will feature two bands from Bataan, one from Bulacan and three from Metro Manila.

In an interview, Karen Tausing of At The Back MNL (ATB) sums this up and the rationale for putting up a Pampanga stage in one word: friendship.

Through members of the band Mt. Lewis, the volunteers of ATB discovered the world of Kapampangan arts and music. They found the hiphop scene here so welcoming and alive. They got to experience Summer Shred. Soon enough, they began promoting and bringing Kapampangan musicians to Manila to help showcase their talents.

(Photo: L'Impératrice - Fête de la musique 2018 à l'Assemblée nationale from Wikimedia Commons) 

This story seems to stay true to the history of the festival.The Fête de la Musique has become an annual tradition where music fans can get to discover new and old music and genres via different stages. Launched in France in the 1980s and then initiated by the French cultural centers abroad, the annual day of music-making Fête de la Musique has since expanded to over 800 cities and 120 countries with thousands of events worldwide. In the Philippines, it's become a celebration of the friendship between the two countries and of the concept of amitié. In Pampanga, this concept translates to pamikalugud, a friendship that offers a deep regard for the other.

My first ever Fête experience was in 2004, I had just moved to a university in Diliman from Los Banos. The World Music Stage was just in Julia Vargas near my dad's house. But what made it exciting for me was meeting up with my then new writer friends.

This 2019 event is produced in cooperation with TMR productions, B-Side Productions, and Alliance Française de Manille. Sponsors include Wear Kapampangan, Line of Se7en and Food Panda.

The event will also feature a freedom wall where guests can celebrate and express LGBT rainbow pride in Pampanga.

(Photo: Sentiments of a Phoenix, TMR Productions & the ATB team) 

Last June 16, 2019, representatives of ATB, TMR, Sentiments of a Phoenix, PsychoMgmt and  Mt. Lewis met at Blackfish Pub + Kitchen to discuss the details of the production, sign contracts, and share insights on how to make the event as organized as possible. 

At The Back MNL is an independent music, events,and management team based in Metro Manila that aims to shine the spotlight on new local independent artists. They will be celebrating their first year anniversary in July. This year’s Fête Pampanga stage is their gift to the friends they’ve made.