A tribute to 'keroncong' composer Gesang

JAKARTA (JP): Sekar Mekar, an innovative keroncong band, will take center stage this Saturday night at 9:30 at the Bali Room in Hotel Indonesia.

With a host of top keroncong singers, including Dewi Yull, Tuti Trisedya, Mamiek Marsudi, Toto Salmon and Gatot Soenjoto, the event, called Gesang Nite, is being held to celebrate keroncong maestro Gesang's 83rd birthday.

Gesang, who is internationally known thanks to his Bengawan Solo (Solo River) ballad, is one of a handful of truly dedicated keroncong singers. The show will feature 18 all-time favorite compositions, mostly by Gesang, including Bengawan Solo, Saputangan (Handkerchief), Rangkaian Melati (Jasmine), Jembatan Merah (Red Bridge), Sampul Surat (Envelope) and Pamitan (Farewell).

Sekar Mekar leader Purnomo says he hopes Gesang Nite will be a turning point in the revival of keroncong music in Indonesia.

Keroncong still has numerous fans among the older generations. Sekar Mekar, founded on Feb. 28, 1999, is introducing innovations into the music in an attempt to gain fans among the young.

In his biography, Gesang says of his hope for the genre: "Love keroncong, an indigenous music of the country. My sincere hope is that the music will continue to develop forever. I also hope that my compositions will fire keroncong's development. The songs are my bequeath when I die."

For more information call Sekar Mekar's public relations officer, Imelda, at 452-7317 or 0816901178.