LIVE: Voice of Praise
Saturday October 8, FCC Phnom Penh
The Voice of Praise band represents an ultra-nascent trend in the local live music scene -- the crossover appeal of Khmer bands to Western audiences. Or, perhaps more accurately put, the much-belated recognition by outsiders of legitimate local talent. Whichever way you call it, VOP has quietly and steadily been building a base of loyal Phnom Penh fans over the last couple of years. The proof is on the dance floor. From house parties to a show for Hillary Rodham Clinton, piano man Bun Sambath and his 9-peice musical ensemble have proven they can rock the discotheque in any language. Show starts at 8:30 p.m. No cover.
Salsa Explosion
Saturday Oct 15, FCC Phnom Penh
Spawned by the 1920s folkloric Son Cubano, which fuses Spanish guitar with African rhythm and translates literally as 'Sound of Cuba', Salsa dancing swept the globe within a decade. And, like the sauce from which it derives its name, it remains one of the spiciest today. "Salsa is quite an intimidating dance," says Jimmy Campbell, the Salsa Explosion host. "It's very sensual; very exciting. There's a lot of energy around it. It's not like modern dance, where people don't even look at each other and there's no passion." Dancing starts at 8:30 p.m. No cover.
LIVE: Paul Janovskis
Saturday Oct 29, FCC Phnom Penh
Veteran Australian bluesman Paul Janovskis, known for soulful lyrics and stripped-down guitar licks, returns to the FCC Phnom Penh in October. A member of 80s Australian blues-rock outfit Cattletruck, Janovskis has opened for bands such as Los Lobos and the Violent Femmes. As a solo acoustic act, just his voice and his guitar, Janovskis promises to revisit hits from the Cattletruck years and perform other great rhythm and blues classics from the 20th Century. Show starts at 8:30 p.m. No cover. Read more.