We are not sure about this year's statistics but wandering around Downtown in Singapore during the long holiday, we met 2 tourists, 3 musicians and an artist. And what gems they were amidst the crowded streets, shops and a music school. 6 folks to chat with...
StrawberryStory busking @ the corridors of Orchard MRT Station.
The road-side interview carried on despite his popularity with camera-folks and passers-by who were watching him. Thanks John. Hope to meet you again with
And at Plaza Singapura, I made a purposeful visit to meet this handsome gentleman. Wandered into this famous music shop and asked for Mr. Danny Koh. "Oh," says the lady, "he's in Room __ and finishes at 3.15pm, which is now!" And there was the maestro himself immaculately dressed as usual when I peeked in. This special blog post is dedicated to him. Thanks Dan.
"So maybe I'll see you there/we can forget all our troubles, forget all our cares/so go downtown/Things will be great when you're downtown/don't wait a minute more downtown/Everything is waiting for you... [Petula Clark]"
@ Lucky Plaza:
We sat with a Ghanaian couple enjoying a food court meal of Nasi Lemak at Lucky Plaza. "Love Singapore, we'll be back soon!" says the husband and looking at the lady next to him, "Like your National Day outfit." Do write in sir and madam on the comment page; during the excitement we forgot both your names!
@ Orchard MRT
At Orchard MRT, we finally met up with this well-known vision-impaired singer,
Wan Wai Yee, who can belt out Taylor Swift and Celine Dion songs
as easily as hits from the 60s and Musicals. She has a busking band [below].
Accompanying Wan Wai Yee is Ivni Yaakub [call me Iv] who plays
a fantastic repertoire on his electronic guitar. Modest and unassuming
he makes up the busking duo called, StrawberryStory.
Petula Clark - 'Downtown'
[The Dean Martin Show Episode 50: Jan 26: 1967]
YouTube Video by: OLD TAPES
@ Victoria Street Corner
John Fitzpatrick comes from Maine, USA but has been living in Singapore for some time. He's an artist and paints the world. Met him at the junction of Victoria Street near a well-known hotel as he colors his drawing paper with the area's landscape facing Chijmes. And it was a grandiose scene.
that Chijmes water-colour creation.
@ Plaza Singapura
Danny Koh: The Way You Look Tonight
YouTube Video By: Danny Koh.
@ Cairns, in Australia... Wot?
I have to put this picture in...
That's Herb Van Dort with sister Barbara. Remember him? The Beatles of Malaysia? Mike and Herb. He's been Santa Claus for years now, during Christmases helping in a Charity.
Our family was wandering in downtown Cairns, Australia too and so were they, but did we meet? It's a long story and I'll tell it one day...
HERB WROTE A NOTE:
Hi Andy, “HAPPY SINGAPORE DAY” 🇸🇬 9th August 2026
Would you kindly wish for all the groups from the 60’s (sixties) during our time there. The Boys, Checkmates, The Quest, The Silver Strings, Jerry and his band (New Faces), Ronnie and the Burns, our compere K. V. John, Silver Stars, Naomi and Henry Suriya, The Cyclones and Veronica Young.
I don’t see myself coming to Singapore in the near future, so it’s goodbye from Mike and Herb. Thanks very much Andy the photos you sent Barb of Mike, me, Danny and also with yourself all look fantastic. I am going to get the photo enlarged.
By the way Andy you are the guru in the music industry and if it wasn’t for you Singapore’s music scene would not be as vibrant. Singapore owes you a mighty big award for what you did for all Singapore and Malaysia local bands.
I hope you will be able to put this letter into your blog so that everyone can read this, especially the local authorities, so that you will receive your reward for all your achievements.
Well to a great performer like yourself, let me wish you and I know my brother Mike felt the same all the very best to you my good friend.
Best wishes,
Herb. [of Mike & Herb, Beatles of Malaysia.]
Thanks, Herb for the accolades. That's all I can say.
Andy.
Andy, you sure made full use of the long weekend to socialize "internationally" and standing up for Singapore.
ReplyDeleteThat's Herb alright. Face, as it ws but facial hair and colour is much richer. Thanks Andy.
ReplyDeleteNow fancy that! Andy's walking around town chatting with tourists and the local music chaps. You should ask them their favorite songs. Good move, hey.
ReplyDeleteAndy, thank you for the special blog post. I am humbled and honoured by your friendship and your dedication to your blog. You capture the best, blending personal nostalgia, local Singaporean urban life, and an appreciation for community, musicians and creatives. Framed around Petula Clark’s 1964 classic pop hit "Downtown", the post documents a casual stroll through Singapore’s central districts ( Lucky Plaza, Orchard MRT, Victoria Street, and Plaza Singapura), highlighting meaningful spontaneous encounters with both visitors and local artistic talent.
ReplyDeleteYour Singapore’s massive international appeal (citing 16.9 million visitor arrivals in 2025) countries reflects Singapore's melting pot nature—where global visitors immerse themselves in everyday local food. Your classic blogging technique keeps readers hooked while showcasing how the extended network of 1960s regional musicians remains interconnected across borders and decades.
The post is warm, casual, and deeply human. Rather than focusing solely on historical music archives, Andy, you bring 1960s perspective into the modern day, showing that music, storytelling, and human connection are alive and thriving in Singapore's streetscape.
Congratulations, wishing all Singaporeans, a Happy 61st National Day, Majullah Singapura!!🇸🇬🇸🇬🇸🇬🇸🇬🇸🇬🥰🥰🥰 Dr Danny Koh
Thanks DANNY for the compliment and the joy to have met you again after so many years. Your writing parallels the way you play the piano, with much depth, precision and style. It has been a memorable and meaningful meeting.
ReplyDeleteThanks to ANONYMOUS for the advice. Yes, I forgot to ask them having forgotten entirely during the process. I was all agog with the crowd, noise, and colourful buntings.
ReplyDeleteOh, believe it or not I haven't visited downtown for quite sometime! MRT carriages are too packed even during non peak periods. I'll make an exception though, to try catch StrawberryStory perform. That's a very nice photo with the Ghanaian couple.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much JIMMY for th blog support. Your comments have always been frank and informative. Crowds indeed with folks celebrating SINGAPORE INDEPENDENCE.
ReplyDeleteThanking OLIVER for being the first to write in. Yes! Beats staying at home in this rather hot and humid weather.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the cakes in the eateries but not the weather. It was hot. Your music station is enjoyable. Carry on
ReplyDeleteThank you wherever you are my friend. I’m not much into the cakes in Singapore, finding them too creamy and lacking eggs and real butter. Too much colouring too.
ReplyDelete