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 Dr. 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; to congratulate him on acquiring a PhD. in Music.
"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 [if the memory remembers correctly] enjoying a food court meal at Lucky Plaza. They love the visit. “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
Dr. Danny Koh: The Way You Look Tonight
YouTube Video By: Dr. 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.
