WILD GINGER: Singapore 60's Band That's Only 10.

On the concert stage with Wild Ginger, the group that gets spicier with age, is full of energy and living an active life during their senior years.

When Joseph Woon told me that his group Wild Ginger was performing in Penang, Malaysia, I was surprised, knowing that he was with the group, The Easybeats.

"I am with two bands," he replied. 

He took up my suggestion to feature it. Member Francis Yuen sent me the details.

Thanks very much, Joe and Francis.

Hi Andy, 

I got your email address from Joseph whom I believe spoke to you about our band Wild Ginger. You may recall that we have briefly met at Pek Kio during a concert event. 

Thanks for your kind consent to host our posting to showcase Wild Ginger which, though existing for over 10 years, is only in the local music scene lately. The following is a write up on the band. 

Best regards

Francis 

Wild Ginger with its current members.  From left drummer KH Leong, bassist Joseph Woon, lead guitar Yvo Goosen ( founder member), rhythm n vocal Francis Yuen ( founder member) and keyboardist KT Keong.

“Wild Ginger is a Rock band consisting of five executives reliving their youth years playing music from the 50‘s through the 80’s. They play music not for a living but for the passion they have for music.

All of the band members used to play in bands during their teenage years and therefore share a common musical heritage.

The band originally started in Shanghai more than 10 years ago when they were on expatriate assignments. They played mainly rock and roll music and have performed for many charity and social events alongside with professional stars and artistes. On their return to Singapore, the band has recruited new members who are senior executives with a similar passion for music and love for songs from the rolling good times.

The name Wild Ginger has been chosen to aptly reflect that one can still live an active life in their senior years. In fact, one gets better and spicier with age! This is a bunch of executives who are still very young at heart and full of energy to rock.

Monthly Jam Nite at TMCC. Guests are invited to sing with the band for the last 2 sets of the performance.

The band comprises:

Francis Yuen - Vocals & Guitar: Francis is retired. He was a senior executive with a global company. 

Yvo Goossens - Lead guitar & vocals: Yvo is a European living in Singapore and is a retired General Manager.

Joseph Woon - Bass Guitar: Joseph is retired. He has played for bands such as Easy Beat in the 60s.

KT Leong – Keyboardist: KT is semi-retired and is now the advisor to an IT organization.

K H Leong - Drummer: K H is the newest member of the band. He is a Rheumatologist with his own clinic in Singapore.

    Wild Ginger performing at charity dinner at H Urban Hotel, Penang in Malaysia.

Wild Ginger has a wide repertoire of music. This includes music of The Shadows, Cliff Richard, The Beatles, The Eagles, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Chuck Berry, Elton John, Elvis Presley, Rolling Stones, Everly Brothers, Bee Gees, Queens, Santana and other classic Rock legends. 

They play music ranging from rock n roll to country to Latin to pop. They are also into Cantopop music such as those by Alan Tam and Jacky Cheung. 

Wild Ginger first appearance at a charity event in Shanghai (2008) organised by Coca-Cola. A pic with Gary Player, the patron of the event. Co-patron was Jacky Chan. 

The band has in a recent couple of years performed regularly at the Tanah Merah Country Club as well as events like Oktoberfest at the club. They have also been active at community events performing for residents such as that at Teban Garden last year. Last Christmas they performed for Centrepoint shoppers. 

Many of their appearances were in aid of Charity. In April this year, Wild Ginger had their 10th Anniversary Charity event and donated all proceeds to the Lupus Association of Singapore. And just this week Wild Ginger was in Penang for a Charity Concert with Gurmit Singh and other Malaysian artistes raising fund for the Penang Hospice.

What kept the band together has been their passion for music especially music from the rolling good times. They do not play music for a living but hope that they can inspire and give joy to others through their music. For them, it’s never too old to rock!"

At Penang Charity concert in November 2018 with  MC Gurmit Singh.

Images and Article have been copyrighted by Wild Ginger Group.

Below:
Joe Woon, bassist with 'Wild Ginger' and Andy Young, blogger. Picture courtesy of John Cher, the social butterfly who flutters around to connect everyone in town.

The Easybeats Connection:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2018/01/singapores-easybeats-joe-woon-founding.html

Kallang Theatre Rock n Roll Music Festival

Photographs From

Rock and Roll Music Festival 

Kallang Theatre 23 December 2017

UP TO 2,400 VIEWS

Jerry and The Neu Faces, The Silver Strings, 

The Dukes, The Beejays, The Easy Beats, The Revival Band.

The cast for the show that evening, 6 bands, including 2 lady singers with one MC in charge. That's the man in red, Jerry Fernandez. (Top two pix were taken from Kallang Theatre AAC Facebook).

(A) The snapshots below have been taken by the musicians themselves using their mobile phones or cameras, and are not clear. 

I have only downloaded what has been sent to me. Please do so if you wish them posted on this blog.

The Revival Band are back again. Let's have more of them after Kallang.

The Easy Beats with their two lady singers, one in a resplendent red gown and the other with boots that are made for walking.

60's recording stars, The Dukes, all looking smart in their fancy vests.

Projection of the Silver Strings on the Kallang Theatre backdrop during the rehearsals.

Jerry and The Neu Faces taking a breather during practice. It's one of the most recognised band in Singapore and current too.

The Beejays performed at the Kallang to much excitement and cheer.

The man himself, producer, MC, bandleader and singer of the Neu Faces, Jerry Fernandez.

The Silver Strings during practice with the official cameraman at work. The backdrops are astounding.

From left: Rickie Chng, lead guitarist, John Cher, drummer and Andy blogger at the lobby, before the show

The decorated lobby of the Kallang Theatre that evening.

(B) The rest of the pictures below have been taken officially by the organisers of the show and can be viewed at Kallang Theatre AAC Facebook account:

https://www.facebook.com/kallangtheatreaac/

The keyboard personality who sings Queen like no one can, Nicholas Stravens.

Name the song and he'll sing and play it for you. Michael Bangar, many songs, anytime.

A shot on stage, accompanied by a band of professionals, Andy the amateur singer. With Audie, Michael and Nick.

Rickie Chng focuses on what he has to deliver. 

Bossman, bassman, Audie Ng's been at it for 55 years plus. The Paul McCartney guitar is a new toy he acquired.

Andy had a forceful backing from his bandmates. He thanks them for their superb accompaniment.

The Dukes with Zainal Abidin leading the group. Cool and comfy: that's Capt. Z.

Here's Cath Wee.  Her boots are made for walking and strutting the floor with The Easy Beats as she sings the Nancy Sinatra pop hit.

Red means danger, here comes the big man, Jerry Fernandez leading the Kallang pack that night with his powerhouse singing.

Jerry's band for many years, The Neu Faces provided the oomph for the festival. Closing number for this Christmas Festival, Feliz Navidad.

The Beejays have always been in the limelight, with their fab sound and stage performances. 

From the Easybeats, this lady in red named Jessica Koo, sultry and smooth, lighted up the stage that evening.

The Revival Band in resplendent black suits and matching silver buttons knocked the audience with their rock melodies.

Disclaimer:
Since this blog is a personal one and some photos are from Kallang Theatre Facebook, I have only posted a selection. Please inform blogger if the images are copyrights and they will be deleted immediately. 

Other band photos can be found on The Kallang Theatre ACC Facebook account.

https://www.facebook.com/kallangtheatreaac/