Relay concerts connect genres

The Music Likes Me series will feature artists Eric Benet, Lenka, Wouter Hamel, Sisters’ Barbershop, Broccoli Yoo Too and D’Sound, clockwise from top left. Provided by the organizer

One growing trend in the Korean performance scene this year is the so-called “relay concert.”

A group of musicians hold one solo concert at a time, with each one being handed the baton from their predecessor. There is a common thread to the concerts: perhaps a common theme or the same organizer or venue.

The “Super Concert” series organized by Hyundai Card is a good example of this trend. It has thus far featured high-profile artists like Billy Joel, Placido Domingo and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, among others.

Industry insiders say that in these financially difficult times, relay concerts are the way to go because the concerts help them save on marketing costs as well as reduce the chance of lackluster ticket sales.

This holiday season, there is a newcomer to the relay concert scene. Concert organizer Private Curve presented its “Beautiful Singer-Songwriter” series earlier this year, with a lineup that included Jason Mraz, James Blunt and The Swell Season.

And starting Dec. 19, the organizer will present its “Music Likes Me” series, which will bring to town musicians like American R&B and soul singer Eric Benet, Norwegian pop band D’Sound, Dutch jazz singer Wouter Hamel, an Australian television actress and singer-songwriter Lenka, among others.

Kim Ji-ye of the public relations department at Private Curve says that the key to these concerts is that regardless of genre or style the common denominator is the love and pursuit of music.

“Music approaches people without prejudice. It tries to give a fair and positive influence to all who are trying to appreciate it,” she said, referring to what connects these seemingly different musical gigs.

Private Curve will also present concerts by some of the hottest and most sought-after Korean indie rock bands like Unnine Ibalgwan (Sisters’ Barbershop) and Broccoli Neomajeo (Broccoli You Too).

For information on the schedule, ticket price and venue of each concert in the Music Likes Me series, visit www.privatecurve.com or call (02) 563-0595.

By Kim Hyung-eun [hkim@joongang.co.kr]