Khevin Almario, the Shy Singer, achieves a sold-out concert celebrating his live stream series, Mellow Mondays with Khevin Almario.
The concert, entitled Closer, will take place on May 6 at Teatrino.
Khevin is a pianist, vocal teacher, theater actor, and the resident musician of Eat Bulaga!, a popular Philippine TV show.
The sold-out concert is a celebration of the third anniversary of Mellow Mondays with Khevin Almario.
Khevin is preparing for the concert differently than his live stream concerts and will incorporate new elements into his performance.

In the world of music, selling out a concert is no small feat, and that’s exactly what Khevin Almario has achieved. Closer: A Mellow Mondays with Khevin Third Anniversary Concert, set to take place on May 6 at Teatrino, has already sold out just seven days after tickets went on sale on April 17.

The concert is a celebration of Khevin’s live stream series, Mellow Mondays with Khevin, which is marking its third anniversary. Khevin, also known as the Shy Singer, is a multi-talented musician, pianist, vocal teacher, and theater actor. He is the resident musician of Eat Bulaga!, a popular Philippine TV show, and has recently released his latest single, “Bakit Ikaw,” and debuted his first-ever instrumental piece, “Mellow Mondays.”

Let’s find out more about Khevin Almario and this sold-out concert in this exclusive interview:

Digital Sauce: How does it feel to perform on stage after a long period of doing live stream concerts?

Khevin Almario: It’s exhilarating (salamat sa spell check!) Iba kasi talaga ‘pag merong exchange of energies between performer and audience e.

Digital Sauce: Do you think there’s a difference between performing live on stage and streaming live? Which do you prefer and why?

Khevin Almario: APAKA LAKI. Nakakatamad minsan sa livestream, ha! Lalo na pag tahimik (hindi nagko-comment) ang mga viewers mo doon. Sa live performance on stage kasi, kita mo talaga kung may effect sa manonood yung ginagawa mo e (provided you have the right audience in front of you)

Digital Sauce: Can you share with us your preparations for your upcoming concert at Teatrino? How is it different from preparing for a Mellow Mondays with Khevin livestream?

Khevin Almario: This is really important to me. Maraming taong involved. Maraming ideas ang na-consider. Marami akong lessons na ni-take para ma-rehearse for this show. I don’t want to preempt anything LOL

Digital Sauce: Do you plan to incorporate any new elements to your on-stage performance that your viewers haven’t seen in your live stream concerts? If yes, can you please describe it as a sneak peek?

Khevin Almario: Meron. And ayoko mag-sneak peek LOL

Digital Sauce: How do you think your fans will react to seeing you perform live on stage after a long period of doing Mellow Mondays with Khevin livestreams?

Khevin Almario: Hmmm I’m sure marami iiyak/maluluha sa tuwa and pride, tatawa, and magtataka na “kaya nya pala yun?”

Digital Sauce: Can you share with us any surprises or special guests that fans can expect during your concert at Teatrino?

Khevin Almario: Surprises nga e. Ano ba….

Digital Sauce: Do you think that the intimacy of a live concert can be replicated through live streaming? Why or why not?

Khevin Almario: It can NEVER be replicated. We are feeling beings. Machines can only be there to alleviate, but never replicate.

Digital Sauce: As an artist, how do you adapt to the different demands and challenges of performing in a live setting versus performing in a livestream setting?

Khevin Almario: Hmmm, nitong lockdown due to the pandemic forced us to adapt e. So really, the adaptation was brought about by necessity – either you adapt to survive or just do something else (that you may not really like doing). I’m just blessed, no, super blessed to be able to continue making music on whatever platform there is.

Digital Sauce: How do you keep the audience engaged and entertained during a livestream concert, given that you’re not physically in the same space as your audience?

Khevin Almario: Madaldal ako e. I make sure that my audience is acknowledged however possible. Sa livestream ko, napa-flash yung mga comments nila so I think that makes them kilig like ‘pag binabasa ng FM DJ yung mga requests and greetings na sine-send natin (ang tanda lang LOL).

Digital Sauce: Can you share with us some of the differences in the preparation process for a livestream concert versus a live concert?

Khevin Almario: Parang pakiramdam ko naman (in my case) walang difference. I make sure kasi na I dress up well, I come prepared with my repertoire, I adhere to the strict guidelines on how to take care of my instrument.

Digital Sauce: As someone who has experience performing in both live and livestream settings, which one do you find more challenging, and why?

Khevin Almario: I find performing live more challenging kasi I can see people in the flesh. I can feel their eagerness toward my musicianship. Expectations have to be met at least.

Digital Sauce: In terms of musical arrangements and production values, how does a livestream concert compare to a live concert, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

Khevin Almario: Hmmm the difference will really depend on the artist’s, director’s, and the producer’s vision e. Kahit live concert pa yan, kung butaw lang ang mga plano-plano, dadaigin pa yan ng well-planned livestream concert. Lalo na ngayon, ang daming pwedeng gawin digitally (ehem, Digital Sauce)

Digital Sauce: As someone who has experience performing in both intimate and large-scale venues, how do you adjust your performance style and energy to suit the venue and the audience?

Khevin Almario: I don’t adjust. I have my standard. Kahit iisa lang nanonood sa’kin, I don’t under perform.

Digital Sauce: As a musician, how do you approach the challenge of performing live and connecting with your audience in a unique way each time?

Khevin Almario: I stay true to myself. That is what makes everyone unique. Alam ko ang kaya ko – I highlight them. Alam ko ang mga hindi ko kaya – I avoid them. I make sure they understand the character I portray in each and every song I perform, regardless of venue.

Digital Sauce: With your years of experience performing, how has your approach to live concerts and performances evolved over the years?

Khevin Almario: Oh, I don’t know how to quantify or qualify that. Pero now that I’m older, I know what I want. And my director/s respect that. I am open to suggestions, pero I already know what I want, and what I want needs to be executed in my performance.

Digital Sauce: Can you share some behind-the-scenes insights into the preparation process for this concert, from rehearsals to staging and production?

Khevin Almario: I can but I don’t want to. Hahaha! I really wanted to but honestly I can’t put into words what the process is.

Digital Sauce: As an artist, what do you think is the most fulfilling part of performing in front of a live audience?

Khevin Almario: It’s when I see people showing the same emotions I have while I’m performing. Kung kinikilig ako, kinikilig sila. Kung umiiyak ako, umiiyak sila. Yung ganon.

Digital Sauce: How do you plan to engage your fans who were not able to attend the concert in person? Are there any plans for a live stream or recording of the concert?

Khevin Almario: I’m planning to have this concert video covered, then show it as Video On Demand (VOD) on my website, or wherever. Digital Sauce will make it happen.

Digital Sauce: How do you ensure that your sponsors align with your values as an artist? Is it important to you to work with brands that share similar beliefs and vision?

Khevin Almario: I think it’s of utmost importance that my sponsors and I know each other on some level. Ang hirap din kasi pagkatiwalaan ng pangalan mo sa isang taong hindi naman magde-deliver ng same level of expertise.

Digital Sauce: Congratulations on your sold-out concert! How does it feel to have such a positive response from your fans?

Khevin Almario: I don’t know what to say, really. I’m humbled and surprised at the same time. One week, I was quite anxious whether I would sell out, then the next I’m anxious about how to seat all my guests because there are more people asking for tickets.

Digital Sauce: After experiencing a sold-out concert, and with fans clamoring for more, would you be willing to do an additional show or extend your concert series to accommodate more fans who missed out on the first one? If so, what can fans expect in terms of new songs or surprises for these additional shows?

Khevin Almario: Definitely!! Ahem, producers dyan, ahem ahem! Ang dami-dami-dami-dami kong gustong kantahin really, pero syempre ayaw ko naman kunin yung buong gabi nila. Kaya baka yung mga hindi ko nakanta dito sa first concert (naks, emphasis on FIRST) e magawa ko sa next.

Digital Sauce: After performing on stage at Teatrino, what’s next for Khevin Almario? Any new projects or upcoming concerts that fans can look forward to?

Khevin Almario: Ako rin naghihintay e. Ako naman ay nasa paligid-ligid lang. Itutuloy ko pa rin ang Mellow Mondays with Khevin, hangga’t kaya ko. Kahit iisa na lang ang nanonood.

So kung gusto nyo ako pakantahin sa kahit anong private or corporate events ninyo dahil sa tingin ninyo e babagay ang musika ko roon, ABA edi sabihan ninyo na ako. 🙂

Digital Sauce: Finally, what is your message to you fans, sponsors and all of the people who support you?

Khevin Almario: Sinimulan ko ang Mellow Mondays with Khevin dahil sa pagmamahal ko sa pag-awit. It reached its third year because of YOUR love and support. Maraming, maraming, MARAMING salamat po!

/JM D., Digital Sauce

For more updates, check out our social media accounts:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok | LinkedIn

Facebook Comments