This year's National Day brings about a 4-day long weekend from 9 to 12 August. Starting from the evening of Thursday, 8 August, you'll find yourself spoilt for choice when it comes to the various entertainment options available over the extended weekend. On top of that, a large handful of those events are free of charge.
As the National Day hype comes closer to its climax, here are a series of free gigs to check out over the long weekend.
Let the Rhythm Unite!
When: Thursday, 8 August, 7pm
Where: Esplanade Outdoor Theatre
Drum Prodigy Singapore is an inclusive percussion ensemble that comprises students with and without special needs. Ushering in the long weekend, they bring with them a repertoire that covers a variety of music genres for you this Red Dot August. Hear your heart beat to familiar favourites like 'Rasa Sayang' and 'Chan Mali Chan', alongside some African tunes.
For more information, click here.
killedbythecircus
When: Thursday, 8 August, 7pm and 7:45pm
Where: Esplanade Concourse
killedbythecircus is an embodiment of singer-songwriter Jay Yeo Ming Jun's unfettered emotion, inconvenient and non-conforming. This gamut of emotions is expressed through an unrestrained clash and fusion of pop, indie and rock. Following the release of his first single, 'Doubts', Jay invites you to take part in this journey of heartbreak, sorrow, hope, affection, liberation, faith, consolation and love.
For more information, click here.
SPF Fusion Ensemble
When: Thursday, 8 August, 8:30pm and 9:45pm
Where: Esplanade Outdoor Theatre
Established in 1925, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) Band is one of the oldest bands in Singapore. Besides providing melodic accompaniment for various police functions and ceremonies, the SPF Band is also involved in state events such as National Day Parade, National Day Rally and National Day Award Investiture. Come witness the musical prowess of our talented protectors.
For more information, click here.
Auburn Daze
When: Friday, 9 August to Monday, 12 August, 5:15pm, 6:15pm, 7:15pm
Where: Sentosa
Formed with a fiery passion for music, Auburn Daze is a 3-piece band based in Singapore. Drawing influence from the wide variety of music each member adopts. Expect to be greeted by a medley of hit music in their sets.
For more information, click here.
Msukumo Percussion Band
When: Friday, 9 August to Monday, 12 August, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm
Where: Sentosa
Msukumo is a collective of energetic and enthusiastic percussionists. Their beats and rhythms are sure to keep you grooving over the long weekend!
For more information, click here.
Very Special Arts Ensemble
When: Friday, 9 August, 2pm and 2:45pm
Where: Esplanade Concourse
Launched in September 1993 by Singapore’s Ambassador-at-Large and VSA Patron, Professor Tommy Koh, Very Special Arts Singapore is a local charity organisation dedicated to providing opportunities for people with disabilities to be involved in the arts. This National Day afternoon, allow these talented musicians to captivate you with their stunning performances before you head off in the evening for the NDP festivities.
For more information, click here.
The Philharmonic Youth Winds
When: Friday, 9 August, 3:30pm and 4:45pm
Where: Esplanade Outdoor Theatre
The Philharmonic Youth Winds (Phil Youth) was formed in early 2002 by The Philharmonic Winds (Phil Winds) to provide an opportunity for young, passionate musicians to further their ensemble experience. Led by Adrian Chiang, Phil Youth will be bringing you enchanting performances at the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre on National Day. Come on down and be a part of Phil Youth's musical journey.
For more information, click here.
In A Heartbeat
When: Friday, 9 August, 4:15pm and 5pm
Where: Esplanade Concourse
Brought together by a passion for music, the Nanyang Philharmonic Chinese Orchestra was established in Jul-2013 with 65 founding musicians. The orchestra has participated in numerous international competitions and music festivals. Since 2019, the orchestra has taken up residency at Cairnhill Community Club, where they continue to share their love of music with the community.
For more information, click here.
Shili & Adi
When: Friday, 9 August, 7pm and 7:45pm
Where: Esplanade Concourse
Known for fresh piano arrangements, smooth vocal harmony and unmistakable chemistry, Shili & Adi has emerged as one of Singapore’s top vocal duos. They have performed at major sporting events and various festivals. On National Day, for one night only, Shili & Adi will entertain you with original songs, new music and stories of how their songs have come into being. These are the anthems of their lives.
For more information, click here.
MOTUS Single Launch
When: Friday, 9 August, 8:45pm
Where: Esplanade Outdoor Theatre
MOTUS is Latin for “movement”. The band is made up of individuals from varied musical backgrounds, each adding flavours to the music in their own way. While the band follows a very strong musical direction rooted in Samba music, their sound is not restricted or limited to any genre. In anticipation of their upcoming EP launch later this year, MOTUS will be featuring songs from the album, including the single 'AYNWD' as part of their performance at Red Dot August.
For more information, click here.
SCO Music Oasis 2019 – Our SINGapore Songs
When: Saturday, 10 August, 6pm
Where: Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Join the Botanic Gardens in celebrating Singapore's 54th birthday with Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) at the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage. An evening of nostalgic and patriotic songs, SCO brings you evergreen favourites such as 'We are Singapore', 'Stand Up for Singapore' and 'Voices from the Heart'. Feel the musical heartbeat and come dressed in red to celebrate the nation’s birthday!
For more information, click here.
Nigel Cheah
When: Saturday, 10 August, 5:30pm, 6:30pm and 7:30pm
Where: Esplanade Concourse
Known for a unique brand of DIY production that overlaps across diverse styles, Nigel Cheah has come a long way since his days fronting post-punk outfit Before The Tempest. Launching his solo career in mid-2017, he has steadily made his presence known in the Singapore music community. Check out this versatile artist's performances at the Esplanade Concourse as you wind down from your National Day celebrations.
For more information, click here.
World Strings Day
When: Saturday, 10 August, 6pm and 7pm
Where: Esplanade Forecourt Garden
From young to old, amateurs to professionals, everyone is welcomed to World Strings Day. This year’s theme revolves around Singapore’s national identity. Held a day after National Day, every aspect of this year’s event is uniquely Singaporean. With a meticulously curated repertoire of familiar local tunes arranged by local composer Phoon Yu, World Strings Day will be conducted and led by Phoon himself. This is a strong affirmation of Singapore’s national identity—a unique, multicultural society accepting of diversity.
For more information, click here.
Eunoia Junior College Symphonic Band x The Philharmonic Youth Winds
When: Saturday, 10 August, 7:15pm, 8:15pm and 9:15pm
Where: Esplanade Outdoor Theatre
Conducted by Adrian Chiang, members of Eunoia Junior College Symphonic Band and Philharmonic Youth join forces to bring you band arrangements of familiar songs from Singapore. If you can't get enough of Phil Youth's performance on National Day, then this is a collaborative show that you shouldn't miss.
For more information, click here.
Get to know KHAi and the stories behind his songs.
When: Sunday, 11 August, 5pm, 6pm and 7pm
Where: Esplanade Concourse
KHAi's songs centre around the ups and downs of life; the ebb and flow of emotions. With smooth vocals and instrumentally divergent melodies, KHAi’s music doubles as a personal memo, documenting the anxieties and excitement of falling in and out of love. Come let this talented artist bring you down the rabbit hole that is his musical journey.
For more information, click here.
The Technicians 2.2
When: Sunday, 11 August, 7:15pm, 8:30pm and 9:45pm
Where: Esplanade Outdoor Theatre
Primarily made up of Esplanade’s technical production crew, The Technicians 2.2 will be performing hits from yesteryear, paying tribute to the Singapore bands of the 1970s and 1980s such as The Straydogs, Tokyo Square and The Moon Raisers. The band will be covering popular Singapore numbers such as Freedom and Within You’ll Remain.
For more information, click here.
Red Flags Wave, But Still I Stay – LEW
When: Monday, 12 August, 5pm, 6pm and 7pm
Where: Esplanade Concourse
LEW is a Singapore singer-songwriter who strives to translate emotions into an embrace that is rough but real. His debut album, Lullacry reached number one on the Singapore iTunes Charts, number six in China, and number nine in Taiwan, while amassing over 5.6 million plays on Spotify to date. LEW’s music focuses on themes surrounding the human connection and emotional healing.
For more information, click here.
Fingerfunk
When: Monday, 12 August, 7:15pm and 8:30pm
Where: Esplanade Outdoor Theatre
Fingerfunk is an electronic R&B and hip hop quartet that places great emphasis on the live performance experience. Comprising FRZ (vocals), Hisham.tha.mc (rap), Leo Goh (guitar) Andy Chong (synths), the band aims to excite the audiences with sultry smooth vocals, catchy rap verses, tasty guitar licks and groovy beats.
For more information, click here.
