The Vocal Groove Collective: 2024 – A Year of Transformation and Expansion
As we entered 2024, The Vocal Groove Collective experienced a transformative year as some members moved on or were unavailable for the season due to conflicting priorities. This led the founders, Rodney and Chyrell, to embark on a rebuilding phase, seeking new talent to invigorate the group. They aimed to add veteran professionals and expand their repertoire to include diva-level female singers as well as male pop kings, reminiscent of pop icons like Christina Aguilera, Tina Turner, Chic, Donna Summer, Maroon 5, Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake, BINI, Luke Majeres, Ariana Grande, Jessie J, Nicki Minaj, Diana King, upbeat Musical Theatre, Dua Lipa and Katy Perry, all known for their commanding stage presence and powerful performances.
To kickstart this journey, Rodney and Chyrell set out a goal to bring in a new group of triple-threat type artists. First, they reached out to Amsky Amelia, a long-time friend and a highly-gifted musical force. Amsky is known for her incredible ability to rescue performances right on the spot with harmonies and fill in for missing lines, showcasing a professionalism that is essential for the Collective. She is one of the most experienced quadruple-threat artists in the group. Once Amsky agreed to join, it was only logical to reach out to the iconic Jenifer Camacho, a long time friend – and a legendary performer in the Filipino Canadian community. Rodney and Chyrell had long wanted Jenifer to be part of the Collective, and when she accepted the invitation, Rodney was stoked about the possibilities of how the Collective’s energy would be transformed into a force to be reckoned with. Jenifer’s all-around performance skills and captivating stage persona electrify audiences, making her a perfect fit.
To complement their sound, they also sought a male vocalist with heartthrob essence, leading them to invite John Alix, a longtime friend. Known for his versatility across genres like rock and adult contemporary, John was excited to join the Collective after not performing in front of a large audience for over a decade. He filled the much-needed male pop-vocalist spot, complementing the other male singers in the group.
A pivotal moment came through Vocal Groove member Ryan Orlanda, who held a large event called SPRING BAZAAR SPAM PROJECT 2024 by Pinoy Ontario Vendors. At this event, Rodney and Chyrell were captivated by Bevs Saraza, a newcomer to Canada from the Philippines. Bevs showcased her powerful vocals and creative interpretation while performing “Funky Town,” prompting Rodney and Chyrell to invite her to join the Collective. Credit goes to Ryan for discovering Bevs and suggesting she should consider joining. Bevs is also a WCOPA champion, having won numerous Gold and Silver medals while representing Team Philippines. As a quadruple-threat artist, she brings exceptional vocal, dance, songwriting/composing and performance skills, enhancing the Collective’s dynamic.
To cover the RnB spectrum, which posed a challenge due to the community’s abundant talent but limited dancers, Rodney remembered Antoinette Targa, who has performed and worked on past projects with Rodney. Antoinette, also a WCOPA singing champion (representing Team Canada), infuses RnB vocals into various pop and rock genres, performing with the skill of a top-level professional at a young age. Additionally, Antoinette is a very gifted dancer, making her another quadruple-threat performing artist. She has also released her own recordings on Spotify and has appeared on TV networks in the Philippines. Her addition helped fill the RnB spectrum the Collective needed.
They also invited Aileen Targa, who demonstrated her ability to dance with grace and style Like Dani Catral, Aileen helps fill in as a backup dancer, to enhance the dance component of the Collective during events where and when the group doesn’t have enough performers.
They also welcomed Marivic (Marvs) Fuentes, a female rocker they had been wanting to add to the group to expand their genre base while keeping the focus on getting the audience to dance. Marvs’ voice not only motivates the audience but also inspires them to pump their fists in the air, completing the rocker portion of the Collective.
Recognizing the need for a Hip-Hop element, they brought in Ainna Eslava and Raymond, who added dynamic flair and energy to the group, ensuring a versatile and engaging performance. Ainna and Raymond’s contributions enriched the Collective’s sound, allowing them to appeal to a broader audience and further diversify their repertoire.
The Collective also features Norman Antonio, whose unique vocal stylings and charismatic presence bring additional layers to the group, enhancing its overall sound. Additionally, Roshani adds her own flair and artistry, contributing to the Collective’s diverse musical landscape.
The year kicked off with the new version of The Vocal Groove Collective as they became the Prime Time Entertainment at Pinoy Fiesta Toronto 2024 in Scarborough, where they performed for a large and enthusiastic crowd that danced despite the unpredictable weather. In fact, every performance faced unpredictable conditions, including at the inaugural All-for-One Multicultural Festival, where heavy downpours affected the event. But rain or shine, the show must go on! The Vocal Groove Collective and the newly formed A+1 Dance team took to the stage, singing and dancing in the rain—this memorable experience showcased their resilience and dedication.
The Collective was also invited by the Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation (PCCF) to perform at Taste of Asia in Markham, featuring a state-of-the-art concert stage filled with million-dollar technology. This event marked the largest audience the group had faced to date, receiving high-energy enthusiasm from the crowd.
Throughout 2024, The Vocal Groove Collective performed at over 10 festivals, making it their busiest year ever. They graced events like Fun Philippines, Mabuhay Philippines, and for the first time, the Philippine Festival Mississauga, Oriental Centre, and many private events. Even though the Collective is filled with great artists, it remains a community of friends first, creating a supportive and encouraging environment for everyone involved.
Keep a lookout for more happenings with The Vocal Groove Collective!