YouTube stars in concert

If you are one of the millions of people all over the world who regularly visit YouTube and other social networking sites, then I have no doubt that you’ve seen the amazing display of amateur and professional talent, all available 24/7, free of charge, for anyone who wants to be entertained.

Advances in digital technology have revolutionized the way people entertain themselves, and music lovers in particular can now listen and enjoy the songs of their favorite artists in this new platform. A fact that has been a magnet to many performers who have found a new home to perfect their craft and reach their listeners.

YouTube and the digital revolution have also empowered new and upcoming artists to showcase their talents before a worldwide audience in a scale never before possible. Now, even the most neophyte singer can gain affirmation from fans all over the world without even having to leave the comfort of his or her bedroom.

In some occasions, the popularity of YouTube stars can even transcend the digital sphere and spill over to the local concert and music scene. Creating a real-world buzz that infects fans and followers, just like with any other music superstar.

Such is the case with the much-anticipated performance of YouTube sensation Leroy Sanchez in Manila on July 9 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Joining Sanchez for the one-night concert, dubbed Smart Presents Own It! Concert, are Max Schneider, Sam Tsui with Kurt Hugo Schneider, and the Australian band At Sunset. The gig will kick off a series of concerts and shows to be presented by Smart.

The Smart Presents Own It! Concert mounted by Ovation Productions is expected to be one of the biggest and hottest concert events in this year’s musical calendar, as it brings together on the same stage on the same night artists who command a huge following on YouTube with a dedicated fan base by the millions worldwide.

Sanchez’s rise as an Internet artist started after uploadng his first cover song on YouTube at age 15. He has since posted over 70 videos covering artists like Sam Smith, Justin Bieber, Adele, Rihanna, among others, and has amassed almost 50 million YouTube views.

A New York-based pop-soul singer and actor, Max began performing at the age of 14. He was part of the Broadway musical 13 as a swing understudy covering four roles in 2008 and 2009. He also modeled with Madonna for an international Dolce Gabbana ad campaign.

Tsui has been hailed as an Internet sensation who, with his friend and partner Schneider, was among the first musicians to establish a hugely popular music-focused channel on YouTube.

To date, his videos, including covers, medleys and mash-ups, have amassed over 500 million hits on YouTube alone, including his 2013 debut original album, Make It Up, contributing to his ever-expanding worldwide fan base. Tsui has also appeared in programs such as The Ellen Show and on Oprah, and has been featured in magazines such as Entertainment Weekly and In Style Magazine.

He made his initial appearance in Manila during a two-night show with Schneider at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City in 2014.

Schneider is a composer, music producer and director who was born in Baltimore and grew up in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Most of his works may be found on his YouTube channel http://youtube.com/KurtHugoSchneider, created in October 2007 and now with over three million subscribers and more than 600 million views.

The Australian band At Sunset is composed of brothers Harrison and Andrew Kantarias and their good friend Tom Jay Williams, who came together with two things in common: Their love for music and their enthusiasm for the fun things in life.

In just two years since making its online presence, At Sunset has shown great potential in amassing millions of views on YouTube and an ever-growing army of fans globally.

The group is coming back to Manila five months after its debut local performance last Feb. 16 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum as special guest in the Boyce Avenue 2016 Philippine Tour.

Smart Presents Own It! Concert is presented by Smart and produced by Ovation Production in cooperation with FOX Network Group.

Tickets are priced at P4,224, P3,696, P3,168, P2,640, P1,584 and P792 and available at all Ticketnet outlets nationwide and online at www.ticketnet.com.ph or call Ticketnet at 911-5555.