Sarah and Nato perform at Backdoor Blues Cafe: Encore!

Sarah Katrina Maramag is media officer of youth activist group Anakbayan and partylist group Kabataan. But this propagandist is not just a hamak na manunulat like the rest of us propagandistas.

Last Saturday night, we were gently reminded that Sarah sings and she does so competently. Sarah and Bayan‘s Nato Reyes defied, nay, smashed stereotypes of activists in their well-applauded guest performance at Backdoor Blues Cafe‘s Acoustic Blues Night.

They performed for an hour to an appreciative audience of bar old-timers — all lovers of blues music — as well as a small group of activists (including myself) who went there to cheer Sarah and Nato.

Sarah and Nato had a well-chosen list of songs, smoothly alternating American blues classics with blues-style renditions of progressive ditties, including one song that wails about the common workingman’s hardships and enduring struggle to live.

After their gig, Sarah and Nato were asked whether they’d like to perform and record in a private studio — a flattering offer really, and an offer that they should not refuse and forget.

Sarah and Nato have long performed as a duo since their days in Alay Sining and in countless requests for them to perform in their common friends’ weddings. It is a pity that they do not have opportunities to do so in as many forums and rallies. It is arguably a continuing crime that many kasamas are deprived of the joy of hearing Sarah and Nato.

Sinag and Beng — Sarah’s and Nato’s respective partners — showed solid support. Sinag filmed the entire performance and we should expect the duo’s first music video soon on YouTube. He also took the photos featured in this blog entry. Beng, the beautiful buntis, was excited and curious but did not show it.

Kudos to Sarah and Nato, and hoping that Backdoor Blues take you in as regular performers weekly.