The concept of time has always been floating around my mind. Even more so recently, as we received sad news of the passing of veteran local musicians within months of each other, namely Ray Anthony (Guitar Connoisseur aka Singapore’s Jimi Hendrix), Jimmy Appudurai-Chua (guitarist of The Straydogs and The Meltones), Jerry Murad (Saxophonist of The Dukes) and Ashley Jansen (bassist of Heritage). It has become even more apparent for me now, that time is both fleeting but in abundance (for some), and this theme has shaped the programme and direction of A Date With Friends.   

From Time Immemorial 

Since we first presented A Date With Friends in 2005, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay has been working tirelessly to gather the best of local and foreign artists to celebrate the music of yesteryear. We hope to continue bringing together our eternally young-at-heart audiences to reminisce the good ol’ days with their friends every year, for many more years to come. 

The First Time 

A Date With Friends will take place from 1 – 4 Feb 2024, a month earlier than usual, and we’re excited to present piano maestro Danny Koh at the festival for the very first time! To welcome new audiences, we also make our foray into the ’80s music with the concert, Just Can’t Get Enough at the Annexe Studio. And like never before, we’ll be shining the spotlight on three pairs of singing siblings at Siblings in Song at the Theatre.    

Time and Again     

Much loved by our audiences, evergreen music is a staple at the festival. This year, they will be treated to the timeless hits of Liu Jia Chang and Liu Wen Zheng, performed by vocalists from Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore at the Theatre. The festival will not be complete without the crowd pleasers like the ever-energetic getai and popular line dancing as well as fan favourite karaoke. These are traditions that ought to be passed on. 

It's that time of the year when it’s equal parts exciting and meaningful. Exciting to see how the team’s plans and dedicated efforts—from thought to deed—come alive on Esplanade’s various stages. Meaningful because we wouldn’t be able to do what we love if not for you, our loyal fans and gifted artists whom we count as friends.   

To quote former first lady of the United States, Eleanor Roosevelt, “Today is a gift. That’s why we call it ‘The Present’.” So, lose no time and come celebrate the present with our gifts of music, craft, dance and various talks for you at A Date With Friends 2024.  

Christopher Rodrigo 

Producer, The Esplanade Co Ltd 

on behalf of A Date With Friends team