PlanB, a brass-rock group that formed in the early eighties in Adelaide, South Australia, is set to perform in the Kingdom this December. - Screenshot via PPP/ANN
PHNOM PENH: Australian brass-rock band PlanB, internationally recognised for featuring Cambodian locales in their music videos as well as their long-standing support for local charities, is set to perform a highly anticipated concert in the Kingdom this December.
The band will take to the stage at the international standard music studio, The Gong, located at the Smiling Gecko Cambodia's Farmhouse Resort and Spa in Kampong Chhnang.
The concert, scheduled for December 2, is being organised in conjunction with Music Matters Cambodia, a collective of internationally qualified professionals committed to making music education and vocational skills accessible to the local community.
The organisation has been instrumental in arranging the event, which will see PlanB join forces with local talent, the Smiling Gecko Cambodia Singers, a group comprising music students from the organisation.
A spokesperson for Music Matters Cambodia confirmed their involvement, stating: “In line with our mission, we are pleased to announce our support for the students of Smiling Gecko, particularly the Talent Team/Smiling Gecko Singers.”
PlanB, a brass-rock group that formed in the early eighties in Adelaide, South Australia, shared the stage in its formative years with high-profile Australian acts of the day, including the Eurogliders, Goanna, Pseudo Echo and Mondo Rock.
The band’s own digital profile notably clarifies the spelling of their name, stating there is "no space between the 'Plan' and the 'B'."
Hannes Schmid, co-founder of Smiling Gecko, lauded the group’s commitment to the nation, emphasising their history of advocacy.
“PlanB is an energetic and talented brass-rock band that has become a firm favourite in Cambodia,” he claimed.
“PlanB have also been staunch supporters of Cambodia by supporting organisations and featuring the country’s beautiful locations in music videos that are distributed worldwide. It is an honour to have them appearing at our own international standard music and concert studio, The Gong,” he added.
The Gong, which opened its doors at the end of June 2024, is a unique architectural masterpiece conceived in collaboration with renowned Swiss design and architecture firm atelier oï.
Located on the Farmhouse campus, this new cultural centre houses an auditorium for up to 140 guests and a state-of-the-art international recording studio that has already played host to acclaimed global musicians.
Smiling Gecko Cambodia hopes the cultural initiative will help to “give the country back its voice and cultural prominence”.
PlanB’s musical tributes to Cambodia are evident in their work, with music videos that prominently feature Cambodian locales including “New Ways To Love You” and “Just Like Your Eyes”.
While the Farmhouse Resort and Spa offers accommodation and packages for visitors wishing to attend the performance, the venue ultimately serves the wider mission of the Smiling Gecko charity, which remains focused on alleviating poverty and supporting local communities through self-sustaining projects. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
