Snarky Puppy’s Manila Debut Was One Giant Communal Celebration Of Music – Review

Snarky Puppy may not be a household name in these parts of the world, but it’s most likely true that their name rings a bell for some of your favorite Filipino musicians.

This American jazz-fusion band has racked up a total of five Grammy Awards and toured nearly the entire globe for over twenty years, yet this past weekend marked their very first performance on Philippine soil — and what a debut it was. Held at the Filinvest Tent in Alabang just a few days back, Snarky Puppy’s Manila stop wasn’t just a traditional concert; it was an electrifying, joy-drenched communal celebration of music that brought together fans, friends, and a surprising amount of who’s who of the local music scene under one roof.

The audience wasn’t just packed with excited fans — it was brimming with some of the biggest and most respected names in the Filipino music industry. Among the crowd were Barbie Almalbis, Blaster Silonga, Kai Honasan, Martti Franca, and members of beloved indie and alt-pop bands like Lola Amour, Over October, The Ridleys, and Any Name’s Okay. The room buzzed with reverence and admiration as these artists, many of whom credit Snarky Puppy as a key influence, came together to witness their musical idols in the flesh.

Kicking things off for the night was local indie supergroup Party Pace, who delivered an exhilarating opening set that set the tone for the evening. Their genre-bending blend of funk, rock, psychedelia, and experimental grooves hypnotized the crowd and perfectly set the stage for the sonic journey that was to come.

Once Snarky Puppy took the stage, they immediately launched into “Flood,” and from there, the night unfolded as a masterclass in musicality and improvisation. Every song, from the laid-back soul of “Keep It On Your Mind” to the polyrhythmic chaos of “Chonks” and the euphoric heights of “Shofukan”, served as a testament to the band’s collective genius. Each member had moments to shine, and yet the group always played in service of the whole — listening and responding to each other in real time, making the music feel alive and evolving.

From what everyone witnessed, the night’s show wasn’t just your usual set of performances, but it marked a deeply inspiring exchange. The Filipino artists in attendance weren’t just watching, for they were absorbing, studying, and feeling. It was clear from the cheers, the wide-eyed amazement, and the hushed silences between solos that this wasn’t just a regular concert — it was an astounding live experience that resonated deeply with musicians and fans alike.

The band closed the show with the explosive encore of “What About Me?,” leaving the audience in awe. Yet, as the house lights came on, a playful sense of longing lingered in the air. All night long, fans had been quietly (and perhaps not-so-quietly) hoping for a live rendition of Snarky Puppy’s hit song “Lingus,” a song widely regarded as a rite of passage for jazz-fusion aficionados.  While the beloved track didn’t make it into the set, the absence did little to dampen the crowd’s spirits. After all, what we got instead was a front-row seat to a masterclass — a reminder that Snarky Puppy isn’t just any band; they’re your favorite artists’ favorite artist.

Snarky Puppy’s Manila debut wasn’t just a concert, but it marked a gathering of musical minds and hearts, and a powerful affirmation of how deeply great music can unite a community. Let’s hope it won’t take another twenty years for them to come back.

Check out more photos from the show below: