When Aaron McLain takes the stage at SOB’s in November, the veteran guitarist will be beginning a new chapter in a career long spent helping other stars shine.
For more than 15 years, McLain played lead guitar and served as music director for Air Supply, performing with the pop-rock duo at venues around the world. He has also shared stages and studios with artists including Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez, Patti LaBelle, Oleta Adams and Beto Cuevas.
Now, the Latin Grammy-winning musician is stepping forward as a solo artist—with Filipino American friends and family helping bring his New York City show to life.
McLain will perform with his band Nov. 14 at SOB’s, 204 Varick St. The concert is produced by HerSho Entertainment LLC, which McLain operates with his girlfriend, Hershey Galang, a Filipino American. Ken and Beth Mendoza, Filipino American community leaders and event promoters from the Washington, D.C., area, are partnering on the show’s promotion.
McLain is not Filipino, but the people behind the event give the concert a Filipino American connection. For Galang and the Mendozas, the show is also an opportunity to support a musician entering a new phase of his career while bringing a live-music event to a broader Fil-Am audience.
From sideman to solo artist
McLain’s career spans more than three decades as a guitarist, singer-songwriter, producer and television composer. In addition to his years with Air Supply, he has worked across pop, rock and Latin music and has written music for television.
He won a Latin Grammy for his guitar work on Beto Cuevas’ 2013 album Transformación, which received the award for Best Pop/Rock Album.
After stepping away from Air Supply earlier this year, McLain turned his attention to original music and a solo catalog that includes “Parade,” “Corners” and a cover of “Nights in White Satin.”
His Nov. 14 appearance offers a more intimate setting for listeners to hear the musician in his own right, backed by his band and drawing from the rock, pop and Latin influences that have shaped his career.
Community behind the music
HerSho Entertainment has supported McLain’s solo projects and live performances, with Galang involved in developing and promoting his work. The Mendozas of RakStedy Events have also brought their experience as community organizers and entertainment promoters to the New York show.
The New York concert is being supported by a Filipino American production and promotion team with experience in community events and live entertainment.
McLain’s performance begins at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $48, and the event is open to guests 21 and older. SOB’s lists the concert for Saturday, Nov. 14, at 204 Varick St.
Tickets are available through Eventbrite.
