Neighbours ride in for a New Year party

UD Town, the largest open-air shopping centre in the Northeast, is bidding farewell to 2013 and welcoming the Year of the Horse in the company of the region’s musicians with a fun party dubbed “UD Town Balloon Countdown 2014” on the theme “Mor Ma Khuek Khak” (“vigorous horse”).

Taking part in this year’s edition are two popular acts from Laos, Toun Diva from KPY Entertainment and boy band MMAQ featuring Willy, Ano, Johnny, Boy and Teler from Maunson Media. Toun Diva recently released her first solo single, “Kham Khor Jark Khon Bor Sam Khun”, a pop/R&B number featuring rapper Toh from Xtreme.

Yuzana is one of Myanmar’s most famous pop singers and is about to launch her movie career. The daughter of songwriter Myint Ngwe (Hinthada) and singer Tin Tin Aye, she made her debut in the music industry with the band 102.7. She’s been married to Burmese-Australian Thein Htaik Aung since 2008.

 Model and singer Diep Lam Anh from Hanoi, a former contestant of “Vietnam’s Next Top Model 2010”, is also known as her success in the reality show “The Amazing Race Vietnam 2013”. Joining them on stage is Cambodia pop outfit Sun Super Model Boy.

“I feel really honoured to be representing my country in this countdown show. It’s exciting to be performing in front of our Thai neighbours and I’m working hard in rehearsals to ensure they have a good time,” says Toun Diva, who offered a taste of what the audience can expect by belting out “One Love One Night” during the recent press conference.

“We think everyone will enjoy our songs at the party,” echo the members of MMAQ, who model themselves on Korea’s boy bands.

The event will also feature Thai artists, Isariya “Hunz” Patharamanop from The Star 8, Panwarot “Grand” Duaysianklao from The Star 5, and pop outfit Klear.

In business since 2009, UD Town is a popular destination for folks from Khon Kaen, Nong Khai, Sakon Nakhon as well as visitors from Bangkok and Vientiane. It’s next to the Udon Thani railway station.

n The UD Town Balloon Countdown 2014 takes place on December 31 starting at 5.30pm. Admission is free.