As promised, RJ Underground Radio 105.9’s third anniversary celebration will be numerically in keeping with its age: which means not one, not two, but three rock shows. The kickoff show last Friday came and went with much fanfare. How can you go wrong with such a strong lineup that negotiates the fine line between “popular” (Franco, et al.) and “emerging” (Sleepwalk Circus, et al.) with finesse?

For the second show of the R U Listening Tour of 2010, things will get revved up even further. ‘80s arena-rock stalwarts (yes, we don’t have real big-ass arenas, but what the hell) The Dawn headlines the bill. The band, after much hoopla surrounding the departure of long-time axeman Francis Reyes, is back on its feet with a new guitar player (naturally) as well as some spanking new tunes. Ria Bautista—the glorious frontwoman who’s behind the drumkit, always a killer combination—along with her band Paramita, are also set to ignite the stage (hopefully figuratively speaking). And, also, if you’re in the mood for some Otis or Weller, Bing Austria, “Papa Mod” to you and me, is expected to drive everyone into a soulful frenzy with Juan Pablo Dream.

Also on the bill are current noisemakers Tanya Markova, whose sense of quirk—both musical and beyond—is raking in listeners by the bucket, and Lady I, whose reggae-dancehall hybrid is certainly an experience. Sets by Luna, Soul Republic, and The Powertones also promise to rock as hard as a mofo.

The second leg of the R U Listening Tour of 2010 is happening on July 29 at the UNO Pizzeria, which is at SM MOA’s San Miguel by the Bay. Show starts at 7 in the evening, and, yes, it’s still free. (Pulse.ph)

“Jett Pangan – Ako Mismo” by α is for äpΩL, via Flickr. Some rights reserved. “The Magnificent Juan Pablo Dream” from their MySpace.