HCM CITY (VNS) — Tet was a busy time for comedians and pop singers in HCM City as hundreds of concerts and other shows were organised for two weeks as part of the New Year revelry.

Well-known comic Hoai Linh performed every day from January 28 in District 11's Dam Sen Park and District 1's Tao Dan Park and at several theatres like Cong Nhan and 126.

He also acted in three plays, including Ruoc Hen Vao Nha (Welcoming Luck Home) and Ai La Co Dau (Who is the Bride?) that were staged at the Nu Cuoi Moi ( New Smile) Theatre in District 1 every night from January 31.

He occasionally performed nine shows in a day. "I turned down some shows in suburban areas," he said.

Other popular comics Chi Tai and Truong Giang also performed seven shows every day since last week.

After winning the prestigious Mai Vang (Golden Apricot) Award for best comedian given by Nguoi Lao Dong (The Labourer) newspaper last month, comedian Tran Thanh has appeared in many shows around HCM City.

"The award has brought me good luck," he said.

"Laughter is the best medicine and comedy shows are always crowded. Audiences enjoy our performances and clap all the time."

Other comic stars like Viet Anh, Mai Tran, Hoang Son, Hong Van, and Minh Nhi also acted in scores of plays during the holidays.

Music concerts are always popular during Tet. Pop stars Dam Vinh Hung, Thu Minh, Le Quyen, Hong Nhung, Quang Linh, and Lam Truong performed several shows every night.

"Tet is our busiest time," Truong said. "We are busy in the city and have to refuse shows in Ha Noi and Da Nang."

Music lovers had to buy tickets days in advance for concerts featuring overseas Vietnamese singers Tuan Ngoc, Khanh Ha, Le Thu, and Thai Chau at bars and music clubs.

"After HCM City, we will fly to Ha Noi and Da Nang for more shows," Le Thu who, was well-known in the 1970s in Sai Gon, now HCM City, said.

While comedians and pop singers were too busy to perform in provinces, many cai luong stars like Vu Linh, Thoai My, and Thanh Kim Hue travelled to the Mekong Delta for shows. Linh said he appeared in four cai luong shows each night in remote spots in Ca Mau, Soc Trang, and An Giang provinces.

"I travelled to the Mekong Delta from the first day of the new year," My said.

"Cai luong shows, which cannot compete with films and music concerts in HCM City, attract audiences in Mekong Delta provinces."

She performed in Can Tho and Tra Vinh before travelling to Soc Trang and Bac Lieu for more shows. — VNS