THE Esplanade is going heartland this month. Its A Date With Friends series, which pays tribute to senior citizens, is headlined by veteran Hokkien female singer Tsai Chiu-feng from Taiwan.

The series, which takes place between Nov 17 and 23, also includes a ticketed concert by 1960s English pop band Herman's Hermits and free outdoor performances by local artists such as getai favourites BaoBei sisters, who will sing an array of old Mandarin, Hokkien, Teochew and Cantonese songs.

Tsai, who is in her early 40s, is the first Hokkien singer The Esplanade has invited to perform there.

An Esplanade spokesman says: 'Tsai Chiu-feng has many classic hits over the years and she is well liked by many senior citizens here. She is known for her touching love ballads, many locals will definitely want to catch her show.'

Read the full story in Tuesday's edition of The Straits Times' Life!