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| Sunday, 5 June 2005 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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A sizzling act by Mahes Perera
The Hispanic music rhythms from time immemorial have held a demanding attraction and here in Sri Lanka the new look Phase 3 is the only group that plays Latin - the bossa, the salsa and funk using authentic Latin percussion instruments to embellish their music. The six piece outfit commenced a new phase in their career when they played at the Hilton Torana Lounge last Friday, June 3 and Saturday, June 4 and will, according to the percussionist leader Rasmar Lye, continue to play weekly on these days. The rhythm of Phase 3 was heard on Fridays at the Echelon Pub, Hilton Club for the past one and a half years and now at the Torana Lounge they can spread their wings with comfort to entertain music lovers in the weekend in search of exciting sounds to keep their toes a tapping. While at the Echelon Pub Phase 3 have been working a packed schedule of weddings, dances and corporate functions The impact they made in the music scene saw Phase 3 perform at the hut, Lords, Margarita Blue - the ticking night spots of today. Their last major performance was in May last month when they were chosen to play for more than 300 Italian Hotel Plan tour agents at the Paradise Beach of Mount Lavinia Hotel. The band is billed to perform at Hilton's New Year's Eve dance this year. The groups music is a speciality and they do not belong to the category of predictable music. They ensure that their repertoire constantly absorbs new hits on the global charts which gives added attraction to the band. Phase 3's wide repertoire takes in besides latin, latin laced funk, hip hop, reggae, the blues, the 'golden oldies' as the music is now colloquially termed and strict temp dance music. This six piece outfit comprises a variety of talent. There's Debbie Waldner (Arnolda) a keyboardist who held the distinction of being the only female musician with a solo career that spelled success. Her style and knowledge of tunes - old and new - is remarkable and is the mainstay of the group. Trevin Joseph the vocalist carries the load of the singing, with a fondness for reggae. Rasmar Lye the percussionist and leader, has had considerable experience playing Down Under and his playing of the congas and the array of the percussion instruments has a visual impact which ignites the band into throbbing action. Nishantha Pieris is the lead guitarist who doubles up an acoustic guitar which is an added attraction to the Latin sounds. Iqbal Assan on bass plays an attractive throbbing bass and keeps the band reigned in. He is joined in this job by Riza Faiz the drummer whose powerful and intricate snare and stick interplay stirs the adrenalin in you. The new look Phase 3 is a band that stands out and refuses to sound like any other band. They are a sizzling and unique act. Their enthusiasm and dedication is tremendous - so make sure you experience their vibes this weekend - you won't regret it. ######## Autumn Breeze
Several projects were organised and one of them was 'An Autumn Breeze' a fashion show with 40 models organised by Shanti Jayatilleke, the wife of the President of the Association Ajit Jayatilleke. The fashion show was mainly an Oriental bridal show featuring the saree in different drapes. Other items included a masked masquerade, scenes from Ascot with unusual and decorated hats. Musically 'An Autumn Breeze' spotlighted Sri Lankan folk dances, Bharatha Natyam and Spanish dances. Not to be left out, and wanting to sing his piece to the people of the land of birth, was eighty two year old Jammu Uduman who kept the appreciative audience entertained with his selection of songs. The entire show was choreographed and presented by Rienzi Mahamooth. ########## Fifteen years celebration
Today, marks a milestone in the music career of Rajiv Sebastian who celebrates fifteen years in show biz with a scintillating concert at the BMICH. His fifteen years in the scene ever since he started off at the Akase Kade with his band Rajiv and the Clan "has been no bed of roses", says Rajiv who is elated over the response towards his fifteenth anniversary concert. The show will also feature leading names like Desmond de Silva, Corinne, Annesley, Dalreen, Indrani, Sohan, Mariazelle, Ronnie, Latha, Manoharan and will be emceed by Vijaya Corea. The concert is presented by the Old Peterites Group of 87-92 in collaboration with D. R. Entertainments. "When I decided on a music career it was tough to break into the scene, but I was determined to go for it. My band was a four piece band then and I was fortunate to get the break at Akase Kade. The popularity of the band compelled me to take on the load of the singing and as a result the band became a five piece, then a six piece and now its a seven piece band", expresses Rajiv who is a leading light in the Western and Sinhala music scene. With more than one hundred Sinhala CDs releases, Rajiv Sebastian's popularity is now a household name. His Western music performances at five star hotels has established his versatility in the show biz scene. His anniversary concert today to celebrate fifteen years of his career is going to be extra-ordinary. - M.P. |
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| Produced by Lake House |
Sri Lankans domiciled in Melbourne joined together to form the 'Friends
of Sri Lanka Tsunami Relief Fund Australia Inc' and to raise funds to build
houses for the victims. 
