Happenings / People
Excellent entertainment
by Mahes Perera

Bombay dreams
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It was an evening of good and varied entertainment, Voices in
Harmony's presentation of 'A Musical Journey with Ruwani Seimon' which
was staged last week, for three days, to a capacity packed Lionel Wendt.
To the ninety odd members of the choir must go our congratulations
for displaying to the audience that they are not just plain hip-hop,
disco crazy girls and boys, but singers who with panache can put across
with emotion, songs from the broad spectrum of music which is essential,
to be recognised as a good singer.
Undoubtedly congratulations must go to their dedicated and inspiring
choir director Ruwani Seimon for instilling in them a sense of
commitment to music over the past years and exposing them to all genres
of music and song.
Musical Journey, the presentation, opened with a selection of
Evergreens, as it was titled and included Amazing Grace, You'll Never
Walk Alone, The Impossible Dream, When You Believe and Climb Every
Mountain sung effectively by the Senior Choir and directed by Ruwani
Seimon on stage.
From then on the evening was a delight to the music lover - the
Senior and Junior Choirs performing nuggets from the music world that
were memorable.
There was 'Killing Me Softly' and In the Mood from The Senior Choir,
Amigoes Para Siempre the duet by Anagi Perera and Charith Peris, songs
from Pocohontas performed by the Junior Choir, the pop songs 'I Have
Nothing' sung by Sheranga Perera and 'Reach' from Amanda, Dilshani,
Dmitri and Trudy.
The first half saw an original by Ruwani, a peace song 'Say, please,
say' and first section ended with Folk Fusion sung by the Senior Choir,
the songs arranged by Mahesh Denepitiya. The songs included Dhanno
Budunge, Nimhim Sewwa, Ethnic Woman (a Bathiya and Santush composition)
and Master Sir.
The second half was equally delightful. The song 'My Immortal' sung
by Ashanthi Colambage, 'The Power of Love' performed by Dilini Perera
and 'Quando Quaudo Quando', the duet by Safra Deen and Shiraz Badurdeen.
Also, the interesting arrangement of Bohemian Rhapsody by the Seniors.
Of course, the highlight of this section was 'Salam Bombay' a
selection of songs from Bombay Dreams, arranged by Mahesh Denepitiya,
which was a fitting finale. Mention must be made of the colourful and
appropriate costumes for each act and the choreography too. As you read
this, the members of Voices in Harmony must be in a euphoric mood
enjoying their success.
Pianist with a delicate touch

Manel Udugama
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Drop in at the Taj Samudra any week day at 4.00 p.m. and you are
bound to relish the delicate and sensitive piano stylings of Manel
Udugama. An acknowledged pianist Manel celebrates eighteen years of
playing at the Taj Samudra this month, and still continues her job
enjoying herself, as well as giving happiness to the guests at the hotel
who have become her fans appreciating her wide repertoire.
In fact Manel tells us that most of the foreign guests request her to
play the old Hawaiian melodies, while the Indian patrons enjoy her piano
arrangements of the many Hindi hits that are aired over radio and TV.As
for her repertoire, it is extremely elastic. It includes Broadway
melodies, evergreens, Latin tunes, semi-classics, pop ballads and songs
and some of her own compositions - mood music to suit the evenings.
A Licentiate holder of the Trinity College of Music, Manel when she
is not at the Taj Samudra entertaining the guests, teaches students
Western classical music and prepares them for their Trinity College
examinations. She enjoys imparting knowledge in music to the students,
most of whom have passed their exams with honours. We wish her all
success!
M.P.
Lobo - the folk rock legend

Lobo
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Just four days more and Lobo fans will have the opportunity of
hearing him live in concert at the Waters Edge. This is his first time
in Sri Lanka and the first concert in his Eastern tour. Lobo will arrive
in Sri Lanka on August 29, give his performance on Thursday August 31 at
8 p.m. and then leave Sri Lanka on September 1. The concert as we all
know is presented by Waters Edge and promoted by D. K. Promotions.
For his performance Lobo will sing his major global hits like the
Gold winner I'd Love You To Want Me, Don't Expect Me To Be Your Friend,
Me and You and a Dog Named Boo which won Adult Contemporary status.
For a period of four years in the 1970s he made the singles charts
fourteen times over. Other hits that Lobo will perform include How Can I
Tell Her, Rings, You Are All I Ever Need, and When Were You When I Was
Falling in Love to name a few. The promoters reveal that he will be
performing covers as well.
Lobo's mother was a singer in a big band, while his father was a
guitarist in another big band and he was a self taught guitarist. When
he was eighteen he joined Rumours his first band and found success as a
singer.
Singles followed in his career of soft rock and classic pop which
created a tremendous impact on the global music scene. A charismatic
Lobo is sure to enthrall you, so don't miss out.
M.P.
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