Happenings / People

Ape Tharuna Kale

by Mahes Perera

Calypso has a magical attraction all its own. Here in Sri Lanka, the popularity of calypso bands is increasing and the latest calypso band 'Turnstones' released their original CD recently. Titled Ape Tharuna Kale, this four piece outfit 'Turnstones' is led by lead guitarist Dhilip de Alwis who was responsible for composing the music and the lyrics for most of the songs.

Some of the tracks are now being aired on radio stations and the title of the album speaks for the musical content.

Dhilip de Alwis an old boy of S. Thomas' College, Mt.Lavinia, says the lure of music was too strong, which made him leave his teaching job at his old school and branch into music.

He co-opted another Old Thomian, Donald Samarawickrema, an entrepreneur and an accomplished musician who plays both lead and bass guitar. Donald, if you remember played with groups like the Pioneers, Blaze and Mount Chimes. He carries the vocals for this band too, and on the CD his two daughters Nadeesha and Isuri Samarawickrema talented in their own way, sing harmony for the songs.

The other two members are Dilruk Mendis - vocals/guitar and Rohan Janaka - congas/vocals. Both of them too gave up their careers in the private sector to join the band wagon, and now find happiness in a daily diet of music.

The songs on the CD are catchy and exciting in rhythm. There's Seetha Sulang, Nil Ahase, Dalada Perehera, Diyaluma Kumari, Lassana Apey Gama (all about Moratuwa) sung by Dilruk Mendis and Rohan Janaka sings Podimenike Dumriya and Nil Kandu Pasukarala.

The CD was mastered and released by Torana, after the tracks were layed at Eranjan and Viranjan's studio. 'Turnstones' have been offered feature spots in hotels but they haven't yet committed themselves although they play for parties and functions.

They are on the look out for a female vocalist and in the meantime thank all those (the list is too long) who helped them in getting the CD off the ground.

Make sure you have a copy on your CD shelf.

Distinctive decor

It was a spectacular evening - the formal opening recently of the biggest ballroom in Colombo, the Galadari Hotel Grand Ballroom. Bathed in an ultramarine glow Anushan Perera and his latin dancers welcomed the guests in a dance sequence that was exciting and sensuous in choreography.

The ballroom with its huge sparkling chandeliers and innovatively created, is today the largest pillarless ballroom and could accommodate up to 1,250 with the pre function areas making it the biggest ballroom facility.

With the state-of-the-art surround system the ballroom if required can be partitioned into three sound-proof sections and the sliding doors separate the main ballroom from the foyer; where the water walls are relaxing and soothing. Already proven to be a popular venue for weddings, seminars, conferences, meetings, the seating in theatre style is 1,000 pax.

An experienced and elite banquet team handles exclusive dinners and VIP functions and the Grand Ballroom with its distinctive decor is today sitting pretty in popularity.

The Thai connection

The Spice Festival organised by the Sri Lanka Tourist Board turned out to be a popular success with leading hotels participating in the event, in a specialised way.

The Mount Lavinia Hotel went traditional and tantalizing Thai during that week with many patrons enjoying the delicious spread. Seen in the picture is the winning team from the Queens Park Hotel Bangkok and the Mount Lavinia Hotel.

Sing your heart out with Cliff

On the heels of a successful show held this year at the Waters Edge, Clifford Richards, the popular singer and entertainer is all geared to stage once again his personalised Golden Melodies, on Sunday October 15.

This time the show will be held at the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Colombo, from 7.00 p.m. onwards, and he will be backed by the Gypsies. Dalreen back home after her shows abroad will be the guest performer and for variety, a bevy of Latin American dancers will turn on the heat at the show.

"Quite naturally there will be audience participation and they will be treated to a wide selection of well loved favourites from the books of Jim Reeves, Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, Englebert, Frank Sinatra and Sri Lankan bailas. Each guest will be entitled to the free song book" says Clifford who is looking forward to meeting up with his fans on Sunday October 15.

A qualified Engineer in Production Engineering from the University of Peradeniya, Clifford is a much sought after compere for dances, musical shows and corporate functions and what's more he is the English news anchor for ITN. "Golden Melodies with Clifford Richards" which is being staged by popular demand will be a show with a difference - so don't miss out. Box plan at Torana Liberty Plaza.

M.P.