Entertainment

The Generations show: Never before on stage

It's going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience of great stars with their siblings in 'the Generations Show' which will become a reality on Sunday December 17 at the Holiday Inn Ballroom from 6.30 p.m. onwards. A lot of planning has gone into making the show a spectacular one that should not be missed, and the stars are those enjoying the top rung of popularity today.

Talking of generations, you are giving to enjoy Sunil Perera who will be singing along with his sons Gayan and Sajith. Ronnie Leitch is happy to be performing with his daughter Keshiya. The spotlight also falls on the acknowledged singer Antoinette de Alwis, who will be performing with her daughter the hip hop personality Ashanthi who recently released, quite successfully her debut solo album. The balladeer Keerthi Pasquel makes his appearance with his daughter Charuni and the Dilhani girl Indrani Perera will be on stage with her son Nimendra.

That's not all. There are more stars who will be featured. Ricky Bahar who needs no introduction will be singing with his daughter Shyanne. Joining in to say her piece, musically will be the songstress Dalreen Suby with her daughter Thahani. And carrying the music to a high will be the dynamic Corinne who will perform with her son Brendon. All the singers will be backed by the versatile Kings and threading the show together will be the emcee Vijaya Corea.

A lot of surprises await you at this show, the brainchild of Damayantha Kuruppu who is presenting the concert in association with the Lions Club of Wattala. All proceeds are in aid of the building fund for the Vocational Training Centre for the underprivileged youth. Tickets are priced at Rs. 1,500/- Rs. 1,000-/ and Rs. 750/- and are available at Dwellings at Greenpath, Colombo 3 and Video International at Nawala Road, Nawala. Sunday Observer and Daily News are the media sponsors. The other sponsors are WIS, Mitsui Cement and Maliban.

A feast of Irish folk songs

By Mahes Perera

Folk music has an attraction that is hard to beat and is a foundation for creativity in musicians to whatever country they belong.

So it was that the Aer Lingus Musical Society from Ireland comprising experienced musicians gave a scintillating performance of genuine Irish folk music at the Taj Samudra at a Brunch in celebration in honour of the new General Manager. Normally you would have expected the Irish musicians to go slap bang into the oft sung Irish Eyes Are Smiling, Molley Malone, Danny Boy (which they did at the end of their performance on requests). Instead the Society treated the audience to a fine compilation of the 'real stuff' so to speak, the genuine folk songs that held your attention till the end.

Songs that reflected the hard life of the farmers, the hardships of war, the sad tales of broken love affairs and also happy tales of ordinary people in funny situations. The introduction of the harp played by an enthusiastic young musician was an added attraction to the band which comprised the guitar, violin, banjo, ukele and bagpipes.

There were exciting dance items from the famous River dance show which exhibited the agility of the dancers' professionalism.All in all it was a successful afternoon of music.

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BC Swings

by Mignonne Senaratne

It was a glitzy and ritzy night at the Conrad Hotel in Chelsea Harbour with its marine studded sleek yachts lapping and swaying to the sounds of the maestro Desmond de Silva and Foreign Affair when the Bishop's College Past Pupil's Association held their biannual dinner dance recently, in London. The heady scent of hundreds of crimson roses filled the air and the soft candlelight against the backdrop of the twinkling harbour lights was breathtaking. A mouth-watering menu conjured up by the Hotel's Portuguese Head Chef, Fernando, made it a memorable night for the discerning guests.

With the wine flowing, everyone joined Desmond in melody after melody of Calypsos and oldies on the dance floor.Old girl and Patron, Lady Susan Shakespeare, in her address said that the Past Pupil's Association in the United Kingdom has, over the last 16 years raised over twelve thousand pounds to support the school.

Interesting and original

The Modern-Day One-Man Band Billy Stevens gave an exciting performance at Ladies College Hall on Thursday, November 30. An ambassador of American culture and music, his programme stretched from spirituals to blues, ragtime to swing, country to rock and reggae to rap.

He plays the synthesizer, harmonica, percussion and recently added a five string banjo to his repertoire, and of course his vocals is a wide stretch. His array of instruments has made it possible for him to tour for the U.S. State Departments' Office of cultural affairs and has performed for them throughout the developing world.

Get festive

The arrival of the "Sweet Chariot" at the lobby at the Airport Garden Hotel on Friday December 15, will start off the seasonal activities which has been arranged with you in mind. The Sweet Chariot is laden with all the delicious seasonal goodies and with the Christmas trees and strains of Yuletide carols in the background. Until New Year's Day the ambience will be enriched, said the General Manager Sanjay Singh at a media briefing recently.

The Kiddies Christmas Carnival on the next day will be an extra special one for the kiddies. It's a magical world of 'Paradise Island', watching Uncle Sindbad zap you with his magical powers or diving into the world at Sponge Bob and his friend Patrick.

What's more there will be cartoons at the Little Mermaid Movie Theatre, a feast at Goofy Goober Ice Cream Parlour and hidden treasures around the fun island with Santa Claus hopping around with gifts for all.

It's going to be an exotic Christmas Eve dinner with all the traditional trimmings and a bonfire to keep the chill away, while Christmas lunch will be a gastronomic voyage with complimentaries thrown in. The season ends with a whirlpool at fun with The 'Dive into 2007 and Rock and Roll on the Ocean Floor' theme. The Mumbais' popular DJ, DK and singing sensation Judy with Ecstasy, will rock you off your feet.

- MP

Sing-a-long carols

Be a part of the special sing-a-long carols with Anno Domini and guest artistes on Friday, December 15 from 6.30 p.m. onwards at the Deli Market in 'Let Your Spirits Soar' - a Christmas Celebration for the whole family. For the children there's the Nutcracker Christmas Shop, the Kids programme and the annual Wish Tree charity event.