Entertainment

Spitfires - back on stage for memories

by Mahes Perera

Never before has such a galaxy of musicians belonging to one group, come together for two scintillating performances of their distinctive sounds of the late 60's and early 70's.

And in the words of the song if you are wondering what this all leads to its just that we are telling you that these show stopper shows should not be missed at all, by music lovers.

The group that rocked the music scene in Sri Lanka and in the Middle East - the Spitfires re - unite for two unbelievable and fabulous concerts on March 23 and March 24 at the BMICH 7.00 p.m. onwards.

Presented by D. K. Promotions, and with Sunday Observer and Daily News as the media sponsors, the shows are billed to bring back nostalgic memories of music the way music should be played.Enjoy the artistry of Chinti, Ronnie Boustead, Conrad, Priyanthi, Raja Jalaldeen, Noeline, Desmond, Dalreen, Budrin, Claude, Kumar Molligoda, Maxie, Suriyakumar and Laurensz.

The show will be threaded together by Vijaya Corea. The Box Plan is at the Galadari Hotel - the official hotel, while the official airline is Cathay Pacific.

Speaking with Claude Fernando keyboardist of the successful Spitfires in the years '65, '66 and '67, he was glad to be a part of the re-union concert. During his years the music of Trini Lopez, Tom Jones, Englebert Humperdinck, the Rolling Stones were riding high in the global charts and under the leadership of Chinti Perera the boys had many happy moments.

"The vocalists were Conrad and Budrin - male vocalists, Spitfires were not into female vocalists then!" concludes a smiling Claude!

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Ranidu Live in Concert

After one and a half years Ranidu comes back to Sri Lanka for the exciting show 'Ranidu Live in Concert' featuring Iraj.

The concert will be held at the Vihara Maha Devi Park on March 23 at 7.30 pm. Ranidu will launch his self titled, third album containing new compositions encompassing new musical ideas.

Ranidu who has a large fan base in Sri Lanka was one of the pioneer musicians to reach out to the youth with a musical concept that has grown over the years.

A night of sparkling music

A fund raiser concert featuring many of Sri Lanka's fine musicians will be a reality on March 17 from 7.00 pm at St. Joseph's College, Auditorium.

This sparkling night of music will spotlight the popular singers Mariazelle, Natasha, Noeline, Shanelle, Shyami, Sunil and Piyal, Druvi de Silva, Aanjanee Manesha and Krishanthi, Luke Henricus and Ivor Poobalan.

The groups on stage will be the well-known pop duo Charles Mark, Billy Fernando and Ezra, Revelations and Cosmic Rays. The backing band for all the vocalists will be led by the bassist/vocalist Chandral Fonseka.

The band EMEFCEE includes Lenny, Viraj, Dharshana, Lakshan, Suresh and Georgy.

The concert quite naturally will showcase a range of musical styles and would include traditional, modern and original songs. The proceeds from this concert go towards a worthy programme of the Colombo Theological Seminary who offer instruction in English, Sinhala and Tamil at certificate, diploma and bachelor levels.

CTS intends from next month, introducing a Master of Arts programme and is involved in producing and publishing scholarly writing in the national languages. Instructions are complimentry for those interested.

MP

Malaysia Culture

The colourful and fascinating umbrella dance characteristic of Malaysia culture being performed by some of the dancers of the Cultural Dance Troupe at the recently concluded successful Malaysian Food Festival at the Galadari Hotel.

The Festival was held by the Malaysian Embassy in collaboration with the Malaysian Tourist Board, Malaysian Airlines and the Galadari Hotel.