Entertainment

Show stopper concert

by Mahes Perera

The once-in-a-lifetime concert the Spitfires Reunion Concert takes centre stage next week with more than twelve members happy to be back to give of their specialised artistry to music lovers.

As the slogan goes its 'home-grown talent at its best', and the group will be performing the scintillating sounds of the 70's. You can be sure that the impact they will make at the concerts will be something to be treasured for memories. It's a show stopper.

The concerts will be held at the BMICH on March 23 and March 24 at 7.00 p.m. and if you haven't got your tickets, then hurry, 'cos the tickets are moving swiftly!

Presented by D. K. Promotions, the media sponsors are Sunday Observer and Daily News. The official airline is Cathay Pacific and the official hotel Galadari Hotel. The electronic media are YES FM, MTV and Sirasa.

This fabulous line up of the singers and musicians has never happened before. The Spitfires when they formed in the 70's was led by drummer Chinti Perera son of Marci and Daisy Perera well-known in the music scene then for promoting new talent.

So on the concert stage besides Chinti will be keyboardist Claude Fernando, Budrin Musafer, Conrad de Silva, Ronnie Boustead, Desmond de Silva, Kumar Molligoda, Raja Jalaldeen, Suriya Kumar, Dalreen, Priyanthi, Noeline, Maxie Rosairo, and Laurensz.

They have lined up some surprises and excellent music that should not be missed. The whole show will be threaded together by Vijaya Corea.

Speaking to Chinti Perera during a rehearsal the other day, he was overjoyed that the musicians agreed with enthusiasm to be a part of the fabulous show and are displaying the same dedication and commitment they did when they were with the Spitfires.

"The Spitfires were formed in '70s and their first appearance was at Elephant Walk where Sun Down dances were held. Under my father's management we moved over to the Akase Kade and the dances became a hit with the audience. The Spitfires were in the Sri Lankan music scene for seven years before they left for the Middle East.

We performed in Dubai for a year, then went over to Beirut, Syria, Cairo, Tehran and Bagdad. My mother Daisy managed the group in the Middle East and then we had the late bassist Donald Seneviratne and drummer Mohan Sabaratnam with us. The band was out of the island for approximately five years before we returned home", reminisces a happy Chinti.

The Box Plan is at the Galadari Hotel.

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Mauve '06

The Amalgamated Club, the premier sports body of the University of Colombo will bring on stage headliners of the music industry for a concert, in aid of the annual colours awards ceremony titled, "Mauve '06."

The concert comprises a star studded line up, which includes, Bhathiya N Santhush, Ashanthi, Randhir, Shihan Mihiranga, Centigradz and Gajan and Dinesh. "The Concert" will go on stage on March 23 at the St. Joseph's College auditorium at 6.30 p.m.

The Amalgamated club is the sports council of the University of Colombo and is the oldest club in the Sri Lankan university system.

The concert which is the main fund raiser for the club, is expected to be a concert like no other, guaranteed to rock the audience.

President of the club, Sachitra Samarasinghe, said, "The concert is also expected to raise funds for the development of sports in the University of Colombo and generate awareness of the university sports body that comprises of over 500 athletes."