Entertainment

Entries keep rolling in fast

Observer Fashion Designer of the Year 2007 presented by Chula Nanayakkara:

by Mahes Perera

Just two weeks more for the semi-finals to be worked out and the excitement heightens as entries for the Fashion Designer of the Year 2007. Sponsored by Sunday Observer and Daily News keeps rolling in speedily.

A reminder to aspiring young fashion designers to hurry and send in your sketches accompanied by the coupon published in the Sunday Observer and Daily News as the closing date for all sketches as indicated on the coupon is September 17, 2007.

The categories this year as organised by the leading fashion designer Chula Nanayakkara Ariyaratne are casual wear, office wear, evening wear and saree wear. So hurry, don't dilly dally! Put your artistic thoughts on paper and presto who knows you may be in the running for the title.

The semi-finals of the contest will be worked out on September 19 at The Cinema Lounge, BMICH and the finals a fabulous, glittering show will be held on November 3 at the BMICH. Ramzi Rahman will be the official hair dresser and the winners will receive an air ticket and other valuable prizes. The contest is open to both males and females with no age barriers.

Those who applied in the earlier years and were not fortunate can try their luck again this year. A special call to young male designers who have visions of displaying their creations on an international ramp - this is the launching pad to your dreams.

And dreams have always been known to become a reality if you are focused and committed. So let the fashion world have an eyeful of your creativity. Last year Samith Hewawasam became the 1st runner up in the contest, while Sahan Alahakoon was fortunate to be one of the ten finalists.

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Making waves down South

Making exciting waves of music down south is the talented trio Shine who have gained popularity in the short time they launched themselves. For young musicians who grew in a fast changing music scene they enjoy retro music and in fact their repertoire is made up largely of retro.

Who you may wonder are these guys? They are Peter Aresecularatne on lead vocals, Amith Gamage on lead guitar and Rangika Perera on vocals and keyboards. Peter handles most of the western songs while the keyboardist Rangika's expertise is in singing the Sri Lanka Sinhala songs which is elastic.

"We play the hits of the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's and we are now playing at the Riverina, Beruwela on Saturdays. We are also featured regularly at Eden Hotel and at the Palms, Kalutara," says Peter. Versatile in their artistry, Shine are popular performers at weddings and corporate functions.

In Latin vein

In traditional auspicious style Jananath Warakagoda and his team of drummers heralded the start of the celebrations that are in the pipeline to honour the 21st anniversary of one of the prestigious hotels in Sri Lanka - Hilton Colombo.

Jananath's time signature drumming has a compelling attraction and these past few years he has been in much demand for ceremonial functions. It was appropriate and significant to announce the flamboyant 21 hour Latino carnival which will commence on September 21 at 6.00 p.m. and conclude on September 22 at 3.00 p.m. The event will be held at the Hilton poolside and true to its title will generate excitement and fun never experienced before.

Fashions described as 'hottest' will be displayed a la a sea-sand catwalk parade, music by the guest DJ will throb with all the pulsating beat of the salsa, rumba as well as the popular hip hop with the youth in mind. Quite naturally a carnival would mean many beverage and food stalls, aqua aerobics, a family fashion and more music.

The Latino carnival is the first of a series of entertainment events. The others will occur on the 21st of every month and when the 21st year is reached it will be celebrated in grand style. What is significant is that Hilton Colombo, starting this month will be holding its CSR programme where all proceeds from fundraising activities and contributions will be donated to the Ceylon School for the Deaf and Blind. Besides twenty scholarships will be awarded to the Sri Lanka Institute of Hotel Management.

Speaking to Jananath after his act he commented that in keeping with the theme of the event he had twenty one drummers, twenty daula players and one thammatama which was played by him. The beats were a fusion in 4/4 rhythm with the basic beats coming from the daula and the improvisation provided by the thammatama.

A popular act at many cocktails and launches Jananath tells us that he heads another fusion band comprising flute, tabla, violin, guitar, keyboards, with percussion from congas and timbales.

The group plays music incorporating the vannamas "We returned recently from Chicago after performing at the Sri Lanka Lions Association celebrations and the audience reaction was good and heartening. Drumming is my career, my life" the parting remark from Jananath.

M.P.