Entertainment

A melodious combination

by Mahes Perera

Two weeks ago the Mahaweli Reach, Kandy echoed to the pulsating and rocking sounds of Nalin and the Star Combination when they were invited to play for the Kandy Hoteliers Associations' get-together and dance - the K. H. A. Ball 2007.

It was a glorious night of exciting rhythms that went will past Cinderella's curfew hour what with the many competitions like the baila competition, the Beauty Queen contest, raffle draw, spot dance and host of other competitions.

"It was a highly successful Ball" says Nalin "We never expected such a turnout. The band has been kept busy playing regularly for weddings, dances and functions - official and private. The festive season will see us in hot action.

The Rhythm World Dance kicked off the festive excitement last month and we will be featured at the sing-a-long of Kandy Girls, High School at GFH, the Prima Christmas party at Waters Edge, The Galadari Christmas Party, the Royal Commonwealth Society's Christmas party and at the special Christmas Day happenings at Mount Lavinia Hotel are some of our action events" says a happy Nalin.

A tight and exciting group there's no denying that their wide repertoire of Sinhala and Western songs speak for their versatility and success as a super combination, who have always given of their best at all times.

[email protected]

A sensitive touch

Lyrical expression in a pianist is not something that could be acquired, it is an inborn talent, and over the years the veteran pianist Manel Udugama has been noted for this quality in her artistry.

Her sensitive touch in interpreting any melody be it pop, classical, semi-classical, blues, jazz or evergreens makes you stop and listen to her till the end of the piece. In fact most of the guests who hear her between 12 noon and 3 pm Tuesdays through to Fridays at the Taj Samudra are amazed at the melodic effect she creates.

A past pupil of St. Bridget's Convent with an ATCL and LTCL behind her, Manel Udugama is now synonymous with Taj Samudra. This is her 19th year of performance at the Taj and she enjoys every moment of her playing time weaving lyrical emotions with chord configurations or dynamic shadings that unfold many moods in the fabric of music.

And as she tells us many of the guests have written her letters of appreciation for giving them happy musical moments during their stay. When she is not at the piano stool at the Hotel Manel is kept busy playing for house and corporate functions or teaching students classical piano for Trinity College music examinations.

With Christmas soon upon us she will be presenting a program of carols at the Taj Samudra from December 21 till Christmas Eve 7.00 pm - 8.00 pm.

M.P.

Rhythm of Dreams

Entertainment for the whole family will go on the boards at the BMICH on November 28.

The show produced by Lal Silva of Thai Lanka International Arts is going to be a superb evening of song and dance and will feature a traditional Thai Dance troupe and many cinema/film acts performed during the show include songs sung by Samitha Mudunkotuwa, Keerthi Pasquel, Iraj, Supriya, Malith Perera, Uresha Ravihari, Kushani Sandharekha.

A galaxy of actors and actresses will be featured in brilliant dance performance and they will be Damitha Abeyrathne, Sanath Gunathilake, Ranjan Ramanayake, Channa Perera, Nilmini Tennakoon, Anarkali, Sanoja, Oshadi, Roshan Ranawana, Nayana Kumari, Nadee, Suresh Gamage, Kavin, Rodney, Mahendra Perera and more. The music will be provided by Manoj Peiris.

The choreography for Rhythm of Dreams will be handled by Chandana Wickramasinghe whose dance troupe will execute some entertaining and exhilarating dance routines never witnessed before. Comedian Tennison Cooray will keep you in fits of laughter.

Lal Silva commented that Thai Lanka International Arts (Pvt) Ltd an entertainment company will be presenting shows in the future and hope to go into the production of films and teledramas as well.

M.P.

Gingerbread House and Kiddies Carnival

Christmas is for children and the forthcoming festivities will see children in the forefront of all the excitement this season. At the Drive - In, in front of the Taj Airport Garden a special Gingerbread House will be installed on December 10 and also another one in the lobby of the Hotel to delight children.

"The two houses will be filled with festive delicacies, goodies, christmas trees with the strains of Yuletide carols in the background until New Year's Day" said the General Manager Sanjay Singh at a media briefing.

What's more on December 15 a Kiddies Christmas Carnival invites children to unlimited fun and games with Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse and other well loved characters, stalls with fun games and prizes, hidden treasures and more important Santa Claus to hand out gifts to everyone.

Get your mum and dad to join in, there's fun games for them as well. All this before Christmas is nigh. The hotel has planned out a gala Christmas and an Intergalactic Journey with Cosmic Rays to see the old year out.

Count your blessings......

Lankika Perera of Golden Chimes can proudly claim an unbroken 36 years in the music arena to date and will release a CD/Cassette on December 1 to celebrate the happy event.

The CD she tells us is special to her, the launch date is more so, because on this day she celebrates her wedding anniversary and the birthday of her husband Chanaka. With the Christmas season beginning to unfold the CD titled Yesus Men Mithurek is a spiritual one containing sixteen Sinhala Christian Hymns, two Christmas songs Etha Dinaka and Jesu Iapadila composed by Lankika Perera with music arrangements done by Chanaka and accompanied by Lalaka Peiris of Golden Chimes.

"I give thanks and praise to God for giving me this talent and for all the blessings I received throughout my career. The proceeds from the sale of the CD/Cassette will be channelled for charity", comments Lankika.

M.P.