Entertainment

Melodic vibes

Determined to make an impact on the music scene, guitarist/vocalist Neomal Pieris' and his band Rumours have journeyed towards success today. When they started off three years ago they had to compete with leading name bands and singers. But that didn't bother them too much. At their many one night outings they impressed their audiences and still continue to do so.

"We certainly have come a long way," says Neomal who is willing to talk even if he is caught in a traffic jam! "The music scene was dull but from October it's been catching up. We've been playing at some big dances, like the Plantation ones - the KV, Maskeliya and Badulla, the popular Hayleys dance and the Good Shepherd Convent dance.

We are looking forward to the New Year's Eve celebrations this year. It will be "moonlighting by the poolside" at the Taj Samudra, where revellers can dance their cares away under the stars and enjoy the wide international spread at the Latitude," continued Neomal.

Rumours currently performing regularly at the Mix on Thursdays and Fridays have an elastic repertoire. "We take in retro, pop, rock, the hits of the 60's, 70's and 80's, country and hip-hop.

We are ready with hip hop to oblige a fan who turns up at the Mix," says a friendly Neomal. Rumours is a five piece outfit and what is significant is that there has been no drastic personnel change ever since they got together at their school St. Joseph's College. Neomal Peiris the leader is the guitarist and vocalist, Duminda Hettiarachchi handles a throbbing bass, while Dayal Athukorale's artistry on the fret of his guitar inspires the others.

Taraka Wijesekera is the versatile keyboardist and Narendra Guneratne at the drums, keeps the group in rhythm with his creative drum-and-sticks work. Basically, Rumours without much fanfare when they launched have made a name for themselves as a dance band, and that is their objective. Good luck to them.

"Moonlighting at the poolside," with Rumours is going to be exciting so too the "Ticket to Bollywood" at the Samudra Ballroom with DJ's mixing special Indian music while the Mix goes retro, rock and hip hop to help you greet the much awaited New Year. Go on get the experience.

M.P.

Street jazz dance moves

by Mahes Perera

Undoubtedly dance is her first love. Ever since she was very young Yoshita Abayasekera used to watch with awe her mother Dilhara go through the dance movements and in her young mind decided that when she is older it is going to be the same with her.

"I danced for fun actually. My teachers were Oosha, Deanna, Kulsum and I learnt Latin American dance from Naomi Rajaratnam," says Yoshita when we made the appointment to have this pow wow.

Yoshita will be staging her third production of her "School of Dance Moves" on January 3 and 4 at the Bishop's College Auditorium. She started her own school in 1997 and this is her 17th year.

The School commenced at the Asian International School, she held classes at the Dutch Burgher Union and taught at all the International Schools. Two years ago she married and left for Shanghai but the dance vibes could not be contained. The result being one big dance performance which will be staged in January with all her pupils. What can the audience expect from your show?

"I've divided the programme into two sections. The first part will be modern and contemporary dance while the second part will be hip hop and street jazz. Hip hop is a good thing, children relate to that music and I love teaching the hip hop.

But I impress upon them the importance of knowing the classical ballet which is a compulsory foundation. To get back to my show there will be forty five of my students on stage. One of my male dancers Rahul Goonasekera, I've known him ever since he was born, will be featured and also from Shanghai one of my students Shuling Wong will be taking part.

What about the selection of music? "For the contemporary and modern, I will be using the music of Dance of the Puppet from the sound track of the cartoon Ghost In the Shell. For the musicals it will be an ABBA medley. I'm also introducing the music of songs by Justin Timberlake, Jennifer Lopez and Michael Jackson. The costumes are designed by me and tailored by Sharmila Fernando."

Yoshita was fortunate to attend summer courses at Laban Centre, England and horn the finer points of contemporary dance with influences drawn from Martha Graham and Alwin Ailey. "I do, send my pupils for examinations.

I'm a registered teacher of the British Theatre Association and this enables the kids to do exams in modern ballet and hip hop," concludes Yoshita who is looking forward to her School of Dance Moves presentation and to the appreciation of her audiences.

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Sriyani launches maiden CD

Sriyani Abeynayaka launched her maiden CD titled "Sonduru Sihina" on December 22 at the BMICH Committee Room D. Popular artiste Jackson Anthony was the chief guest. The CD includes 16 songs composed by Nuwan Samarasighe and some of the lyrics by Kelum Srimal, Mahinda Bandara and Yamuna Malini Perera.

Sriyani who started singing with the Sri Lanka Army band when she was attached to the Army Women's Corps, later migrated to Australia but never gave up interest in her singing. She has sung in many a function in Australia. "Launching a CD in my motherland was a long-felt dream in my life which has now become a reality", she said.

A large gathering was present to wish Sriyani all success in the release of her debut album.

Shine in style down South

Tomorrow, Christmas Eve the four piece outfit Shine will be featured at the Riverina Hotel, Beruwala playing an interesting programme of traditional Christmas carols and music to welcome Christmas Day.

The band will also be in live action at the much awaited New Year's Eve celebrations at the same hotel down South. Shine who play regularly at the Riverina Hotel, are also featured at the Palms and Eden. Their schedule is quite crowded with playing at private functions, weddings and dances.

The band comprises Peter Aresecularatne who handles lead vocals including oldies and dance hits.

The youngest Milindu Perera sings the chart hits and plays percussion too. On keyboards and sharing the vocals is Rangika Perera who handles most of the Oriental songs, while on lead guitar is Amith Gamage giving that exciting thrust to the band.