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

Yoshita
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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.

Students in action |
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. |