Entertainment

World Gold winners

by Mahes Perera

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Nobody would have grudged if The Revelations conducted by Sanjeev Jayaratnam burst into ‘O Happy Day’ when they heard the soul satisfying news that they were winners at the World Choir Games in the Gospel and Spiritual - Vocal Ensemble (a capella) category. The contest scheduled to end on July 18 was held at Graz, Austria.

To carry off the gold medal and be recognised as champions of the World Choir Games is no easy task particularly since The Revelations had to face stiff competition from many countries around the world especially USA and Africa the “house” of Gospel and Spiritual singing. Other strong contenders were Croatia, Romania, Jamaica and Indonesia.

The Revelations also secured a Silver Medal in the Popular Choral Music (a capella) at the contest and as we go into print the group had one more competition - Male Vocal Ensemble which is scheduled to be held on July 18.

The members of Revelations are Sanjeev Jayaratnam, Srimanthaka Senanayake, Enaksha Fernando, Charith Peris, Willie Godridge, Rohan de Lanerolle, Asanka Perera, Christopher Godridge, Mahen Peiris, Ishan de Lanerolle and Priyan de Livera the manager of the group.

The President of the Revelations, Ishan de Lanerolle said that the group wishes to thank Deshamanya Lalith Kotalawela and all their sponsors and supporters for their continued support. When the group returns to Sri Lanka they would host a concert which will feature the World Choir Games repertoire.

It was a solemn and emotional moment for the group when they were announced as champions in the Gospel and Spiritual Vocal Ensemble (a capella) category and when the Sri Lankan flag was hoisted and more than 4000 people in the stadium rose to their feet for the Sri Lanka National Anthem.

The other premier female choral group directed by Soundarie David, Soul Sounds won the Gold and Silver in the Open Popular Choral Music and the Open Gospel Category respectively.

The choir at the performance in Graz Austria have topped their previous performance in China where they won two silver medals. The choir directed by Soundarie David and Jerome L de Silva include musicians Neranjan de Silva - keyboards and Christopher Prins - acoustic drums. Like Revelations, Soul Sounds too had to compete against large choirs from USA, South Africa, China, Germany, Austria and Australia among others.

Members of the jury speaking to the choir after the competition, commended the choir on their versatility, passion and the soul.

The group is scheduled to compete on July 17 for the Folk Music category in which they will sing traditional Sri Lankan Folk Music. Before they return to Sri Lanka Soul Sounds will be in performance today (July 20) at a concert in New Delhi organised by the Sri Lankan High Commission and the Nirmana Foundation.

Kings - regal elegance

By Mahes Perera

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A cover version of Michael Buble’s ‘Sway’ greeted you at the Lobby as Kings led by Chandral Fonseka were in the midst of their performance at Ceylon Continental last Friday evening. Bassist/vocalist Chandral has always been associated with elegant music and this is reflected in his band members as well.

A five piece outfit comprising besides Chandral, guitarist Manoj Fernando, Sampath Galappaththi - drums and vocals and one time member of the popular Ebony. Keyboards is handled by Shakila Ganegama and the glitz in this outfit is singer Danushka Maddawatte whose repertoire for a new comer is quite remarkable.

“I’ve been performing at the Ceylon Continental for five years every Friday and each week our fan base increases. It’s an ideal scenario to chill out and presently I’m also playing on Thursday evenings, I’m standing in for the X’periments who are performing concerts in Australia. We are going to be very busy this season.

We are booked for many dances and weddings like the Uva Club Dance, the Darawala Club Dance, Tea Factory dance, the Union Bank to name a few” says the friendly Chandral whose expertise in the music industry is much sought after.Kings repertoire is wide and interesting, catering to the many tastes of the guests, throughout the week the bands playing at the lobby is varied.

On Mondays sing your heart out with the golden oldies Sam the Man, on Tuesdays the scene is cool with Fame. This Wednesday Coolset will be featured - so enjoy their vibes and the delicacies of the Goan Fiesta specially prepared by Indian chefs.

Sohan & The X’periments on Thursdays, Saturdays the all girl group Kismet and bringing the week to an end is Best on Sundays.Chandral’s musical career which is loaded with experience started off as he tells us with the now popular Super Pink ‘N Purple led by Lincoln de Silva. He then was a rhythm guitarist.

“We played at Galle Face Hotel at the Mascarilla and at the Coconut Grove and I switched to the bass at short notice when Raj Dassanayake needed a bassist for his band Pioneers. Soon after I moved over to play with Antoinette and the Gaylords at Holiday Inn for about two years in 1975 before I joined Clarence and the Super Golden Chimes. Those were interesting years.

I learnt a lot and was left with the task of composing songs for the group when Clarence Wijewardene moved out to pursue a solo career. All of a sudden I found myself composing and directing songs for other leading musicians and I was enjoying myself eventhough it was hard work.

But as it always happens musicians want to be on the move constantly and I found myself in 1980 in Europe playing with Serendib led by guitarist Indra Raj. I decided to lead my own band in Europe called it Super but that didn’t last for long and decided that there was no place like home - and so here I am with Kings and performing regularly on Friday nights at the Ceylon Continental,” voices Chandral.

Hikkaduwa Beach Fest

Hikkaduwa Beach will echo to a fresh new sound when Sri Lanka Tourism presents the ‘Hikkaduwa Beach Festival’ 08 from July 30 to August 3.

For the first time a galaxy of singers, musicians and dancers will be on stage to entertain the audience on all five days of the carnival. Jetting in from Glamslam Entertainment Company UK will be seven professional dancers of the highest calibre. For the youth groovers MTV, DJ Nikhil will be spreading the grooves with his nine member crew. Zee Music DJ’s from Mumbai will be here too and will go live.

Alston Koch will be arriving to kick start the proceedings on July 30. A Drum Festival is scheduled for July 31 with flutist Bikram Singh and percussionists from the band Naadao with Rakitha Ruwan Wickremaratne, joined by Gayan Manokumara, Nalinda Dilupama, Alston Joachim, Ranga Nuwantha, Pabalu Wijegunawardena and Uthpala Iroshan.

Pianist Harsha Makalanda will be featured along with Bikram Singh the flautist.

Six renowned Dj’s Paul Medez, Jenn Martinello and Jorge Jamarillo will be there to spin the exciting grooves for the youth. August 3 will see a Jazz Festival with leading jazz musicians, to bring the carnival to a close.

Cherrio Sergeant

The one thousandth show of Cherrio Sergeant directed and presented by Sando Harris in aid of the ITN Welfare Society will be held at the Maharagama Youth Centre on July 25 at 3.30 pm and 6.30 pm. The cast will include besides Sando Harris, Maleni Asoka, Milinda Perera, Damitha Saluwadena Somachandra, Chamitra Kirshantha and Shaliya. Music is by Ashan Harris and Skee Harris.

Fantasy Fair 08

A fund raiser Fair will be organised by the Holy Emmanuel Church Moratuwa on July 26 from 3.00 pm onwards in aid of building developments of the Sunday School Hall.

A variety of stalls will be available and many attractions for children like a Fancy Dress competition, Merry-go-round, Giant wheel, the bouncer and more fun activities. A musical competition and a Grand Karaoke too with valuable prizes is on the cards. The judges will be well known artistes from Moratuwa. Fantasy Fair 08 is going to be a night to remember.

Dunhinda Helana

An extravagant musical to felicitate veteran singers will be held at the Agamathi Balika Vidyalaya on July 26 at 6.00 pm. The concert organised by the Mithrodaya Society, Panadura will feature Latha Walpola, Narada Dissasekera, Seetha Nanayakkara, Christopher Paul, Morris Dahanayake and Irene de Alwis. The music will be by Jayantha Ratnayake and his orchestra. The Chief Guest will be Reginald Cooray, Western Province Chief Minister.