[ Entertainment]

Guitarist Martin Taylor - in Concert

by Mahes PERERA

Alison Burns

Martin Taylor

The British Council in Sri Lanka celebrates its 60th anniversary with a concert by "Europe's finest guitarist" Martin Taylor who will perform along with jazz vocalist Alison Burns. The duo arrive in Sri Lanka as part of their February Far East and Australia tour.

The concert will be on February 22, 7 p.m. onwards and will be held at the British Council Garden.

The proceeds from the concert will go to the Sunera Foundation with whom the British Council has worked over a 12 year period on development work.A grammy nominee Martin Taylor, who performed in Sri Lanka on two earlier occasions, has successfully established himself as one of the world's foremost exponent of solo jazz guitar.

He has collaborated with many internationally leading musicians and has won numerous awards for his music including the British Jazz Award for the Best Guitarist ten times. He was awarded the Member of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to jazz.Alison Burns the Scottish jazz singer was successful in reaching the Jazz Top 10 with her album `Kissing Bug' which she released in 2007 and was widely acclaimed.

A sensitive singer Alison Burns musical career commenced quite by accident after she was sacked from a bingo calling job.

The British music industry stood to gain.

So make a note of the date and be sure you are there to experience the artistry of Martin Taylor and Alison Burns.

Golden Chimes back home

by Mahes PERERA

Back home after a successful tour in Calgary, Canada for more than one and a half months Lankika and the Golden Chimes are happy they are back to renew their friendship with their fans here in Sri Lanka.

The group's final concert was on January 17 at Mount Royal Lea Cock Theatre in Calgary. Coincidentally the date was their 39th anniversary in show business and accordingly before the concert commenced Chanaka and Lankika released thirty nine gold coloured balloons to commemorate the occasion.

"We were emotionally moved and we sang most of our popular original songs like Kimada Naave, Muhudu Rella, Kirimuhuda, Molaketi Puthuni, Dalada Perahera, Ma Adare Nangi.We also sang some English songs and ended our concert with a medley of our songs that was quite a long one but everybody enjoyed themselves singing and dancing with happiness.

What touched us more were the many cards we received from the audience thanking us for re-living the happy days they had in Sri Lanka and for our songs which they hadn't heard for a long, long time.

For musicians you know how soul satisfying that is "expressed Lankika who also told us that they will be commencing work on the new CD they will be releasing soon. Golden Chimes also wish to thank the Sri Lanka - Canada Association, the members of the committee and the sponsors for making this tour a reality.

Mario and Gration

New CD from Gration

The popular singer Gration Ananda will launch his new CD Super in Concert at the Namel Malini Punchi Theatre on Saturday February 14.

The CD will be launched with a musical show which will feature Gration Ananda, Angeline Goonetilleke and Natasha who sing on the CD as well.

For the first time in musical history his son Mario Angelo will also launch his CD Gayum Vayum containing sixteen songs and produced by him. Angelo is still a student at St. Joseph's College studying for his A Level in commerce. Gration's daughter Dulanjali sings on the CD as well.

Rendezvous with Cupid

Chandani Hettiarachchi

Enjoy absolute privacy and romance with your Valentine in specially created `Love Nests' on the beach at the Mount Lavinia Hotel, which are available on a first come, first served basis. The Love Nests are covered on three sides and open toward the sea and with a five course dinner nothing could be finer. You also have the choice of spending a romantic evening at the Baywatch tower high on stilts.

Other choices are at the Governor's, rooftop for four couples only, to help you re-kindle your fire! For the groovers it's a Valentine Party - Carribbean style at the Hut with DJs from Real Radio.The Terrace - with sentimental music provided by Chandani Hettiarachchi and C&C, a grand spread of a seafood buffet with Chef Pubilis' Sri Lankan specialities.

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Cupid will be flying around shooting love arrows to make February 14, Valentine's Day an exciting day for romance. To make it more exciting will be the music of the all girl group Kismet and their wide repertoire of love songs. The band will be featured at the Coffee Shop of Galadari, and you can enjoy special rates for diners should you decide to stay overnight. At the California Grill it's going to be an exclusive evening of dining and music and all couples will be offered a complimentary room for the night. Of course it goes without saying that at the Margarita Blue, music will be by Aquarius with Apple and Ice.The best dressed lady and the most romantic couple competition awaits you.

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Music wise the Hilton Colombo invites you to an evening of romance with the vibes of Reflections at the Thorana Lounge and a Valentine High Tea. At the Il Ponte dine and dance to the laid back slow tempo music of Rex Fernando and his band comprising Janaka Jayasuriya, Marlon Pietersz and Viran Padmaperuma. Of course it goes without saying that there are draws, prizes and giveaways on offer at the Il Ponte, Spoons, Spices, including room packages.

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The Palm Beach Hotel at Mount Lavinia offers special packages for your enjoyment. Like the Lover's Delight to celebrate a special night together with all the accompanying delights plus - a champagne breakfast. the Valentine's Delight in a tranquil garden atmosphere under the moon and stars with accordion music to enthral you. The Sweet Valentine package is with a four course candle lit menu and DJ music to dance the night away.

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Warren and Rozette

The popular duo Warren and Rozette are all set to entertain you with a wide repertoire of love songs and ballads for the Romantic Get-Away Deal at Trans Asia.The deal includes accommodation, intimate dinner at the poolside plus all the romantic trimmings and a champagne breakfast. What's more Trans Asia has launched a website for lifestyle deals from a five star hotel in Colombo - the first such website to be launched. Through the website you are invited to bid for the most romantic table on Valentine's Day at the poolside. Besides the many concessions, you have a chance of winning return airline tickets from Kingfisher Airlines! Check it out.

M.P