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| Sunday, 5 December 2004 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Nightshift to perform here by Mahes Perera
For the first time after he migrated to Australia Sri Lankan born singer Guinn Ragel will be back home to perform with his band 'Nightshift.' The occasion will be a special 'Aussie/Lanka' Gala Ball which will be a major attraction at the end of the year celebrations at the Lotus Room, GOH. The band Nightshift includes well-known expatriate Sri Lankan musicians like Chris Pietersz one time active member of Gabo & the Breakaways, Randy Peiris the ex-saxophonist/vocalist of the Jetliners and Nimal Punchihewa a former member of the popular Gypsies. The music for the night according to Guinn Ragel, is going to be dance music that echoed on our stages in the early 50s, 60s and will include the best from the 80s not forgetting the bailas that will keep the Sri Lankans on the floor for long spells. A session of the now popular 'sing-a-longs' too is on the cards, and a large contingent of Sri Lankan-Aussies will be jetting in for the occasion to relive the unforgettable Sri Lankan style of celebration. Choir of blind Singers
The carol programme could last the duration of twenty to forty minutes, or more, complying with the request requirements. The choir may be remunerated on a reasonable basis by mutual agreement, bearing in mind the costs of regular practices. Cost of transport, appropriate attire and refreshments will be borne by the Federation. Prior reservations can be made through Rienzie Benedict on: 2437768 /2305256/4720148 or fax. 2437768 or e-mail: [email protected]. World in miniatures The Miniature Model Club of Sri Lanka in association with the Railroad Club of Sri Lanka will hold an exhibition of Miniature Transportation Models and Railways at Palm Beach Hotel, Mount Lavinia which started on December 3. Today is the last day of the exhibition commencing 9.00 am to 9.00 pm. Miniatures of famous cars are in great demand and has become a very valuable collectors item over the years. Modelled Miniatures named Dinky Toys, were initially introduced way back in 1931 by Frank Hornby and these delightful metal toys made of diecast metal became instant best sellers. Subsequently they were made of a substance called Mazak, a combination of aluminium and zinc which enabled the cars to be moulded with more precision. More than one thousand models comprising of cars, vans, lorries, buses, trains, military and farm vehicles, aircraft and ships were manufactured until the demise of the company in 1980. The Model Railways has always been a firm favourite of every one too. It is enthralling to see locomotives with a string of carriages racing past water falls, going through tunnels and cutting across meadows and fields at break neck speed but, dutifully slowing down or stopping at signal lights or at repair spots, on the line. This exhibition is held mainly for the younger folk in order to give them an insight in to one of the most exhilarating and educational hobbies that one could have. Acoustic delight
If you enjoy unplugged and acoustic music then join Ernest and Combo this Friday and Saturday when they will be featured at the California Grill at eventime. This four piece dance band led by pianist Ernest Francis plays a wide repertoire of standards and show tunes that have always been favourites despite the intrusion of his hop, funk and garage. "Playing at the California Grill, Galadari Hotel is an interesting experience, as the guests are mostly those who enjoy acoustic music and we specialise in this. We use the acoustic bass, played by Rex Fernando and this gives an attractive sound to the group. The other members are saxophonist Madanayake with Nesan Thiagarajah the well-known percussionist on acoustic drums. Our intention is to give our guests a relaxed evening of music," says Ernest, who one time was a solo pianist before he decided to form a group. The Combo will be an attraction at the California Grill for the end of year celebrations. - MP It's so good... by Mahes Perera 'C'est si bon... lovers say that in France' and down UGB way at the Hilton Residence Jerome Speldewinde is in full flight on Thursdays and Saturdays, backed by Jazz Project, singing songs that were hot favourites in the early years and have still not lost their charm.
In the liner notes of his latest CD 'Jerome-first impression' the writer very aptly states "Jerome Speldewinde has the enviable knack of singing practically every song in the book of standards. The man is calm and easy going but the voice that issues forth is blistering and buoyant, swinging his audience into a mood of requests..." The CD is a necessary companion to a discerning music lover. Jerome's special arrangement for each song be it in ballad, swing or Latin rhythm, is in a class of its own and will keep you with him till closing time. Eartha Kitt's sultry pop hit 'C'est si bon' was re-arranged into a delightful swing by Jerome which significantly could be his anthem to all his performances. There were many other standards too like 'Come Fly With Me', 'Beyond the Sea', 'Smile', 'LOVE', 'Fly Me To The Moon' - each song given a refreshing touch, so typical of the man. It was a treat to watch him sing out the Latin favourites of the Edmundo Ross, Xavier Cugat era which leaves you to utter only one word in appreciation - amazing! Jazz Project is led by the experienced pianist Dilukshi Sirimane with exciting and sophisticated guitar artistry from Revel Crake, a steady bass from Basil Paiva, swinging drum language from Royle Andrews and new comer Palitha Suraweera on congas. The group provides that ideal thrust to Jerome and listening to them you get that 'its-so-good' feeling! |
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| Produced by Lake House |
As has been the tradition during the past three decades, the choir of
blind singers of Sri Lanka Federation of the Visually Handicapped offers
itself this Christmas too, for reservations in carol singing. The choir
had previously performed its seasonal repertoir of English and Sinhala
carols, interspersed with German and Swedish verses, at many and varied
locations.
