Entertainment / People

Friends in fine form

by Mahes Perera

Nihar Hamid the dynamic and energetic drummer of his band Friends is overjoyed to be back home, even if it means for a short period. He plomps on to the comfortable sofa at the Ceylon Continental lounge, stretches himself with happiness and awaits my questions. I ask him so far how has it been with the group.

"Excellent" comes the quick reply from Nihar Hamid "the band has been doing a tremendous job - playing, playing, playing. You know we are the only Sri Lankan band operating in the circuit Switzerland - we play in four different clubs - Germany, Holland and now here we are in Sri Lanka, we were looking forward to it. Most of our bookings are at discos and it's hard work. Next year 2007 sees us booked till the end of November".

Hip hop is the rage today how much of it is reflected in the repetoire of Friends?

"Our clientele are those who followed the charts. Hip hop doesn't happen in our group. But Latin figures heavily. That's the rage in Europe. There are a lot of Latin dance schools. There's salsa, samba, prumba, batachas, meringue, flamenco and our very own baila. We've given it a title Samba de Lanka and it is popular."

Friends started playing at the Heist, Ceylon Continental on Thursday December 14 and will be featured on Thursdays and Fridays until they take off to Switzerland.But don't miss out on their performance at the Golden Ball on New Year's Eve. The boys have geared themselves to have an absolutely great bash with you in mind - a truly Sri Lankan New Year's Eve night.

The band is in fine form today. Friends comprise vasatile and highly talented musicians. Apart from the leader Nihar Hamid there's Marlou Amarasekera on guitar who has been with the band for the past eight years. Ushan Gunasekera the bassist is according to Nihar the longest standing member.

He's been with the band for the past eleven years. Dileepa Mangala the keyboardist joined three years ago, while the female glitz Gaby has been with the band for the past five and a half years and has acquired an interesting wide repetoire.

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Say bye to 2006 with Annesley

Welcome the New Year 2007 at the Harbour Room, G.O.H. in the company of Annesley & Super Chimes, a popular group on today's music scene.

With a wide selection of songs ranging from strict tempo dance music to the latest up beat music in addition to their acknowledged Sinhala pop music repetoire, Annesley is looking forward to your company to give you a memorable time.

The Harbour Room overlooks the Colombo Harbour and with the docked-in ships lit for the occasion and fireworks at midnight to herald in the New Year, it's going to be an unforgettable experience.