Entertainment

C&C swing to a new sound

by Mahes Perera

Quando Quando in its new dressing was being skilfully played and sung by C&C at their Thursday night gig enticing the guests to stop by and enjoy themselves at the Torana Lounge, Hilton Colombo. The band C&C are no strangers to our music scene.

Vocalist Chandani and keyboardist/vocalist Chaminda were a successful duo when they started off and gradually the duo became a trio, then a quartet, then a quintet and now basking in their success they decided to make their band a seven piece one. The new additions to the band are vocalists Anne Nathan and Jacqueline Hettiarachchi.

A talented and versatile musician and singer Anne Nathan was the leader of the group Familiar Faces but recently had to disband the outfit due to circumstances beyond her control and as Chandani tells us, she unhesitatingly invited her to join C&C, which was readily accepted by Anne.

Besides her elastic repertoire of songs, Anne is also a creative percussionist which is now an added attraction to C&C. The band according to Chandani have been playing a tight schedule of wedding receptions and now comprises Chaminda Hemaratne - Leader/keyboards and vocals, Chandani Hettiarachchi - vocals, Anne Nathan - vocals, Jacqueline Hettiarachchi - vocals, Supun Fernando - bass guitar, Maal Alwis - drums and Channa Vanderbona - lead guitar.

On an nostalgic trip Ann reveals she has been in the music scene for the past 30 years. At the start of her career she played with the band 'Serenade' and accompanied them to Switzerland and Europe the stint lasting ten years, and she enjoyed every moment of her stay, as the sole female vocalist of the band.

"On our return to Sri Lanka, Serenade disbanded and I took over the leadership of Familiar Faces until I was compelled to disband the group recently," concludes Ann.

C&C are regular performers at Cinnamon Grand and the Colombo Hilton and have had several stints abroad especially in the Middle East and Europe. Theirs is a special sound now that's catchy and appealing and any wonder they are a popular choice for weddings, dances and corporate functions!

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Friday nights belong to Kings

When the week comes to a close, chill out with King's on a Friday night, enjoy their music at the Heist, and literally shed your problems to the winds. Kings with Mariazelle have a strong, new sound that is captivating.

At the helm of Kings is Chandralal Fonseka who besides being a driving bassist is also a singer in fine form. His repertoire is elastic and as we all know versatile in English and Sinhala.

So too is Mariazelle one of our leading female singers and need we say more. The other members of the band complement each other which is laudable. Kings are seen in the picture playing at the Cat's Eye last Friday for a special felicitation occasion for media and diplomatic guests.

The cuisine that evening was sumptuous what with Sri Lankan, Thai, Japanese and Indian stalls with a wide spread that was irresistible.

On Thursday nights Sohan & the X'periments keep you company with their exhilarating music at the Heist and Sharmini Seneviratne of Silk Wrap unfolds her creations at a specialised fashion show.

M.P.

Two awards for Derrick J

The Sri Lankan born Derrick Junkeer or Derrick J as he is known in Australia was recently awarded the BWS Australian chain of hotels for the best male vocalist 2007 in the 'Morning Melodies' series.

The presentation was made at a gala glitzy ceremony held in Melbourne. He was not only recognised for his enchanting vocal ability but as a singer with a pleasant manner on and off stage, with a radiant smile that attracts audiences all over Australia.

Last year he was recognised by the Sri Lankan community for his outstanding achievements once again, as the best male vocalist and as an entertainer who is of international standard. The occasion was held at the Crown Palladium, Melbourne.

He has been the only Sri Lankan entertainers in Australia to have been offered regular appearances on Australian national television. He is also a Host on the Sri Lankan Morning Show on Channel 31 where they were nominated for three categories.

Derrick J's career has grown since his debut in Australia in 1974, so too his fan base. Having recorded seven albums, with two of them achieving gold status in Australia no wonder he was nominated for the two awards. The good news is that he will soon be in Sri Lanka for a concert performance.

M.P.