Entertainment

Special dates by Misty

by Mahes Perera

Although their name suggests unclearness, Misty is in full control of their career and have succeeded in turning out to be a popular dance band spreading their enjoyable vibes to many a groover. Misty led by vocalist Rajitha Rupasinghe have a wide repertoire of music - be it contemporary pop, latin, hits of the 60’s through to the 90’s and the evergreens as well.

Despite their tight schedule of work that takes them abroad ever so often, Misty is now in action at the The Library, Trans Asia on the following days Thursday August 28 and on September 18 and 25. These are special dates in the diary of Misty and an evening of enjoyable music, fun and entertainment is guaranteed.

Speaking with Rajitha the leader, he was happy with the progress of the band, not only here in Sri Lanka but also abroad.

They have performed in many global towns like London, Paris, Frankfurt, Melbourne and were pleasantly surprised with the response at the dance halls and concert halls. This year is no doubt going to be a good year for them and they are looking forward to the end of the year celebrations.

Until that day turns the corner enjoy Misty at the Library, Trans Asia where you are sure of an evening of non-stop toe tapping music, while you soak in the spirits as the evening wears out.

Revelling Rhythms

by Mahes Perera

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Latin percussion has over the years captured the interest of every music lover and today musicians are exploring the rhythms and harmonies from around the world making it something special. In Sri Lanka a new talent in focus is Rakitha Wickramaratne who will be staging his concert this week, to celebrate the granting of LP endorsement to him for a contract period of two years for a start.

Thirteen pieces will be performed with a happy mix of musicians which will include Eshantha Pieris, Mahesh Denepitiya, Billy Fernando, Upula Madushanka and Aruna Siriwardhana. Naadro, Rakitha’s group will comprise Pabulu, Nalinda, Gayan, Uthala and Ranga. A variety of Sri Lankan drums, Indian drums, African and Latin percussion will be used by the group.

Percussion will dominate at the Premiere Night of Rakitha’s Revelling Rhythms which will be held at the BMICH on August 12 at 7.30 p.m. A host of musicians will be participating besides Rakitha, Naadro and friends. Special guest appearance will be by Roni Benise a flamenco guitarist from California and flautist Bikram Singh from India.

Concert of sacred works

The Cantata Singers directed by Satyendra Chellappah will present a programme of well-known sacred works from Samson, Messiah and Oratorios by Handel. The performance will be on August 15 at Kollupitiya at 7.00 p.m.

The recital is a way of wishing their soloists Jaliya Senanayake, Laknath Seneviratne and Asanka Perera bon voyage as they will be leaving Sri Lanka to further their studies. Navin Fernando (trumpet), Ayesha Casie Chetty (piano) and Neranjan de Silva (organ) are the accompanists.Jaliya Senanayake - tenor, a pupil of Menaka de Fonseka Sahabandu has acquired distinctions in the Performers Certificate (Trinity College, London) and in Grade 8 (Royal School of Music) and recently was a member of the chorus in Bizet’s opera Pearl Fishers which was staged in Sri Lanka.

Laknath Seneviratne was a pupil of Mary Anne David before he moved over to be a pupil of Menaka de Fonseka Sahabandu and joined the Cantata Singers in 2004. He has acquired a Performers Certificate (Trinity College, London) in singing and was a prize winner in 2007. He too was a member of the chorus for Pearl Fishers and also for Bizet’s ‘Carmen’ which was staged in New Delhi by the Neemrana Music Foundation.

Asanka Perera is a vocal creation of the late Ruwani Seimon who was carefully trained by her to sing both bass and tenor and is an Associate of Trinity College, London.

He is also a member of Revelations and is now the Associate Director of the Cantata Singers. The performance by the Cantata Singers on August 15 is also to bid farewell to Premila Perimpanayagam their longstanding accompanist who will be migrating to Canada.

Tharu Wessa

The students of Keerthi Pasquel’s school Sound of Music have recorded a debut CD titled Tharu Wessa which will be launched at a special show at Navarangahala on August 22 at 5.00 p.m. The students numbering more than 15 have written some of the songs, as well as amateur lyric writers.

The music is by Sarath de Alwis, Ernst Soysa, Navaratne Gamage and Keerthi Pasquel. The show is free of charge and on invitations which could be obtained from 20/1, Old Kesbawa Road, Nugegoda. Some of the students who sing on the CD are Ruwani Senanayake, Harsha Fernando, Senani Senanayake and Sisira Perera.

Soiree in rhythms

Music in different moods and different rhythms will be heard when musicians gather together to express their creativity and rapport with one another today from 1.30 p.m. onwards. The opening set will see singer Antoinette de Alwis backed by Dilukshi Sirimane - piano, Basil Paiva - bass and Royle de Andrews - drums.

The featured band will go contemporary led by bassist Musty with Dilukshi - piano, Christopher Prins - drums and Rasmar Lye - percussion. The Trio after the opening set will see singer/guitarist Darlan Perera rapporting with bassist Timal Jayamanne and drummer Shanthi Seneviratne. Musicians in Sri Lanka who have come from abroad are scheduled to partake in the session.

Revelations in concert

Back home after their award winning performance Revelations will stage a concert at the Cinnamon Grand on August 18. According to the blurbs the choir will include the songs they sang at the World Choir Games in their programme.

Wide screen entertainment

Entertainment on a wide screen for you and your family at the poolside at Trans Asia for the next two weeks will be the much look forward to Beijing Olympics from 5.30 pm onwards.

At the Galadari you have the opportunity to guess the event winner on a giant screen and win prizes for yourself. More awaits you at Cinnamon Grand at Colombo. Hilton and at the Ceylon Continental.

Sunshine Recital

A fund raiser concert in aid of twenty five tsunami affected children housed in Sambalthivu by Sunshine Charity will be held on August 11 and 14 at the British Council Auditorium.

Performing at this worthy concert will be pianist Eshantha Pieris with young violinists Mandhira de Saram and Radhika de Saram.