entertainment

Aquarius continue their gigs at Margarita

By Mahes PERERA

The good news for music lovers who enjoy the exciting beats of the popular band Aquarius is that the group will continue to play at the Margarita Galadari Hotel on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 7.30 p.m. onwards.

Speaking to Benjy the other day he expressed his pleasure in being able to entertain Sri Lankan audiences with their music.

"We had a successful stretch at the Margarita last year and the end of the year celebration turned out to be great for us.

We were creative in our presentation and that went down well with our audience.

I lit up my bass guitar for the countdown with four slim Roman candles which gave out colourful sparklers which were fascinating.

This time around we have two new vocalists / dancers joining us from the Philippines, they have unusual names Apple and Ice but their performances are good" expressed Benjy.

The band commenced their gig on January 8 and will be in action this weekend as well commencing Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Catch their action you'll enjoy their repertoire, which is wide and selective.

Udesh Induala the proud winner flanked by the runners up

Derana Dream Star

Young Udesh Induala from Moronthuduwa was the winner of the Derana Dream Star contest.

He also carried away two million rupees and a car worth, 2.8 million rupees, and has the opportunity to record and launch an album of his songs. Well-known leading musical lights Ravibandu Vidyapathi, Chandana Wickramasinghe and Krishanthi Radhika were responsible for the extravagant choreography of the dance sequences.

Music was provided by Athula Adikari and his band.

The panel of judges were Nirosha Virajini, Rohana Bogoda and Keerthi Pasquel. The event was compered by actor Amila Abeysekera.

-MP
 

Therukoothu

In Street Theatre style

A musical play in street theatre style combining spoken word, song and dance will be staged in Colombo at the Bishops College Auditorium and also in Galle at the Hall de Galle.

The play is the Tamil Therukoothu which will be held in connection with 65th birth anniversary celebrations of Dr. Neelan Tiruchelvam.

In Colombo the folk theatre will be on January 31 while in Galle it will be staged on February 1.

Organised by the International Centre for Ethnic Studies, Law and Society Trust and Tiruchelvam Associates, the street theatre's repertoire is traditionally drawn from mythologies and epics. The musical instruments that will be used are the harmonium, Mridhangam, Mugaveenai and cymbals.

The actors are painted with colourful face masks and wear special costumes with heavy headgears and arm plates made of wood.

Pearl - on track

The featured band at the celebrations at the Cinnamon Grand Ballroom on January 23 is the six piece band Pearl led by keyboardist/vocalist Jayantha de Silva who have had their fair share of playing gigs for the festive season and are now in the new year looking forward to entertaining audience at corporate events and weddings.

The band besides Jayantha comprises Victoreen de Silva - bass, Tony Ferdinandus - guitar/vocals, Jackie de Silva - vocals, Lalith Perera-rhythm guitar/vocals and Ransiri Pieris - drums. Their repetoire is wide taking in evergreens, pop hits, latin, reggae, baila and Sinhala hit songs.

The pleasure path

The popular Hawker Street at Trans Asia ends today. Walk the Terrace and enjoy the spicy taste of India, Singapore and Malaysia. You'll be amazed at the variety on offer....

Aromas of Rome continues at Bay Leaf until January 31. A range of delicacies from the different regions of Rome is in focus. Along with this there is a whopping piza of the month for you to savour. For those vegans an unbelievable selection of fresh vegetables sent down from the salubrious gardens of Nuwara Eliya will be served on Saturdays and Sundays.

You can continue your enjoyment by taking home hampers of your choice of vegetables. Don't forget to sample the exciting Milkshakes Galore which starts off today at the Commons. Whatever you imagine and desire will turn out to be a reality.

Experience it. While you are about it and sample the Hopper Fiesta with your friends.