by Mahes Perera
A new world of entertainment opens today for Chandani Hettiarachchi
and her young lissome daughter Jacqueline with the launch of their
latest CD titled Sandu Avilla. Sponsored by Rainbow Pages and recorded
on the M Entertainment label, the mother and daughter are happy with the
result which took some time to become a reality.
But as Chandani says “we are confident that the CD will be liked by
all, especially our fans who were keen that we come out with our album
soon. C & C the band, has been having a successful year and with the
festive season just around the corner things are looking bright for
musicians”, says a happy Chandani.
This new CD of Chandani is her third one. The first came out in 1995,
the second in 2001. The CD contains ten Sinhala originals, one English
original and the music is directed by Mahinda Bandara. Chandani’s title
song Sandu Avilla was written by Nimal Kuruppu while the melody and
music arrangements were handled by Chandral Fonseka. “Apart from
Chandral, others who collaborated with me in composing and arranging the
songs were Gration Ananda, Arling Kithsiri, Kasun Kathara, Chandradasa
Fernando, Ayesha Sinhawansa and of course my husband Chaminda who is the
vocalist and leader of our band C & C.
Jacqueline, a former student of St.Lawrence’s School, Wellawatte is
happy that she is with her mother’s band. During her school days, she
tells us, that she was very active in music events of the school and so
she fitted in easily with the band. She was just 17 when she started and
it was something new and exciting. Meeting up with different people and
getting to know them is an experience in itself and she has begun to
understand why musicians have so many friends.
Jacqueline was lucky that she just slipped into a scene that was all
set considering the popularity of the band C & C, whereas her mother
Chandani had to work hard to get the attention of the music industry.
Chandani who started off her career in 1980 as a singer along with
Debbie Arnolda in a duo scene at the then Ramada Renaissance struck gold
so to speak, since she is loaded with talent.
On this new CD Jacqueline sings a dedication to her mother Amma as
well as two other songs Sandawatha Hinahena and Adaraya. The English
original Let It End is a composition by Ayesha Sinhawansa and is sung by
Chandani. If you enjoy good entertainment then don’t miss out on the
mother and daughter combination with the band C & C when they perform
weekly at the Mix, Taj Samudra and at Cinnamon Lakeside.
If you’ve been wondering what those subtle jazz melodies and crooning
voices coming from across the Beira Lake are, then you will hear the
best sounds from the latest place to hang out, Cinnamon Lakeside.
Tempting you to sit by the breezy Beira and indulge in the finer
things in life, if you were ever stuck without a place to go for a good
pow-pow then make sure you head on over to the ‘7 North’. Speaking to
the Sunday Observer was Deepika Perera of the PR department of Cinnamon
Lakeside who said, “We called it ‘7 North’ because Sri Lanka is ‘7
North’ of the equator in the world and we even have a renowned British
bartender who whips up delicious drinks.”
 The pleasure of catching the evening breeze over the Beira Lake, the
sparkling swimming pool, makes you want to dance your cares away and tap
your toes to the beat. Being a one-of-a-kind place offering a stylishly
casual al fresco dining experience, ‘7 North’ is blessed to have the
Brazilian band Acuri to play all those wonders of smooth jazz.
Along with popular singer Dillain Joseph, the music and the melodies
tickle your fancy all night long. The tapas-style food, an extensive
Mediterranean a la carte menu, the drinks menu is certainly worth
writing home about.
Some guests have mentioned it as the place to unwind, relax and have
a good time. Ricky said, “What better way to unwind than sip your drink
and eat your meal gazing at the peaceful Beira with soothing music after
a hard day’s work?” In this day and age, smooth Jazz is definitely a
health benefit when all you hear is sound pollution and people screaming
at you in office.
Cinnamon Jazz comes with the added benefit of great spice to tickle
your fancy till the early morning. “We wanted an atmosphere where even
though you are in the middle of the city, finding peace and solitude
should be within arm’s reach.
Hence, this is why we decided to give a different concept of ‘7
North’ where good music and good food should be had in the company of
good friends”, said Deepika. Further she said, “We’ve tried to give the
best for our patrons as possible by getting the best chefs and most
experienced vocals chords to make it a night to remember.”
Setting your sight across the green and cool waters where the pelican
birds wade gently, this is your true mantra for chanting.
Sri Lanka’s premier male choir, The Revelations, have also been
performing at this place which adds the real beat of the music flavour
overlooking the Beira. Entertaining guests with a delightful repertoire
including popular music by Paul Simon, The Beatles and Eric Clapton
among others, they have also moved audiences with their brilliant gospel
numbers.
The right mix of music and a special lobby pianist who will soothe
your tired soul and revive your love by burning the flame. With other
additions to come to the Cinnamon Lakeside soon, make sure you head down
over there to electrify your body with the latest medley.
So don’t settle for anything less and head over now to see what’s
going on at the Beira Lake. |
