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After Dark

Gardening on Bonsoir
"This week's BONSOIR is on the theme of "gardens & gardening".

BONSOIR team visits the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya and takes a walk along those endless lanes and footpaths in search of remarkable looking trees and plants that add special character to the gardens.

The program will also take you to the rain forest area of the Franche-Compte region in France to meet two authors, who write a series of guidebooks about remarkable trees, then, to the Albert Khan garden and to the Colummiers garden, two special gardens in the Parisian region.

The program also includes a visit to a gardening products market in France, interview with gardening enthusiasts and a visit to "Aquarius", a company specializing in creation of ponds and lakes in gardening.

This week's Bonsoir is produced by: Pamudi Withannarachi and presented by Amila Gunaratne.

On Channel EYE on Monday at 9.30 pm.

Fire by the poolside
The Poolside of the Pegasus Reef Hotel once again vibrated to the sound of Wild Fire on Saturday, April 26.

The wet weather did not dampen the spirits of the fans as they flocked in their numbers to dance to the beat of their favourite band in town Wild Fire and favour the scrumptious dinner, which was provided at the action stations set up around the pool offering meal time favourites of Indian, Chinese and Sri Lankan. An action station providing specialties from Wattala was also a firm favorite among the revelers.

The hotel had gone to great lengths to provide an electrifying atmosphere with the illuminations and decorations which gave you a feeling of a great musical extravaganza with the trimmings. The large cluster of balloons in the centre of the pool was unique although they kept popping off every now and then.

Catch the 'Fire by the Pool' once again on the last Saturday of May, where Wild Fire will perform with the best of music for all age groups.

Aussie touch at UBG
The Union Bar and Grill Room of the JAIC Hilton is about to create a stir in the market in the months ahead. The new Australian Executive Chef, Antony McNeil, has created an exquisite a la carte menu, which will tickle the taste buds of discerning palates and redefine the UBG as a trendy and stylish dining venue.

The strong leaning towards jazz and blues and easy listening music will complement the tasteful contemporary atmosphere thereby creating the perfect ambiance for a truly relaxing and unique interactive dining experience. The highlight of the restaurant will be the open "show kitchen" where chefs will provide exciting visual action.

The menu consists of contemporary trends from the Middle East, Asia Pacific as well as European influences utilising the freshest ingredients sourced locally and internationally with an emphasis on fresh, light and healthy options.

The Caesar salad mixed at the table is bound to be a popular choice along with other favourites such as Lemon-Basil Risotto with Roasted Vine-ripened Tomatoes; Pan Fried Potato Gnocchi with Tomato, Sage and Olive Oil; Lobster Crepe with Petite Herb Salad and Carrot Ginger Emulsion; premium Australian steaks and Tasmanian Salmon. The UBG's new a la carte menu will be launched on l9th May 2003.

The UBG will also have the service of Chef Kumara, renowned for his creativity and flare at the Il Ponte Ristorante at the Hilton Colombo for many years. The dynamic duo of Antony and Kumara and their dedicated kitchen team are ready to take the guests to new gastronomic heights at the UBG.


Music Scene

'A Celebration of Life' for Mignonne
Popularly known as 'Miss Music' or 'Sri Lanka's Ambassadress of Song'- Mignonne Fernando launched her first Compact Disc 'A Celebration of Life'on Monday, May 12, at the Galadari Hotel.

The CD is a collection of her own compositions, which includes the very famous "Mangala Mohotha" or more popularly known by the first line of the son "Kadalle Athivu Kirilli Wage", 'Island Song', which was selected runner-up in the Song Writers Contest conducted by Radio Television HongKong in 1981 and "Proud to be Sri Lankan" - a song composed by Mignonne to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Sri Lanka's Independence in 1998. '

'Mangala Mohotha' was written 26 years ago by Mignonne and obtained for her a seven year contract with EMI UK. It became the first Sinhala song for video for the inauguration of TV in Sri Lanka on the July 1, 1979. Today 'Mangala Mohotha' is played at almost all weddings and has come to be known as the Sri Lankan wedding song.

The other songs on the CD are Mignonne's own rendition of popular English songs like 'My Boy Lollipop', 'Bombay Mere Hai', 'Chiquitita' and the perennial favourite 'Over the Rainbow'. This CD is dedicated to the memory of her late husband Tony Fernando, whose encouragement and support has been infinite throughout her musical career. Mignonne wrote music from the age of 6. She won Talent Contests from the age of 7 and excelled at school, St. Bridget's Convent in every subject, deciding to become a Barrister. However, she finally gave up the idea of a Degree in Law to devote all energy, ability and time to music.

Today a pop star is usually one who has gained publicity and fans on the strength of gimmicks but Mignonne's academic qualifications on the music scene will surprise you as it reads like an encyclopaedic print out from the music industry. She won the All Island Schools Public Speaking Contest, holds Degrees in Speech and Drama (LTCL London) and Music (ATCL - Trinity College of London) and was voted 'Best Female Vocalist' in a Ceylon Observer Pop Poll Contest in 1969.

At the CD launch ceremony, was a the gathering of musicians, fans and friends, which included Bradman Weerakoon, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mrs. Dhammi Weerakoon - who have been personal family friends for a considerable period of time and Minister Ravi Karunanayake and Mrs.Karunanayake.

'Peace Concert' in Moratuwa
'Saamaye Arunalu', a musical extravaganza organized by the Senior Guild of Holy Emmanuel Church Moratuwa, will come alive at the Parish Hall on May 24 at 6.30 pm.

Golden Chimes with Lankika and Lucky Deva, Annesley Malawana, Anil Bharathi, Priya Peiris of La Bamba's fame, Thilak Perera of 'Niro', Somasiri Fernando, Clinton Fernando and Don Guy will be featured at this musical show.

Dancing recital will also be on the cards by Muthusala and Jayagra.

The new faces in the music scene Devasri de Silva, Kaushika Perera and 'Susandani Salomi' along with the Holy Emmanuel Church Choir will perform as the guest performers at the show.

The proceeds will be channelled towards the Scholarship and Social Service Fund of the Church.

The tickets are priced at Rs. 200/-.

'Graduation Ball 2003' of CHSGA
'Graduation Ball 2003', the annual dinner dance of the Ceylon Hotel School's Graduation Association will be held at the Grand Ballroom of Hilton on Saturday, May 24.

The bands 'Kings' and 'Phase III' will be in action at this dance while, Faizal Bongso will be the master of ceremonies.

Dance competitions, selecting the 'Graduation Queen' and a Special Floor Show will be the main attraction of the event.

The tickets are priced Rs 1500 per head.


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