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It
was hot! Lively vocalist Tim Owens was the main contact with the audience, reaching out on a one-on-one basis. Able to touch the highest notes as well as any bass key when required, he was one amazing entertainer. When the crowd had lulled a bit, he tried to make the rear section of the crowd, feel better than the front, obviously knowing that neither section wanted to be outdone. “I wish you guys were here!” he shouted into the mike, pointing at the back. This got the front rows up on their feet and making the noise they were looking for. Performing classics such as “Fantasy” and “September”, all Earth Wind & Fire classics, they took the audience along on their tuneful journey. A highlight of their performance was when they asked for two “beautiful” Sri Lankan girls to come forward and serenaded them with beautiful vocals and tunes from their incredible saxophone artiste. Towards the end of their gig, Al came forward and announced that a live CD was being made of the performance, and that a signed copy could be picked up by anyone interested. This was obviously a crowd magnet and it was pleasantly surprising to see many young fans going for it, once again proving these performers’ timeless appeal. Taking the stage after a considerably long break setting up the equipment was Kool & the Gang, obviously the crowd’s favourite. All dressed in white, the veteran artistes with Shawny Mac on lead vocals, opened with their signature creations such as “Fresh” and “Get Down on It”. On the move literally from the word go, their sheer energy and vigour were amazing. “Celebration” was yet another classic which had the audience clapping and moving. One thing obvious about Kool & the Gang throughout the show was their undying passion for music. This was evident in every word and dance move. Taking over from Shawny was Skip, undoubtedly a favourite with the ladies, with his lanky build and smooth moves. Talking the audience through a perfectly romantic situation, he created the atmosphere for one of the best-loved love songs of all time, “Cherish the Love”. Fitting the mood for Valentine’s Day, the song was apt in every sense. Probably the only downside to the show was the sound not being upto the mark in the second part of the performance. This was probably why Kool & the Gang wound up slightly abruptly after playing for over an hour. Overall, it was a tremendous concert and probably the first time Sri Lankan audiences were exposed to so many professional artistes in one go. Having played for over thirty years and possessing every facet of stage performance and talent galore their performance made this Valentine’s Day memorable for more than one reason. The Sunday Times, Daily Mirror and Hi! Magazine were the print media sponsors for the show. |
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Copyright © 2001 Wijeya Newspapers
Ltd. All rights reserved. |
E-N-E-R-G-Y…that’s
the word that best describes last Tuesday night. The atmosphere
was just electric from start to end when Kool & the Gang and
the Al McKay All-Stars giving us the Earth Wind & Fire experience
performed at the CR&FC grounds. Opening the act was the Al McKay
All-Stars with three talented vocalists singing the famous Earth
Wind & Fire classics, all the while adding rhythm and bounce
to the performance with their awesome dance steps. Accompanying
them was the legendary Al McKay himself on guitar, along with the
other gifted musicians on drums, rhythm and bass guitar, percussion
and key boards. 
