‘Country Roads’ is back on the road

The popular Country Roads Concert series presented by the Country Music Foundation (CMF) is back on the road again - this time on Sunday, March 25 at 7.00pm at the Mount Lavinia Hotel. This year is the 15th annual concert, an amazing landmark over a near 20-year period, which incidentally makes this musical tradition probably one of the longest standing in this part of the world.

Speaking at the recent launch of the 15th Country Roads concert, CMF President and concert organiser, Feizal Samath spoke of the beginnings of the CMF and its role as an advocate for children in Sri Lanka. He said, ‘Our first concert was held in 1988 and was meant to be a one-off show but its phenomenal success led to a second show the following year with the support of UNICEF and thereafter it has been history in the making'

While the performers include the popular Mavericks from Germany, this year the CMF is also featuring a new act -- Anno Domini (AD), a predominantly acoustic group. The group comprises Shehan Perera (Leader/ Vocals and Guitar), Adrian de Niese (guitar), Timal Jayamanne (bass/vocals) and Senaka Pereira (drums/percussion/vocals) and has a repertoire which includes blues, folk, country and rock music. The others billed to perform are Wildfire, Cosmic Rays, the Country Revival Band and British folk singer Astrid Brook who is performing at the show with the kind courtesy of First Choice Airways, UK.

Proceeds of the show will be donated to local charities through Save the Children. Richard Mawer, Country Director - Sri Lanka, Save the Children stated: 'We are extremely happy that this year's Country Roads concert will help children in two villages where Save the Children is working to build not only their community, but also bridges of friendship across ethnic and geographical boundaries'.

In addition to Save the Children, the CMF is also supporting projects by Chrysalis this year. Chrysalis is the Association of Former UNICEF Staff Members in Sri Lanka formed in 2003 in order to improve and protect the health, welfare and rights of some of Sri Lanka's most disadvantaged children.

For many, this night is more than just a family friendly evening of entertainment. The concert offers them a chance to also get involved in the process of creating awareness and fundraising for the plight of children across the island.

Since its roots origin in 1988, Country Roads has helped raise both the profile of child related causes, and more than 3 million rupees in contributions towards improving pre-schooling, nutrition, water facilities, and renovating post-tsunami libraries for children. Most recently the foundation gifted over 1,500 mosquito nets to families in Monagarala as part of the Million Nets for Million Children initiative. Over the years, the Country Music Foundation has also worked with many internationally renowned aid organisations including UNICEF and now Save the Children.

Country Roads is perhaps the longest running concert series not only in Sri Lanka but across the rest of Asia. Except for a break from 1995 to 1997, the concert has been held annually. Tickets priced at Rs. 500/-, Rs. 750/- and Rs. 1000/-

Sri Lanka Telecom-Mobitel joins as a key sponsor alongside SriLankan Airlines, The Sunday Times, Mount Lavinia Hotel, MTV/YES FM among others.