‘Marians’ mesmerise with the memories of Clarence

Memories of Clarence Wijewardena, the pop king of Sinhala music was rekindled by 'Marians', the leading band at "Clarence Unplugged" recently held concert at the BMICH. Led by Nalin Perera, the ten member band paid their biggest tribute to this legendary singer, musician and the composer of hundreds of popular songs. The concert indeed was a tribute in singing, playing and harmonizing the evergreen hits sung by Clarence over three decades.

On Sunday May 4 at BMICH, the organizing team of Damayantha Kuruppu of DK Promotions, requested the audience to take their seats by 6.45 pm to start the show at 7 pm. Seven o' clock ticked and we in the packed audience were awaiting with mixed feelings as to what would next be. Would 'Marians', a band with almost all members who were just kids when Clarence was in the hype of his popularity do justice to the late singer?

We saw even Sheela, Clarence's dear wife sitting just in front of the stage in doubtful mood, whether she was right in allowing this popular band to sing Clarence's songs. But 7.15 pm no signs of starting the show. As 7.30 pm ticked the crowd became a bit impatient and they started giving a round of applause to the empty stage, signing to give a start to the show. And finally 7.35 pm, Nalin Perera entered the stage along with his team and took their seats. They sang 'Maniyani', Clarence's famous tribute to mother and took full control of the audience.

In return the response of the audience was nearly bringing the BMICH roof down. This was followed by 'Ransamanalyin Igilenu Deka Mata' to the strum of box guitar and 'Eetha Epita Hima Kanden' one of famous songs in 'Susima' teledrama which was sung by Shivantha to which Prasanna Rosa, Marians long standing/ pioneering member and lead guitarist played Hawaiian guitar. Rosa had a special connection to Clarence as he had the opportunity to play guitar for Clarence recording for 'Susima'. In between the songs the band didn't forget to share the enlightening stories relating to Clarence; one specially where Clarence scolded Nalin and his band thoroughly when he included one of his songs in their non-stop cassette.

Though all of them sang their hearts out to do justice to Clarence, they humbly admitted that they cannot imitate Clarence or become another Clarence.

As the show was progressing with more popular hits of Clarence like 'Sihina Lowakl', 'Desa Piya Gath Kala', 'Re Tharakawo' stylized strum by the vocalist Shivantha, 'Kiri Sudu Sele' and a nonstop medley, the Marians had enraptured the audience completely. The show took a more lively turn when Srikantha, the original drummer of Clarence’s bank 'Golden Chimes' and writer of 'Sandak Besa Giya Awara Gire' was invited to the stage and join the song. Srikantha himself praised the effort by the Marians to revive the golden memory of Clarence and Golden Chimes.

As the 'Marians' rocked the BMICH in their final medley the audience were on their feet to say thank you to Clarence for his music and 'well done' to the Marians which offered a mesmerizing experience to both Clarence and Marians fans.

The scintillating sounds of the Marians will come alive in Moratuwa, when the concert 'Marians Unplugged' takes place on Saturday May 24 at 6.30 p.m. at the Auditorium of the St. Sebastian's College Moratuwa.

'The Marians" from Chilaw led by popular Nalin Perera has completed 20 years in the music scene. They will be giving an extra special performance which will appeal to both young and old. This Concert is being held to raise funds for the completion of the Sunday School building of St. Sebastian's Church, Moratuwa.

‘There are almost 1,500 students attending the Sunday School on a weekly basis. The shell of the building has been constructed and once the building is completed it will house 25 classrooms and the Parish Hall/Autitorium' said Chairman of the organizing committee.

Tickets are priced at Rs. 2,000/- 1,000/-, 750/- and Rs 500/, and are available at St. Sebastian's Church, Ave Maria Bookship Moratuwa, Hilarians, Dehiwala, Multi Pharmacy Rawatawatta, Nishani Video and at Keells Supermarkets.