Head down to the Dutch Burgher Union premises at Thunmulla today for Country Roads- the annual charity show-- this time being held in a relaxed and carefree setting.
Dubbed the ‘Cowboy Festival and Fair’, Country Roads will take place today, Sunday March 29 at the Dutch Burgher Union (DBU) from 4.30 p.m. onwards. Good old country music apart, there’s lots of fun for the whole family with a range of mouthwatering food outlets including BBQ and beverage stalls, competitions and horse rides to keep everyone entertained.
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| A song for the children: The Country Revival Band at last year’s Country Roads |
Now in its 17th year, Country Roads has the distinction of being the longest-running concert series in Asia. Its strength has no doubt been the organisers’ commitment to helping needy children in a practical way. As much as the country music fans, the artistes who perform free of charge at the event too look forward to this annual show for the simple reason that it is a ‘concert for a worthy cause’.
Well known singer Mariazelle Goonethileke who has been performing at Country Roads from the beginning, says she tries to get involved in charity work as much a possible. “This, I believe, is the only platform to showcase country music and so far we have had tremendous response from the people,” she said. She’s looking forward to the informal atmosphere this time – “the Wild West kind of concert is a novel idea,” she said.
A founder member of the CMF, Thilan Wijesinghe who will perform on guitar/harmonica says the concert has been consistent every year, and the efforts to lend a hand are indeed laudable.
Tyrone Peries of the Cosmic Rays- a band which is more than 25 years old and has been involved in the concert right from its inception says there is a massive response to the concert.
In an email interview, UK-based English singer/song writer Astrid Brooks who is performing at the concert for the third year applauded the efforts of the Country Music Foundation (CMF) saying “it shows the true dedication and commitment of CMF to help needy children in the country and it is satisfying to see the results of their work after each annual concert.”
“I decided to be a part of the show as I feel it's important to be of service wherever there is an opportunity to do so. Being a musician, I love sharing music with people and performing at this concert is a perfect opportunity to reach out to others and encourage them to support projects to help kids and really help make a difference to their lives for the long-term.”
Naushad of the folk band, Flame said Country Roads has made folk music very popular in Sri Lanka. “We have been playing in the concert from the very beginning except for the past two years. The best thing that comes out from this concert is that it is for a worthy cause and that’s been the reason for our involvement.”
Shehan Perera of the band Anno Domini says that whenever the show is organized they want to be a part of it. “Country Roads being a concert for a cause gives musicians the opportunity to do their bit for society which often they may not find time to do, given their hectic lifestyles.”
Veteran musician Noel Brian Ranasinghe who’s with the Country Revival Band commends the Country Roads concert saying it is an excellent project. “They should expand the project and take the message to the outstation areas as well,” he said.
Tickets are priced at a nominal Rs. 300 and will be available at the DBU and at selected Cargills Food City outlets. |
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