Come October, and you’ll be back on ‘Country Roads’
Rain was pelting down the stately windows of the Mount Lavinia Hotel but those in the Maitland Room last Tuesday barely noticed. They were transported to a barn in a Western ranch set amidst barrels, cacti and wagon wheels. One almost expected a dry gust of wind to sweep the generously piled hay off the ground. For those at the head table, the drill was all too familiar, having put together the Country Roads Concert for the past 25 years.
All set (Left to right): Juragan Majid, William Lynch, Feizal Samath, Bazeer Cassim and Deepal Perera. Pic by M.D. Nissanka
“Yes, it has been twenty five years,” Vice President of the Country Music Foundation, Juragan Majid smiled, “I think it also shows!” Forging into their 26th year, the Foundation has put together a consistent 21 ‘Country Roads’ Concerts, synonymous not only with top notch country music, but also causes as meaningful as the music itself. This year is bound to be no exception.
A completely voluntary effort, Juragan shares that it has been much the same people over the years with their dedication, who make the event a success, from the musicians who travel to Sri Lanka from overseas to even the support of sound and lights technicians, all of whom chip in year after year with great enthusiasm for the cause.
President of the Country Music Foundation, Feizal Samath said one of the most moving projects was in 2005, when the concert was in aid of the children affected by the tsunami. Their latest efforts included contributing to a child-friendly court system for children. “From the very start, we decided that children need the support,” Feizal said. This time around, partnering with Save the Children, proceeds from Country Roads Concert for Children- Music with Power to Heal, will be directed to better the living standards of mothers and children in the plantation sector.
Country Director Save the Children, William Lynch explains “the proceeds of this year’s show are to set-up and support a certification of tea.” Currently in the process of fashioning a standard of certification for tea products to be certified as being produced in a child-friendly environment he believes it is a global first in the tea industry. Mr. Lynch feels the mothers and children in the tea estates are still lagging behind the national standard of basic healthcare. “The certification is to promote the idea that good, healthy practices mean good business.”
Pleased that Feizal and his team have returned to his part of town General Manager of the Mount Lavinia Hotel, Bazeer Cassim quipped, “I don’t always wear a cow-boy hat.” Coming on board for Country Roads Concerts held in the hotel in the past he said he was proud to have been a part of the impact it has made. Promising stellar décor and possibly even live horses to tie into the theme, he said both he and his team are happy to host a memorable night of country music. Deepal Perera of Sri Lankan Airlines too was pleased to extend full support to the evening of meaningful song.
Fans of the genre are in for a treat on Sunday, October 5 when Music with Power to Heal- Country Roads Concert for Children will take place at the Empire Ball Room, Mount Lavinia Hotel with music from the Mavericks from Germany, folk singer Astrid Brook from the UK and local artists -Cosmic Rays, Anno Domini and the Country Revival Band.
A special item this year is the appearance of some new young faces, the children of the performers on stage for a special number “We will be up there, performing with our kids,” Feizal smiles. It is symbolic even, of bringing in a new generation into the Country Roads Concert legacy, he shares, “it is after all, about the children.”
Tickets for ‘Music with Power to Heal, Country Roads Concert for Children’ priced at Rs. 2000 and Rs. 1500 will be available at the Mount Lavinia Hotel and selected Cargills Food City outlets. For more information, call Dhammika on 2479319, during office hours.