Country Roads: Singing for the children with the children
Twenty-five years of Country Roads concerts are not easy to top, but the Country Music Foundation (CMF) is on it. As much as it combines country music with a heartfelt cause to benefit children, this year in the words of Vice President of the CMF, Juragan Majid “is also about continuity.”
The stage this year is set for a special addition to the usual line-up. Country music fans who enjoy themselves at the annual event are in for a
Astrid Brook, the Mavericks and friends back in the saddle last year at the Country Roads show
special treat when a few of the regulars will perform with their children. For Juragan, who will be joined by his son on stage the feeling is one of achievement. “Any parent would feel the same” he says if a child is willing to share the stage with them for such a great cause. Inspiring another generation to help their peers is one he counts as one of the most significant successes- “It’s almost like inspiring children to act for other children.”
It was a comment made by Dirk Glaessner of the Mavericks that really stuck with President of the CMF, Feizal Samath. The Mavericks from Germany who fly down each year especially to perform at Country Roads are one of the biggest audience draws of the show. “Dirk said something about Tyrone’s performance,” Feizal recalls of the time Tyrone Peiris of the Cosmic Rays performed with his son a few years ago.Looking forward to performing with his son and daughter, being a part of the Country Revival Band he says “it’s the only time we get to sing and perform.”
Hoping to bring some youthful spirit with the band Cosmic Rays, Tyrone Peiris has made some additions to his ensemble -“I’m the only old guy now,” he says with a laugh. Tyrone who says it’s “a nice feeling” to sing with his son will be joining Feizal and Juragan with their children on stage for a special number.
Practising in two separate continents, the special number is to include Dirk and his son, Feizal smiles.
Raising funds for the betterment of the mother-child relationship in the plantation sector the CMF is hoping to fund the implementation of a standard for tea that will assure the buyer that the tea is produced in a child-friendly environment. Feizal shares that this time some of the proceeds will also go to aid the efforts of the Oxonian Heart Foundation, specifically for care of children under OHF programmes.
For Shehan Perera of the band Anno Domini part of the attraction of the concert are the fans. “They are just fabulous,” he shares. Enjoying performing for country music lovers and since “We love country music anyway” he feels the experience is altogether fun. Hoping to keep things lively, their plan is to include some upbeat numbers.
Country Roads Concert for Children- Music with the Power to Heal will be on Sunday October 5, at the Mount Lavinia Hotel. Tickets priced at Rs. 2000 and 1500 can be purchased at the hotel and at selected Cargills Food City outlets.