Flame tunes up for their ‘biggest event’
Naushad Rassool barely has a weekend off. A host of happy clients over the past 25 years and “easily over 2000 bookings” later, music has become a way of life for him and the band who take on charity concerts “when a meaningful cause crops up.” This year too Naushad and his seven-piece crew better known as ‘Flame’ are to ignite the stage with a concert for a cause on Sunday, November 9.
Naushad Rassool
Appearing onstage and putting together about five other concerts for various worthy causes within the year, his band is now tuning up to take the stage for what he describes as “perhaps our biggest event.” This will be the second time Flame will sing in support of the National Stroke Association, having staged a concert for them last year as well. This year’s rendition of ‘Journey’ is to feature songs for “a little bit of an older audience,” Naushad laughs.
Starting out as a folk outfit, Flame enjoys performing the music of Simon and Garfunkel, the Eagles and pretty much any folk song with soothing harmony. Those in the audience of last year’s concert would recall that “we told the story of the flame” he shares, tracing the beginnings of their band which started off as a humble three-piece ensemble. This year he says generally because it is an older crowd that usually patronises charity concerts, the band hopes to keep the music sprightly and upbeat with some 60’s and 70’s pop thrown in the mix.
“They are doing some fantastic work!” Naushad says of the National Stroke Association. Approached by a doctor at a previous concert, it was a mutual link that introduced Flame to the charity. Focused on setting-up everything from funding to resources for both those affected by stroke and caregivers, he says the band feels the need to support the work of the NSA in dealing with what is a current need.
It has been a “super” journey of 25 years for the group, as he puts it and the continuous demand for their music is what has constantly inspired them to give back.
Tickets priced at Rs. 5, 000, Rs. 3,000, Rs. 2,000, Rs.1,500 and Rs. 750 are available at Tickets.lk, Yamaha Music Centre, the main Abans showroom-Colombo 3, Sarasavi Bookshop in Nugegoda and Maharagama and Sadeepa Bookshop, Borella.