Ishan’s book on Lankan musicians – Arts
View(s):For the first time ever in Sri Lanka, comes a book showcasing the musical journeys of 125 musicians with Sri Lankan roots who performed mainly in English from 1950 to 2015. This labour of love has been compiled by ‘Beatboy extra-ordinary’ Ishan Bahar who was an integral part of the music scene over the past decades.
Ishan Bahar
Ishan has covered the colourful history of those musical ‘Greats’- bands, vocalists, singers and entertainers who were the backbone of the entertainment world of Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) during what was an undisputed golden era in the entertainment world when live music was king!
It was a huge project which took Ishan nine months to complete. The book takes the reader on a journey down memory lane with musicians who have contributed greatly to the culture of Western music in Ceylon/Sri Lanka. The stories, one by one, have been tastefully laid out over 168 pages, by Ishan’s youngest son Mario, a skilled graphic designer.
Friends from Ishan’s past, musicians themselves, came on board to sponsor the printing and help in obtaining a major part of the musical journeys featured in the book. Now musicians who missed getting their stories into his maiden effort have been requesting Ishan to compile a second volume.
Ishan appeals to all his musician friends who receive the book to make a pledge of Rs. 1000 towards helping a needy Sri Lankan get his/her sight back. The money will go directly to the Lions, Sight First Hospital in Sri Lanka. Ishan is committed to helping this worthy cause – helping give sight to those who cannot see.
The book will be launched in Sri Lanka at Curve- Park Street Mews on Thursday June 18 and in Australia, on July 19 at the Grand on Cathie’s Lane, Wantirna South, Melbourne.