Get the sound and feel of a jazz fest
Sannie Fox
Next Sunday is Jazz Sunday in Colombo! From noon the newly furbished Galle Face Hotel will be the backdrop for the first ever Colombo Jazz and Blues Festival.
Organisers Dinesh Wijesinghe and Gehan Fernando of Mainstage Events have carefully planned an excellent line-up with real variety, combining experienced and popular local artistes such as Geoffrey Fernando and Brown Sugar with international acts from South Africa, America and the UK.
Sannie Fox, nicknamed the “Rock and Blues Queen” in South Africa and known for her excellent guitar and vocal skills will take the stage.
For a more contemporary approach to jazz keep an eye out for The Rynosax Collective whose set moves with ease from the classic old school jazz through to electro swing, funk and Nu Disco.Ryan Sadri, their saxophonist is one of India’s leading musicians and has a real passion for the live stage.
Then there’s Jimmy Thomas from the US who has performed with legends such as the Rolling Stones and John Lennon.
For Colombo’s music-loving public, it will be a great opportunity to hear some global artistes who will put on a fun show with lots of audience interaction.
Jimmy Thomas
Dinesh and Gehan explain that the idea of staging a jazz festival actually came to them about over five years ago but it did not seem the right time and so they have held off until now.
Their aim is to show people what a jazz festival can look and feel like. Jazz and Blues is best witnessed in an exotic location and where better than here in Colombo.
They would like people to listen and enjoy a variety of talented musicians who will be performing throughout the day on the picturesque oceanside stage.
But the festival is not solely about the music; “it is about the overall experience,” says Gehan. The concept behind the festival is a music event that promises to combine excellent music with food, drink and art so that the audience experiences all the elements of a festival.
There will be a separate food and wine area offering an array of stalls; anything from fish and chips to oysters and bubbly.
The whole day will be an extravagant feast kicking off with a leisurely Sunday brunch and later on a sunset BBQ.
Mainstage Events have planned it to the smallest detail -they are even selling picnic hampers which will include two bottles of wine, cheese and cold meats and sandwiches to enjoy while you lounge on a rug in the specially designed picnic area soaking up the sun and music.
Organiser: Dinesh
And if you fancy a break from the music take a stroll around the pop-up Colombo design market which will also have its own area at the event.
The pair who already run 41 Sugar, a successful group of bars, restaurants and music venues in Colombo, are aware of how much Colombo has to offer.
The idea is to start small and intimate this year, but as it is to be an annual event they have big plans for the festival in future years.
Tickets priced at Rs. 5000 are available at the Galle Face Hotel, Sugar Bistro and Wine bar or PR No. 41, Horton Place. This covers entry and two wine tasting coupons to use during the day. What better way to spend your Sunday?
Organiser: Gehan