Take a sentimental journey with the “Wandering Minstrel”
View(s):‘Country Roads 2017’ returns on March 19, with new artistes, old favourites and its mission to help children’s charities
By Tarini Pilapitiya
Originating in the southern states of the US, country music is a genre that warms the heart, encompassing the blues and folk with simple yet powerful harmonies. Revelling in these well-loved sounds and rhythms, the Country Music Foundation (CMF) brings to the local stage renowned artistes from across the world when they present ‘Country Roads 2017’ on March 19 from 6.30 p.m. at the Mount Lavinia Hotel.
From left are Dilmah’s Spencer Manuelpillai, Horizon Lanka Foundation’s Nanda Wanninayaka, Cargills (Ceylon) Plc’s Teresa Santos, Mount Lavinia Hotel’s Dishnika Perera, CMF President Feizal Samath, LOLC’s Anne Perera and HNB’s Chammika Weerasinghe
Now in its 29th year, Country Roads is a fixture in the local music scene and this year, the organisers are delighted to present the legendary “Wandering Minstrel” Keith Potger, one of the original members of the hugely successful Australian quartet “The Seekers”. The Seekers had a string of hits including “I’ll Never Find another You” and “A world of our own”, songs which hold great sentimental value for many and Potger’s performance will be the biggest draw of the evening.
The concert has its firm favourites too– artistes who make the journey to Country Roads to sing for the cause. Country Roads 2017 will feature the Maverick duo (Dirk and Wolfgang) from Germany, UK’s very own Astrid Brook, and from Sri Lanka – the Cosmic Rays.
This year the CMF organisers have a special build-up to the concert. On March 17, a special charity dinner at the Mount Lavinia Hotel titled “Music, Fireside chats and Dinner” will give guests a rare opportunity to engage in a one-on-one chat with the talented musicians. On March 18, at the MJF Centre at Moratuwa, the differently abled children who attend the centre will be entertained by these musicians who will also be joined by much-loved Sunil Perera and Ronnie Leitch.
All funds raised by the CMF from the show are donated to children’s charities in Sri Lanka and have been, from its inception.
CMF has chosen to support The Horizon Lanka Foundation (HLF) this year. Led by Nanda Wanninayaka, HLF is an educational anchor for village schoolchildren of Mahawilachchiya who benefit from assistance given to them to study English and IT. In order to help sustain this inspiring foundation, CMF is hoping to provide a lending hand, wherever possible.
President of CMF, Feizal Samath, speaking on the healing elements of country music chuckles that he can go on about the initiative and country music “until the cows come home”, but we believe that the environment of the show is something that must be witnessed by all, no words can describe it.
CMF is supported in their efforts by sponsors, HNB, Dilmah, Cargills, Dialog, BBDO, LOLC, SriLankan Airlines, CPR, Firefly and, of course, venue host Mount Lavinia Hotel, who express their delight in working closely with CMF and for such a noteworthy cause.
Tickets priced at Rs. 3,000, Rs. 2,000 and Rs. 1,000 are available for sale at the Mount Lavinia Hotel and at Cargills Food City outlets at – Kirullapone, Majestic City, Mount Lavinia (close to the courts), Staples Street, Rajagiriya (Parliament Road), Kohuwela and Big City – Katubedda.
For more information please contact 0773823909 or email the organizers at countryroadsforchildren@gmail.com.