Arts
Astrid and her acoustic guitar are back with a song for the children
Expect some rollicking fun from the Mavericks as they return to a familiar stage
Over its long 30- year journey, many talented performers both local and international have graced the stages of the Country Roads series of concerts, donating their time and efforts for a worthy cause. The passion for sharing their music and helping underprivileged children kept some of these artists coming back for more, and this year’s line-up is a wonderful example of this generosity.
This year’s Country Roads’ concert on Saturday, October 20 at 6.30 p.m. at the Mount Lavinia Hotel is a celebration- the show’s 30th anniversary. To mark this milestone,the line-up features returning headliners The Mavericks from Germany, this time with a full five-piece band and Harald Yendis on fiddle, the incomparable Astrid Brook from the UK, as well as beloved local favourites Cosmic Rays, Anno Domini and the Country Revival Band with Feizal and Jury.
As they prepare for what will certainly be a show for all ages, the Sunday Times caught up with Astrid Brook, who shares her journey over the years as she returns to perform at Country Roads for the ninth time.
Astrid Brook is a folk music artist based in London, UK. Her songs explore universal themes such as hope and perseverance, overcoming adversity, and victory and liberation. She has independently released two albums: ‘Wild River’ in 2008 and ‘Full Circle’ in 2011, with her upcoming album slated to be released in 2019.
Her involvement with Country Roads began in 2007, when a mutual contact put her in touch with the Country Music Foundation (CMF), who were looking for a solo artist from the UK. She jumped at the opportunity and worked hard to prepare her songs, as the concert was in just a few weeks’ time.
Since then, Astrid has been a favourite with the crowd as she works closely with the organisers of the show to select the best songs that will both resonate with the audience and fit in with the other artists, making the music a unifying experience for all.
She believes that being a solo folk artist works well for Country Roads, as she adds variety to the overall show. “The audience seem to enjoy the change of pace whilst I play country folk songs with just me and my acoustic guitar.”
Feels like home: Astrid at last year’s Country Roads
She adds that “afterwards they love the more up-tempo music from the fabulous Mavericks and the other bands. Country Roads is heartfelt and fun too, and everyone leaves feeling uplifted.”
Astrid has always been a humanitarian at heart, as she feels compassion towards people who are in need of support. She has been involved in many projects like Country Roads, and is also an Ambassador for a UK-based charity called Music4Children who have helped build and manage a shelter for girls in Nepal.
“The best way I know how to help others is to offer my services as a musician and raise money and awareness whenever I can,” she says.
The desire to return and continue being involved comes from the simple knowledge that a child’s life has been enhanced in some way by their efforts. She explains that the best part for her is when children share their dreams with them, their hopes and their future plans.
“They want to learn and grow, and become teachers, lawyers and astronauts. These are big dreams and I believe the CMF plays a big part in helping children overcome adversity and make a better life for themselves.”
Her moving and fulfilling experiences in Sri Lanka makes her consider it a second home, as it feels so warm and familiar. She describes the positivity she has enjoyed getting to know the friendly people, visiting the sights, and learning about the ‘fascinating’ Buddhist culture. Coming to Sri Lanka has been instrumental in Astrid becoming a Buddhist, which has had a profound impact on her life.
“It’s such a special place that I’ve recommended it to many people in the UK, and quite a few of them have visited. Maybe I should ask for a commission from Sri Lanka Tourism!” she jokes.
Astrid expresses her pride in being part of Country Roads, calling it ‘compassion in action’ in the way it brings so many people together from the organisers, to the generous sponsors, the talented musicians and the wonderful music-loving audience – all to help disadvantaged children.
She adds that the success of the Country Roads is dependent on the support and generosity of the sponsors and people who buy tickets to see the show.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported Country Roads over the years, and to all of those who will be coming along to this very special 30th Anniversary concert. I look forward to seeing your smiling faces once again.”
The Country Roads 30th anniversary concert will be on Saturday, October 20 at 6.30 p.m. at the Mount Lavinia Hotel. Main Sponsor Dialog, as well as Dilmah, Cargills, HNB, LOLC, CPR, Firefly and host hotel Mount Lavinia Hotel are supporting the 30th anniversary concert. The Sunday Times has also supported Country Roads from its inception.
Tickets priced at Rs. 3,000, 2,000 and 1,000 are already available online via Ticketing Partner 444 powered by Dialog.
Additionally, tickets are available at the host hotel and Cargills Food City outlets in Kohuwela, Rajagiriya (Parliament Road), Kirulapone, Staples Street, Majestic City, Mount Lavinia and Katubedde (Big City).
| Fiddler Harald, new face in Mavericks | |
Fiddler Harald Yendis takes the stage at this year’s 30th anniversary Country Roads concert for children, looking to wow the audience with his fiddle solos and as part of the already raucous Mavericks ensemble. “We are excited by the presence of a fiddle player in the Mavericks band. Harald is also said to be a top quality fiddle player and guitarist in Germany,” said Feizal Samath, President of the Country Music Foundation, the organizer of this long-running concert series. |