After months of painful dark days, Sri Lankan music scene is slowly getting back to its live action with more bands and musicians started their stints in various new venues.

Popular band Aquarius led by veteran musician Benjy Ranabahu is now in action at the Colombo’s latest chill-out venue ‘The Darley Road’ at the Excel World Entertainment Park premises.

‘The Darley Road Pub and Restaurant’ is a new setup and the grand opening was held on Thursday, September 24th.

Benji and Aquarius will be in action at the ‘Darley Road’ on Thursdays and Fridays, while leading entertainers are in the lineup to perform during the weekends.

Several known musicians and singers were seen at this new venue and among those present to experience the music of Aquarius, were Sohan Weerasinghe of X’Periments, Noeline Honter, Corrine Almeida and evergreen Manilal Perera.

The legendary singer Manilal obliged the large gathering present on the opening night, when he got on stage to do a guest spot, with Aquarius.

Located down T. B Jayah Mawatha, formerely known as Darley Road, ‘The Darley Road  Pub and Restaurant’ is the new kid on the block. ‘The Darley Road’ is positioned as a unique place in town for both weekend excitement and weeknight chills as there is something for everyone, every day. Mouthwatering whiffs of delicious comfort food linger in the air from 11.00 am at ‘Darley Road’. As the skies darken, the atmosphere at ‘Darley Road’ livens up, transporting diners away from the chaos of the world with live music by popular entertainers in the city.

‘Darley Road’ features three exclusive dining rooms —  Auckland Room, Press Room, 34 Room — which are perfect for private functions, yet are open to daily diners too. Toe-tapping music serenades the setting every day, while on selected days of the week live music keeps the vibe lively with entertainment from renowned Sri Lankan artistes.

Eksath Wijeratne- Group GM Browns

Meanwhile, Benji and Aquarius will be moving to another groovy venue from 10th October as the residence band at ‘The Arena’ at Hotel Galadari.

Open its doors on Saturday, 10th October, ‘The Arena’ is the newest nightspot, replacing the old ‘Colombo 2000’, at the Galadari Hotel

Bassist Benjy, who is at the helm of band Aquarius, assures the retro music-minded public that October 10th will be a night loaded with fantastic music and heaps of fun.

‘I want all Aquarius fans and music lovers to join the fun at ‘The Arena’ and roll out the barrel at ‘The Darley Road’ to revitalise the good old times that all
Sri Lankans were enjoying’ said Benjy.

In fact, Aquarius have already moved into top gear – after just a few months, in the scene, and spending their time, getting their act together.

The band Aquarius comprises Benjy Ranabahu on bass, Shiran Munasinghe on drums/vocals, Jayan Fernando on keyboards/vocals, Nirosah Wattaladeniya on guitar/vocals, Sajith Gunaratna and Ruwini Ranrekha  on lead vocals.

There’s more entertainment on the cards… ‘A Night with Sohan Weerasinghe’, a ‘sing-along session’ will be held at the Grand Ballroom of Galadari Hotel on Sunday, 11th October. Sohan will be backed by the group Black.