One Night Only with Elton John
By Sanath Weerasuriya
Elton John is the star attraction of this week's 'Original Music Competition',
which is promoted by TV Times and M- Entertainment.
In terms of sales and lasting popularity, Elton John was the biggest
pop superstar of the early '70s. Initially marketed as a singer/songwriter,
John soon revealed he could craft Beatlesque pop and pound out rockers
with equal aplomb. He could dip into soul, disco and country, as well as
classic pop balladry and even progressive rock. His versatility, combined
with his effortless melodic skills, dynamic charisma and flamboyant stage
shows made him the most popular recording artiste of the '70s. Unlike many
pop stars, John was able to sustain his popularity, charting a Top 40 single
every single year from 1970 to 1996. During that time, he had temporary
slumps in creativity and sales, as he fell out of favour with critics,
had fights with his lyricist Bernie Taupin, and battled various addictions
and public scandals. But through it all, John remained a remarkably popular
artiste and many of his songs — including "Your Song", "Rocket Man", "Goodbye
Yellow Brick Road" and "Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me" became contemporary
pop standards.
Throughout the mid-'70s, John's concerts were enormously popular, as
were his singles and albums, and he continued to record and perform at
a rapid pace until 1976. That year, he revealed in an interview in Rolling
Stone that he was bisexual; he would later admit that the confession was
a compromise, since he was afraid to reveal that he was homosexual. Many
fans reacted negatively to John's bisexuality, and his audience began to
shrink somewhat in the late '70s. The decline in his record sales was also
due to his exhaustion. After 1976, John cut his performance schedule drastically,
announcing that he was retiring from live performances in 1977 and started
recording only one album a year.
The l997 follow-up The Big Picture delivered more of the same well-crafted
pop, made the Top Ten, and produced a hit in "Something About the Way You
Look Tonight". However, its success was overshadowed by John's response
to the tragic death of Princess Diana — he re-recorded "Candle in the Wind"
(originally a eulogy for Marilyn Monroe) as a tribute to his slain friend,
with Taupin adapting the lyrics for what was planned as the B-side of "Something
About the Way You Look Tonight". With the profits earmarked for Diana's
favourite charities, and with a debut performance at Diana's funeral, "Candle
in the Wind 1997" became the fastest-selling hit of all time in both Britain
and the US upon the single's release, easily debuting at number one on
both sides of the Atlantic; with first-week sales of over three million
copies in the US alone and 14 weeks in the top spot, it was John's biggest
hit ever. For his next project, John reunited with Lion King collaborator
Tim Rice to write songs for Disney's Broadway musical adaptation of the
story of Aida; an album of their efforts featuring a who's-who of contemporary
pop musicians was released in early 1999, going gold by the end of the
year. In late 2000, John landed a TV special with CBS, performing a selection
of his greatest hits at Madison Square Garden; a companion album drawn
from those performances, One Night Only, was issued shortly before the
special aired.
To enter this contest, all you have to do is to answer the question
on the coupon and send it to the address given below.
The address is "Listen to Original Music Contest, No. 58, C/o Maharaja
Entertainments (Pvt.) Ltd., 330, T.B. Jayah Mawatha, Colombo 10.
Tel: + 941672425-8, Fax + 941699070. E Mail: me@lgo.lk
All the entries must be originals from the TV Times and no photocopies
or faxes will be entertained. All correct entries will be drawn by a panel
of judges.
The entries should reach the above address by November 20 , the latest.
The decision of the judges will be final and the names of the winners will
be announced in The Sunday TV Times accordingly.
Sir Elton John will live in Singapore on November 22 at 8.00 p.m. at
the international stadium.
"A Journey Through Lifetime" is the name awarded to this tour which
will feature Sir Elton John playing Solo, his 34 years of incredible hits.
It also coincides with the release of his latest album "Songs From the
West Coast" which celebrates the re-unification of the artiste with his
song writing partner Bernie Taupin.
"The Holiday Shop", the leisure arm of Mackinnons Travels has arranged
a special package to see the "Life Time" concert in Singapore.The package
priced at Rs. 32,999 per person, includes return airfares, two nights accommodation
with breakfast with twin sharing and transfer in Singapore.
The departure will be on November 21 and will be back on November 22.
The concert tickets priced from $76 onwards, is included in the package.
'Vibration' from Chandimal
Popular outfit Chandimal and the 2nd Connection plans to release their
fifteenth CD this month. The title of this CD is "Vibration" and it will
be a non-stop CD. There are about 30 baila hits of Sri Lanka and there
will be a superb medley of big match "Papare" music using live trumpeters,
said Chandimal. It's of 45 minute duration.
Currently Chandimal has the most number of CDs released in Sri Lanka.
He was the first to release a CD, a double CD, a Video CD in Sri Lanka.
The band 2nd connection is currently playing at Holiday Inn, Colombo
and at Mt. Lavinia Hotel.
"We will be flying to Doha, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand very
soon", Chandimal said to TV Times.
They have also performed in Doha a five times and Bangkok, Australia
and New Zealand for Sri Lankan shows. 2nd connection comprises of Sheridon,
Chandana, Elsworth and Dev.
For the new year's eve, the band will be in action at the Airport Garden
Hotel. This is their fourth successive year at Airport Garden.
Very soon we will be releasing a Sri Lankan Karaoke of a baila medley,
he added.
They also have 14 Sri Lankan original songs on a CD tiled Rukshika.
And that comes with the free video CD of the same songs.
Papara Band at the Galadari
"Calypso and Papara Band" will be in action at the new outdoor pastry shop
every Friday and Saturday from 7.00 to 11.00 p.m.
Leader of the group Sanath Fernando has been in the music industry for
the past 15 years and has performed at the SSC for over six years. Popularly
known for performing at "Peduru Parties" and at all the Big Matches of
the popular schools annually.
Pastry Shop is specialised with biriyani, seafood rice or noodle at
lunch with kottu rotti, shawarmas and more for dinner. In addition to the
desserts, which consists of a variety of ice creams, watalappan, caramel
pudding, fruit trifle and chocolate mousse.
Pastry Shop is an open air food service outlet serving popular fast
foods in a relaxed, five-star atmosphere. Open from 7.00 a.m. to midnight.
Japanese film Fest in Colombo
By Poorna Rodrigo
Internationally acclaimed line-up of Japanese films will be presented by
the Embassy of Japan at Elphinstone Theatre from November 14-17.
Bondage is a film featuring a man who sacrifices himself to save those
he loves. The action in "Sanjuro" is supplied by Kurosawa- the Director's
characteristic super hero and the humour is furnished by such characters
as the chamberlain's wife, who retains a calm mood amidst the havoc. The
gushing blood scenes and the eerie sound effects as swords exerted a great
influence on later period films.
Red Beard a film which has bagged many a awards such as Blue Ribbon
award, Mainishi Cinema Contest award, Soviet Film Makers' Association prize,
and San Giorgio Award at Venice film festival.
The entire film abounds with the spirit of humanism centred around the
magnificent character of Red Beard. Mifuni Toshiro, always starring in
films directed by Kurosawa and the playing the part of Red Beard, had to
grow and keep a beard throughout the shooting of his film and therefore
he could not play any other part in other films. In japan, where it is
common to be playing more than one part at a time especially when shooting
of one film is to be conducted over an extended period of time, this was
a rare exception.
Sayonara Fraulein, Universal Laws and Bloom in the Moonlight are some
of other films that are to be screened. All the films will be screened
with English sub-titles and entrance will be free of charge. There will
be two shows per day at 3.30pm an at 6.30pm.
Out of all the films, Sanjuro, Red Beard, Universal Laws and Bloom in
the Moonlight will be shown at D.S. Senanayake Public Library Auditorium
in Kandy on November 10 and 11 which is being presented by the embassy
of Japan in collaboration with the Kandy Municipal Public Library.
Rohana's 'Ulu Gedara Arachchila' nearing completion
By Susitha R. Fernando
Pre-production of award winning teledrama director Sudath Rohana's maiden
effort in cinema depicting, a historical story on land dispute in Sri Lanka,
is nearing completion.
The script is based on the novel "Ulu Gedara Arachchila" written N.
T. Karunatilake. Forty days heavy schedule of shooting was over in the
locations in and around the areas of Nikawaratiya, Anuradhapuraya, Kalawewa,
Tambuththegama and Kaltota and the film is ready to be edited by Elmo Halliday.
The story revolves around certain incidents that took place in 1930's
in Sri Lanka, the time where the ownership of land was changed from local
to ruling 'white' after introducing the Barren Land Act.
The film portiays a struggle of one family and how the traditional living
style along with cultural pattern of Sri Lankan people changed in the early
stages with the arrival of the British.
Having started his career assisting film maker Tissa Abeysekara in the
film "Viragaya" in 1985, Sudath Rohana made number of award winning directions
to the mini-screen.
Some of the popular teleplays like "Bedde Gedara", "Yuga Wilakkuwa",
"Wana Wadule Wasanthaya" and "Wikum Siha Kathandara" which had been filmed
based on several short stories by Martin Wickremasinghe won him awards
for the script writing and direction.
For the maiden venture young director Sudath had employed a talented
cast with the veterans like Joe Abeywickrema, Sanath Gunathilake, Jackson
Anthony, W. Jayasiri to play the principle roles.
Music directed by Navaratne Gamage and Lal Wickremaratne is behind the
camera and the film still remains untitled. It scripted and directed Sudath
Rohana.
Speaking on the maiden effort in the silver screen Sudath said the film
had to under go through a hard time as the crew had to work during the
recent severe drought around the Anuradhapura where a number of locations
were selected.
"But the season also helped me as I wanted to depict a period like that
where people faced much difficulties" he said.
The film is to be released early next year.
Spotlight on Young-Asia
The two Young-Asia productions 'Mihisara' and 'Sivuseta' programmes, being
screened on Channel Eye, have been nominated for the 'Best young programme'
section at the Asian Television Award Ceremony 2001.
These two programmes have been nominated from among 1200 other television
programmes presented by India, Hong Kong, Singapore, Philippines, Japan,
Korea, China, Bangladesh. The world famous ABS and CBN television station
also presented young programmes for the ceremony.
Asian Television Award ceremony, organized by the TV Asia, is one of
the main Television Award Ceremonies in the Asian Region.(SJ)
'Ben Hur' comes alive at Russian Centre
The Russian Centre in Colombo will be screening eleven Academy Award winner
Ben Hur (1959) on November 24 at 5.00 p.m. Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins,
Stephen Boyd, Haya Harareet, Hugh Griffith star in Ben Hur directed by
William Wyler and Andrew Marton.
William Wyler directed Ben Hur in 1959 and it became more than a cinema.
The story starts when the Jews returned to Roman Province of Judea for
an official count of population in the 7th year reign of Augustus Caesar
and it was the day the Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem.
As the story goes on years later Roman Commander (Stephen Boyd) who
was brought up in Judea takes the command in Jerusalem was greeted by his
boyhood friend Judah Ben Hur (Charlton Heston) who refused to name the
Jewish patriots.
Messala (the Commander) then punished the family of Judah and then he
vows to take the revenge and the story goes on. Be there at the Russian
Centre Auditorium, No. 10, Independence Av., Colombo 07 on 24-11-2001 to
watch the rest at 5.00 p.m.
For further details please call Chandi Aluvihare on 685429 or 685440
between 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
Wasantha's latest film for EAP
A Muhurath Ceremony was held recently for the latest direction of veteran
film maker Wasantha Obeysekara.
The film,which has not been named yet is the eighteenth production done
by E. A. P Films.
Main cast in this include Kamal Addararachchi, Sanath Gunathilake, Jagath
Chamila, Mahendra Perera, Meena Kumari, Veena Jayakody, Semani Iddamalgosda
and Nilu Hettihewa. Jayanath Gunawardena directs the camera and editor
is Ravindra Guruge.
Picture shows EAP chairperson Mrs Soma Edirisinhge with Wasantha Obeysekera
with athe stars at the muhurath ceremony.
Indian MTV to promote tourism in Sri Lanka
Popular Music Television crew from India was in Sri Lanka last week on
an invitation by the Tourist Board of Sri Lanka.
MTV was on shooting schedule to promote Sri Lanka's image as a prime
tourist destination.
Cyrus Brocha VJ MTV was in Sri Lanka with a 15-member crew. Mr. Brocha
VJ is a popular artist among youth and will carry out filming in Colombo,
Pinnawala, Bentota and other tourist attractions.
The Tourist Board believes it as an excellent opportunity for Sri Lanka
tourism as the MTV reaches out to young viewers between the ages 20 - 35.
Shows on MTV with Sri Lanka as a backdrop would change the perception of
the destination.
This show would air thrice a day for a week and is the only fashion
based show on the channel.
MTV viewership in India is approximately 18 million and airtime value
for three-minute publicity is around Indian Rs. 81,000/-.
ARENA celebrates First Anniversary
Arena, the lifestyle department store offering a wide range of US and European
designer Brand Names for Ladies, Gents and Kids together with Jewellery,
Lingerie, Accessories, Footwear and Homeware, will be celebrating its first
anniversary on Saturday, November 17.
There's gonna be exciting entrance draws every 15 minutes, a 10% off
on selected merchandise, a magic show for the kids at 12.00 noon, live
music from 4.00 p.m.-6.00 p.m., plenty of cake going around, giveaways
for the kids and adults and surprises galore!
Arena, which provides "high street fashion" at very affordable prices
is open daily from Monday through Sunday, including Poya days too, from
10.30 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. So be there on the 17th and shop till you drop
at Arena and just get it on!
Parfumerie launches 212
"The Parfumerie" last Tuesday evening launched two new fragrances - 212
and 212 Men - from Carolina Herrera at an elegant evening at the Deli Market
of the World Trade Centre.
This launch saw the fusion of two great names - Carolina Herrera and
her daughter Carolina Adriana - to bring two equally great fragrances.
Carolina Adriana, a stunning 31-year-old who works in the film industry,
has been her inspiration and counterpoint, bringing life to 212. Her personality
and lifestyle have given origin to this generous fragrance.
The fragrances get their unusual name from 212, the New York city code.
This is where both mother and daughter live, and love living. The fragrances
embody New York's multi-faceted variety from Soho to Park Avenue, from
Tribecca to Sutton, Manhattan to Little Italy and from Harlen to Queens.
212, the fragrance, is thus, a fantastic result that opens up a new
universe of sensations. It is the aroma of the new woman, intelligent,
free and optimistic, an international fragrance designed for all hours
of the day and right for any season.
212 Men on the other hand, reveals an essence that is masculine, different
and uniquely attractive. Its scent structure complements the women's fragrance
and is equally distinct, innovative, elegant and subtle.
Complementing these modern fragrances are equally modern bottles. I'm
told they're inspired by Carolina Adriana's interest in modern sculpture.
Glass and unpolished metal join in an unusual, unique structure, making
it close to an artistic concept than a mere form. The 212 launch evening
at the World Trade Centre was a very chic and sophisticated affair, well
planned and handled by Tharindra and Kumar de Silva of "Adahas" fame.
'Judgement Day' at Den
"Judgement Day" is the latest band to hit the scene in the local music
industry.
"Judgement Day", though the name is new, the members of the band are
highly experienced and immensely talented with years of experience behind
them with popular bands, Rattlesnake and Venom. They are the heroes of
rock scenario in Sri Lanka. After a long spell of silence they are coming
together to satisfy their fans.
Judgement Day will be in action at the "Den Cafe & Pub"on every
Friday and be in the company of Lanka's rock legends
The band comprises Keerthi Fernando (Vocals/Flute) Refai Tawseek (Drums),
Rohan Facazis (Lead Guitar/Vocal), Prasanna Abeysekera (Bass/Vocal ) and
Ananda - (Acoustic guitar/Vocals).
'Aswesuma' on the move again
Benette Ratnayake's Platinum award winning film "Aswesuma" (The Compensation)
has been selected as an entry in the competitive section at the 25th Sao
Paulo International Film Festival in Brazil.
The film also has been selected for two upcoming events in Montreal
and Quebec City International Film Festivals in Canada recently.
The film won the Platinum award for the first direction at the 34th
Houston International Film Festival and this was the first time that a
Sri Lankan film maker was honoured with such an award.
The 'Aswesuma' was also selected to represent at the 4th International
film festival in India next November.
The other international film festivals at which it has been screened
are Moscow, Singapore, and Kerala.
The film, depicting an old man's struggle to overcome his own guilt
and his longing to correct some of the happenings for which he was responsible
during his youth.
The story of the film revolves around elderly Guneris played by Joe,
flash backing to the 1940s, his youthful years.
The young Guneris is played by Jackson Anthony who starts a fresh life
with his young wife played by Sangeetha Weeraratne. (SJ) |
