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Whirlwind promotes rock

Sri Lanka's newest rock band WHIRLWIND will be releasing their first album shortly. The album, aptly named "Mixed Emotions," is a collection of original Sri Lankan rock music.

The CD consists of 12 tracks, including two heavy metal fusion songs. Almost all the items on this album relate to true life experiences of the band members. "Mixed Emotions" is an album that actually reflects their outlook about life, and what they've been through as a team. Aiming to give music lovers the ultimate rock experience, WHIRIWIND has compiled this album to feature different rock styles. The assortment includes their theme song "Whirlwind," and another sizzler titled "Colombo Heat" fashioned in the classic Rock N'Roll style of the '60s. "She's on Fire" is another red-hot heavy metal number which has won fame among WHIRLWIND fans. "Iwasanu Be" (The Bitter Truth) is a fusion heavy metal song that has also made a landmark in the local rock music scene.

The band already has more than 40 originals in hand - all written, composed and performed by WHIRLWIND only. This repertoire includes all types of rock music, (from Classic rock to Death Metal rock) especially inlcuding fusion rock songs as well.

Barely one year ago, WHIRLWIND started their journey towards creating a uniquely Sri Lankan brand of rock music. From the word go, the band has aimed high - to elevate original Sri Lankan rock music to international fame.

The 6-member rock band is led by Mishantha Menaka (Misha) the 'live wire' who writes and composes most of the original lyrics and music for the band. In addition to his key role as lead guitarist/vocalist in the band, Misha is quite comfortable switching roles with the other guitarists in the band when they feel like it.

Guitarist/vocalist Thilina used to play lead guitar in a local pop band, but his unremitting quest for originality has drawn him towards the rock music scene. Today he plays rhythm on most numbers, occasionally switching over to lead. Heavily inclined on rock rhythms, he also likes to play different styles. He helps Misha with the lyrics, and has also written a few songs himself.

Young keyboardist Umesh Eranga hails all the way from Polonnaruwa. He started his career with a band that concentrated on Sinhala pop, but soon enough decided to broaden his musical horizons. WHIRLWIND welcomed him with open arms, encouraging him to explore exciting new vistas in rock music. Today Umesh has blossomed into a gifted and versatile rock keyboardist.

Upul Sanjeewa has been fascinated by everything about drumming for as far back as he can remember. He has blossomed into an accomplished drummer over the past four years, playing rock, reggae, hip-hop, jazz, Latin and many more styles. He is a broadminded guy who is never afraid of trying out new ideas. He loves to improvise, but is also keen to pick up new techniques to enhance his playing. Upul is at present endeavouring to hone his technique under the tutelage of the legendary Aruna Siriwardene.

Bass Guitarist Gayan Milinda happily accepted the invitation by his two friends from the same school, Misha and Upul, to join the band. He started off by playing lead guitar, but soon enough found himself drawn towards the deeper, weightier tones of the bass guitar. Milinda has come a long way in a relatively short period of time, giving his colleagues a solid platform with his strong bass line.

Vocalist Kosala Anuruddha is a versatile performer who is comfortable with a wide variety of styles. Gifted with a lively and energetic voice, he hits the high notes as easily as he sings in the low octaves. Kosala is also a DJ, who puts his skills into good use enhancing the sounds of the band.

WHIRLWIND has so far released four songs. Three of them were recorded recently at the SLBC Multipurpose Studio. The Producer, Harold Fernando, has featured two songs on "Saturday Club', the weekly radio programme he presents on the SLBC English Service. The song "You're The Only One" is also featured in the SLBC English Services "Hit Parade" chart show. The song is currently in second place.

Nimali:All Island Best Bartender

Nimali Herath of Mahaweli Reach Hotel in Kandy was a judged the Best All Island Bartender at the 12th all-island Marie Brizard Batenders Competition held recently.

Nimali Herath now qualifies to represent Sri Lanka in Bordeaux, France in a similar competition due to be held in December 2003. She created history by being the first female to win this prize, breaking another male bastion with her award winning cocktail "Green Globe."

The picture shows Nimai with the Hotel's Managing Director Jayantha Panabokke, the Director/General Manager Mohan Panabokke, Training & Development Manager Jeevaka Weerakone and the Restaurant Manager Asoka Sugathadasa.

Chrstian Ribot in Sri Lanka

'The Parfumerie' is proud to introduce International Make up Artist, Chrstian RIBOT of Givenchy Beaute, who will be in Colombo for a week representing Givenchy's new cosmetic and skin care collection.

Christian RIBOT is here from Paris, the fashion capital of the world, to impress and educate us with his expensive background and experience in make up and skin care.

After studying Arts at Sorbonne in Paris, Christian left to Sydney, Australia where he graduated with a Diploma in Education (Music and French). He then returned to France to study make up.

Christian has been with Givenchy since 1990, before which he conducted special promotions for Locome and Estee Lauder.

Christian RIBOT will be at 'The Parfumerie' between the 19th and 22nd of August and will be taking consultations at the Odel Unlimited and Majestic City locations.

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