MAF’s ‘Down Memory Lane’

The Moratuwa Arts Forum (MAF) will be celebrating this year with 'Down Memory Lane' their 10th Anniversary sing-along festival on Sunday, 19 November at the salubriously located Hotel Ranmal, (air-conditioned) Gorakana, Moratuwa commencing at 7.00 p.m.

This anniversary programme is bound to bring together 600 music lovers in the form of old favourite sing-along enthusiasts as one singing family. While the 'old world charm' of the previous years will be retained, this programme will have many novel features to effectively cater to both old folks and the young ones as well. The repertoire of songs to be sung this year will be a pleasant mix of old favourites along with popular melodies from the 70s, 80s era as well. "MAF will present a well balanced programme to suit people of all ages" beamed Priya Peiris of La Bambas and 'Cook- a doodle doo fame who cocepted the DML idea way back in 1997. The project committee for this celebration anniversary programme comprises Joint Chairmen Lincoln de Silva (leader of Super Pink & Purple) and musician Hemaka Fernando, Lilanthi Jayaratne (Secretary), Merril Fernando (Ex Amigos Romanticas Spanish singer) Musician Brian Cooray, songster Somasiri Fernando, Tilak Perera (founder of MAF), Nihal Fernando (well-known key boardist) & vocalist cum guitarist Angelo Fernando. The Ex officio members are Laksiri Fernando (MAF President) Priya Peiris (Secretary) & Suranga Fernando (Treasurer), Delvin Pereira.

There will be audience participation in abundance this year with MAF inviting participants to join in with the MAF singers on stage during the sing-along sessions. So if you think you could do the honours, please contact the MAF committee. The 10th Anniversary song book comprising 100 heartwarming songs will be given to each ticket holder free of charge at the entrance to the show.

Vintage favourites such as 'old folks at home', 'Home on the range', 'Silver threads', 'Tipparery', 'Pack up your Troubles' 'Mocking bird hill', 'Good night Irene', and more will be sung along with songs from the 70s & 80s era along with an assortment of lilting Sinhala melodies of yesteryear, to add more glamour and variety for this historical anniversary sing-along programme.

Tickets for the sing-along are priced at Rs. 500 (box plan reserved) Rs. 300/= oldies lovers are advised to buy their tickets well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Piano and guitar sounds alongside strains from the banjo, violin, steel pedal guitar would fill the air together with 600 voices singing their hearts out amidst great fellowship, fun and warmth. All sing-along lovers are advised to come with your kinsfolk and friends to sing, sing and sing to your hearts content.

As it had always been in the past, Arun Dias Bandaranaike will be the Master of Ceremonies for this mega celebration show.