While some things change virtually day-to-day in today's fast-paced life, there are undoubtedly still others which stay constant. One of these Sri Lankan "standards" is the always popular Country Roads charity concert for children series which, even after more than 20 years, remains easily recognisable by its familiar sights and, most importantly, sounds - an experience where the whole family enjoys wholesome live entertainment in a fun-filled atmosphere.
Keeping this in mind, organisers of South Asia's longest running concert series, Country Roads, take it upon themselves, every year, to bring back fan favourites - local artistes such as Mariazelle, a recurring act since almost the very beginning; Anno Domini, a multi-genre band that joined the line-up in 2007; and the Country Revival Band with Noel and Ranjit, a traditional Country Western ensemble formed by Country Roads founders who get together once a year to perform exclusively at this concert.
In addition, for the first time, rising stars Wagon Park have signed on to perform several crowd-pleasing songs including Johnny Cash and B.B. King classics and the band's own original "Jingy Bingy Blues".
Also returning to support Country Roads in 2010 are long-time partners Dialog, Cargills Food City, Dutch Burgher Union, the Sunday Times and Save the Children, while this year also witnesses the addition of the recently launched Prime TV and Prime Radio as first-time media partners.
The Cinnamon Grand, Colombo is also a key supporter of the Country Roads concert series for children and over the years has played host to popular performers, the Mavericks from Germany and Astrid Brook & Amelie from the UK and are hosting them this time too.
Country Roads 2010 will be on Sunday, February 21, from 4.30 p.m. onwards at the DBU (the Dutch Burgher Union Hall, 114 Reid Avenue, Colombo 4, at Thunmulla Junction). Tickets priced at Rs. 500 are available at Cargills Food City outlets at Staples Street and Majestic City, the DBU and at the gate.
A musical event, and now country fair, for the whole family, Country Roads has raised millions of rupees over the years for various children's causes, from education to tsunami relief to mosquito nets to displaced children; and this year is no different with over 90% of all proceeds going towards the very worthwhile national “Sevana Sarana Fund” for children's education, a cause recommended by Save the Children UK and further supported by the country's Department of Probation and Child Care Services.
More about 2010 performers
Known as the "Queen of Baila"’, popular songbird Mariazelle is adored by both the young and old. Her musical career spans more than 30 years and has included watershed local chart toppers such as "Rahasai Sonduru Jeewe" and "Yowun Sihina Loke".
Widely-regarded for their expertise in blues, folk, country and rock music, and particularly for their stellar Eagles covers; Shehan Perera (leader/ vocals and guitar), Adrian De Niese (guitar), Timal Jayamanne (bass/vocals) and Senaka Pereira (drums/percussion/vocals) together make up Anno Domini, a young band followed for their widening musical repertoire, which includes stunning renditions of Lynrd Skynrd’s "Sweet Home Alabama" and Credence Clearwater Revival’s "Have You Ever Seen The Rain".
Highly anticipated for 2010 is the coming together of the Country Revival Band with Noel, Ranjit and Kithsiri, a tradition that is one year in the making and featuring Country Music Foundation co-founders Feizal Samath and Jury Majid as well as a few close friends playing their unique blend of good old traditional country music.
Audience favourites the Mavericks from Germany (courtesy Sri Lanka Tourism) and soulful UK folk sensations Astrid Brook & Amelie Chevalier, all return for this year’s show.
For more details and to even contribute to this worthwhile cause before the concert, please call Feizal on 2 304 179. |
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