A musical mission and memories
Country Roads’ regular performers, both foreign and local, talk to Yomal Senerath-Yapa of their unique connection to the concert
The foreign performers at Country Roads, Asia’s longest running country music show, have forged a close bond with Sri Lanka where they return each year. Astrid Brook from London has memories of riding a ‘sweet elephant’ called Menika – the ultimate island treat – and Dirk Maverick of the Mavericks had been a connoisseur of our beaches before he convinced Feizal Samath, the concert’s founder, that his band could sing in English (being a German outfit).
While the Mavericks has been part of the charity concert from 1992 (at the Ramada Renaissance back then), Astrid joined in 2007. She had only three weeks to prepare for the first concert, but “I must have done a good job because this year will be my 10th time performing at the concert.”
Begun 40 years back Dirk’s career has seen highlights such as playing at the Berlin Olympic Stadium and performing at the German Football League. Astrid has released three albums to date, her last, called ‘Liberation’, just before the pandemic. She also did a gig with the vivacious Kiki Dee now in her seventies.
When the chance first came to Astrid to take wing to Sri Lanka, she “said ‘yes’ straightaway.”
“I’d supported a similar charity in Nepal, so I understood how much value and support is provided from these musical events to the children who need it the most.”
Both have deep faith in the endeavour. Says Dirk, “it is a mission, a family, a spirit- it’s unique.”
“It has a purpose – no one makes money, all the musicians involved are doing it for a good cause. So we all
are brothers in mind – and that’s what you feel when you start planning it, when you meet other artists backstage… nothing can beat this feeling.”
Astride adds that “the Country Music Foundation (CMF) who organise the Country Roads Concert are compassionate, creative and ethical which is why I’m more than happy to support them.”
“Millions of Rupees have been raised over the years which have funded diverse projects related to children such as providing books for schools; paying for teachers, lawyers and doctors; and helping to improve living standards for families residing on tea plantations; the list goes on... I feel proud and honoured to be able to sing at this charity concert, as well as grateful to our sponsors and audiences who give their unending support. A big thank you to everyone involved - I can’t wait to see you again at the upcoming concert on Oct 7.”
But it is also, of course, the experience of savouring the country.
Visiting Sigiriya rock and the Maligawa were ‘inspiring’ for Astrid; “(sometimes) it felt so familiar that I wondered if I’ve actually lived in Sri
Lanka in a past life!”
She also has fond memories of the people. “The children I’ve spoken to are talented and ambitious too. One girl I met in the Southern Province told me she had a dream to become an astronaut and a singer – I loved hearing that and I really hope she’s succeeding.”
The Mavericks have many memories. “Technical setups in the first 15 years which were totally different to what we were used – it was an adventure – and we were surprised how they got the system running.”
Dirk also recalls a trip to Jaffna in wartime in 1994 when a school was built from the money of their first concert. “I never regretted it – it was a beautiful, impressive and unforgettable experience to meet pupils and teachers there.”
“There were bomb attacks and curfews while we were in Colombo during the civil war but nothing could ever keep me away from Sri Lanka- I always came back.”
Cosmic Rays have been a staple at the show and Tyronne from the band, says they highly enjoy the annual gig.
CMF founder Feizal, who also dons his cowboy hat to perform, has this to say about his ‘baby’:
“Since the inception my three-piece band named the Country Revival Bank has been one of the performers. We look forward to this event as this is the only time we perform in public every year.”
“Our band plays mostly oldies and hits from the ‘60s and the ‘70s. While we love performing at Country Roads our thoughts are forever on the plight of underserved women and children in Sri Lanka and how we are able to make a difference in their lives.”