THE FINAL ALL ORIGINAL CONCERT
Rukshan Perera showcased his final “all original” sold out concert for the 10th straight year with a bang! All 10 concerts were for carefully selected deserving charities and Rukshan has raised more than Rs. 20 million for these charities with his concerts thanks to the sponsors, partners and guest artistes who collaborated with Rukshan through the last 10 years.
This year Rukshan began the concert with “Rise Up Sri Lanka”, a song he composed and dedicated to the victims and the families of the Easter bombing, assuring that Sri Lanka will rise up in love and unity! The next two songs were dedicated to the charity, Cerebral Palsy, and differently abled children from MJF Foundation performed a beautiful drum act, followed by the song “Walk on the Rainbow” dedicated to differently abled children.then the De Lanerolle Brothers with their powerful voices took the audience to South Africa singing a freedom song as a tribute to Mr. Nelson Mandela. Being the local scat man, Rukshan showed his skill of scatting (that he has learnt in the US) with and without the guitar as a tribute to his scatting heroes, Mr. George Benson and Ella Fitzgerald. With the young saxophonist Janith Gamlath, Rukshan entertained the audience with scat solos and sax solos while the Colombo Brass Ensemble with a big band arrangement gave that extra jazz ambience.
Children of the underprivileged school Gamini Vidyalaya were well received when they sang and acted 2 songs from the Rotary project “Little Minds Strong Values”, a brain child of Rukshan to teach ethics and values to children via video animated songs. Rukshan finished the first half with a tribute to his mother, a classical pianist and a music teacher by doing “Classical Scat”, and brought in the talented Nuwan Balasuriya on Flute to perform the beautiful song “Back Waters With Raj” with a haunting melody and performed a magnificent solo on Djembe.
Then came a total surprise when Rukshan took the audience back in time turning a simple song into a big band fusion style bringing 3 Boru Kakul Karayas on stage – Rukshan explained the simple pleasures his generation enjoyed watching such acts as a child and imitated the boru kakul karayas to an applause and laughter before the song even started! The second half continued with dynamic fun songs on high gear keeping the audience on their toes - the doctor who came on stage for the Acapella song “Magei Molei” entertained the audience with humour using current events. Rukshan played a solo at the piano and sang his very famous jazz funk composition “What Time Is It” followed by “On Broadway” with guitar scat solos musically entertaining the audience. Then came Clifford
Richards on stage with the famous “Seeya Biwwa Wine” act followed by “Sri Lankan Blues” sung by Rukshan, Devshan and Lelum with youngsters joining in a Blues jam. With a thundering applause, Rukshan ended the concert with “Bless Our Land Sri Lanka” thanking and bringing all past musicians on stage and ending the 10th year original concert on a high note!
In this series, we talk to people who turned their passion for food and baking into a business idea amidst lockdown and COVID-19 fears. Some have been in the market for years and others saw the new opportunity and took it! These home businesses are changing the game and have overcome the odds of running a business during quarantine. With increased restrictions once more, we talk to home bakers who are operating during these times to bring the sweet and savoury to your very own doorstep!
What do you offer?
We do all baked goodies. Right now, we do only desserts because that is what I enjoy baking the most! All the cakes are made to order, so prior notice needs to be given. Some of the signature cakes are the Sticky Toffee Cake, the Chocolate Honey Cake, the Coconut Passionfruit Cake, the Baileys Caramel Cake and the different Chocolate Fudge Bars we do with either hazelnuts, chili caramel, almonds or orange.
I love experimenting with flavours, so I do a lot of customised cakes as well. I also try to do a ‘binge box’ at the end of each month. This is an opportunity for customers to indulge and try out a smaller portion of one of our signature bakes.
When did you start operations?
I started the Bakeshop in 2018. It's a home business that I started with the help of my family, especially my sister Nilanga. We come from a family of foodies, and baking was my hobby, so starting a home business just seemed like the natural thing to do. As for 2020, during the initial phase of lockdown I was unable to get supplies, so for about a month I had to suspend my orders. However, with the help of my dad, I was able to get a few things and started off again with a limited menu that was available on specific days.
What is it like running your operations in times like these?
Running the Bakeshop during lockdown was not easy, but I somehow managed to keep the business afloat thanks to loyal customers and a very reliable delivery person I was able to find. Business definitely was less during that time and it wasn’t easy, but with the help and encouragement of my family I kept going.
How are you ensuring that proper hygiene measures are taken in preparation and delivery?
Since it’s a home business I do all the preparations and the baking myself, so I can ensure everything is being done properly. During lockdown I was able to partner with a delivery person who was extremely cautious and responsible about abiding by the COVID regulations. At present customers either pick up their orders, or I arrange delivery if needed.
How do you see home bakers going forward post Covid?
I think the current situation has allowed a lot of people to discover their talent for cooking and baking, and many home bakers have emerged post lockdown. I think the way forward is to keep innovating and keep your product interesting. Last year was difficult for everyone, including home businesses, so the key is working through the difficulty and looking at new ways in which to keep your business going.
What does 2021 hold for your brand?
2021 is going to be a year of building the brand further, looking at new ventures, connecting with fellow local bakers, diversifying the product and doing innovative promotions each month!
Any advice to anyone who wants to start their own business?
Make sure you have a good support system, have reliable suppliers, build a good relationship with your customers and above all be passionate about what you do!