Local dance and culture to the fore
Internationally known jazz guitarist Martin Taylor will be performing in concert with a blend of local artists including Amarasiri Pieris, Nirosha Virajini, Kasun Kalhara and Bathiya and Santhush at the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre on February 19 at 7 p.m.
Martin Taylor has won many accolades across the globe and is recognized for his virtuoso solo jazz guitar work. He is a trustee and Vice President of Scotland’s Buddhist Vihara and is a patron of My Wish Charity, U.K. The concert is held in aid of sup-
Sarasi Narthana Prayama - 2, a performance by 10 students of the Nugegoda Shiranga Dance Academy will be staged at the Nelum Pokuna at 6.30 p.m. on Friday, February 17. Susara Sanjeewa of the academy, which has produced dance artists over the past 20 years, with the support of Sirimavo Bandaranaike College dance instructor Shirani Kumarika de Costa and Dayasheela Fernando on choreography, Mithra Kapuge on instrumentals and Shriya Kariyawasam on vocals, hopes to make a gala performance of the first local dance presentation to porting terminally ill children and building a cancer support centre for children.
Although completely self-taught, he has enjoyed a remarkable musical career spanning five decades, during which he has invented and developed a way of playing the guitar that is admired, and often imitated by guitarists all over the world. He is also a master concert artist, dazzling audiences with his solo shows, which combine virtuosity, emotion, humour, with a strong stage presence. take the boards at the venue.
Sanjeewa believes that traditional Sri Lankan dance traditions embody not only the graceful movement that complement the motions a human body is capable of, but also have alongside them, rich musical traditions that support them well.
He recognizes that to bring young dancers, parents and choreographers from different walks of life is not an easy thing, but accepts the challenge, in the hope that it will create a synthesis of ideas that will truly reflect Sri Lankan art and culture.
Members of the S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia, 'OL Class of 78' who are celebrating the 25th year of the formation of their Class Group have organized a dinner dance and reunion at the Hotel Taj Samudra on Saturday, March 3. The event will also mark the countdown to the 50th birthday of many of their members in 2012/13.
Over 200 classmates, wives and family members are expected at this mega event at which music will be provided by 'Anno Domini' & a DJ, while the event will be compered by an old Thomian. The proceeds of the dinner/dance would be utilized to bolster the Scholarship Fund which has assisted children of deceased members in their education for the past 15 years.
To commemorate 25 years of existence, the 'O/lclass of 78' is publishing a souvenir which will include some rare photographs of classmates taken 25 years ago as well as articles recounting the good old days from teachers, classmates and family members which would evoke nostalgic memories.
'O/L Class of 78' members would also participate in the College cycle/truck parade on March 7, the day before the Royal-thomian cricket match. Gaily decorated vintage vehicles, sports cars and four- wheel drive vehicles driven by 'O/L Class of 78' members would add glamour to the event.
The grand finale in the celebrations would be at the usual "Stables Tent" organized by the 'Class of 79' at the 133rd Royal Thomian cricket match on March 8, 9 and 10 to cheer on the STC cricket team captained by Sachin Peiris who is a son of one of the 'O/L Class of 78'.