The vibrant ‘Beatbox’
The band ‘Beatbox’ is the latest attraction in the local dance floor.
The Beatbox , led by versatile singer Corrine Almeida, was launched in October 2010 with the anticipation of fulfilling the requirement expected of dance bands in the scene.
The band is now performing at several hot spots in Colombo as well as down south hotel circuit.
‘We had a very successful season last year and I think we managed to reach our targets up to some extent. The coming festive season is a good turning point for the band as a much demanded dance band, We are ready to perform some of the popular gigs in Nuwara Eliya and in Bentota during the season’ said Corrine.
The band consists of five talented members lead by singing sensation Corrine Almeida along with her brother Kevin on guitar and keyboards. The rest of the Beatbox comprises Asiri Gunawardene on bass and vocals, Kanchana Jayasinghe on keyboards and vocals and Dharshana Gunawardana on drums and vocals.
Kevin has been in Europe performing with many popular Sri Lankan bands mainly Purple Rain for over 15 years. He was back in Sri Lanka in 2004 formed his own band ‘X-IT’ for 6 years then he teamed up with Corrine and his band ‘Beatbox’. He was in action last week at the Purple Rain reunion Concert at the Hilton.
Asiri Gunawardene has also been performing with many popular bands here and in Europe for many years. He is an experienced bassist and a vocalist. Asiri was featured too at the Purple Rain Concert
Kanchana Jayasinghe, the keyboardist of the outfit, is another experienced musicain/pianist, who has played for many popular bands including Bathiya & Santhush and with band X-IT. He has travelled overseas for various gigs and since 2009 to date engaged with Derana TV as a pianist playing for the Derana Dream Star reality show. Dharshana Gunawardana is the youngest member in the band. Just 24 years of age, Dharshana was playing for a band called ‘Supper Sun Ray’.
‘He was discovered at a wedding reception and she found him to be a very talented, energetic guy who has a lot of potential. I believe he could go a long way in the music industry; added Corrine. ‘Beatbox is my dream band. I was really determined to start this band with my brother Kevin. Finally it got off the ground and we are now going strong in the field of dances, concerts and get-togethers’ she explained.
‘We play music to suit every occasion. Dances, weddings, Dealer Conventions, Cocktails, Corporate functions are some of the gigs we perform during the last festive season’ she said.
All members are working hard and all are good vocalists. They work together to bring out a diverse range of singing talent’ she added
Corrine & The Beatbox boasts a musical repertoire of genres such as country, blues, pop, soul, funk, retro and modern contemporary music.