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Desmond de Silva - The Greatest Entertainer Since 1970's!
Desmond de Silva noted for his youthful voice that has changed over five decades of performing, and regarded as the "King of Baila" Born in Matarain southern Sri Lanka. "Des," as he is known to his fans, launched his career in popular music in Colombo in 1963, he was the lead vocalist of the Fire-Flies.
Desmondis known for his popular renditions of Sri Lankan 'baila', a style of music that originates from Portuguese and Spanish influences. He has had a string of baila hits including: 'Polkatu Hande,' ' Yaman Bando (Wally Bastiansz),' 'Chuda Manike,' 'Mamma No,' as well as popular recordings of anonymous baila songs. He is also known for a whole range of 'Party Time' non-stop baila music sold around the world.
His music was featured widely on Radio Ceylon and subsequently the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation, the oldest radio station in South Asia. Des has also performed with leading Sri Lankan popgroups –"Spitfires," "Gabo and the Breakaways," and the "Jetliners." In 1976 he decided to form his own band, "Desmond and the Clan", which performed in various countries in Southeast Asia, including the Maldives. In 1984, de Silva decided to go solo.Not all entertainers are gifted with the ability of continuing throughfive decades in the business while sustaining enthusiasm and demand at the highest level. The flamboyant and dynamic Desmond De Silva does exactly that.
See Photos and VideosThe Marians were founded in 1988 by a group of Sri Lanka’s most talented musicians. The band’s first performances took place in Chillaw in conjunction with the St. Mary’s College Band. The band grew out of extremely humble beginnings. Lead vocalist Nalin Perera recalls that the band had little equipment while starting up and frequently had to repurpose everyday items to create ad hoc instruments they could use to practice. Marians’ determination prevailed over their lack of resources. Nalin described how the band often had to use their “grandmother’s rice storage box as a drum set”, “hard board boxes as tom toms”, and "scrap metal plates for cymbals”.
The only thing the Marians had more than determination was talent. Clearly their music outshone their instruments, because the band reached heights of stardom shortly after releasing their first album, Sangeetha Nade in 1990 which sold over a half million copies and cemented the young group’s status in the local music scene.
Lead by Nalin Perera, one of the dazzling entertainers in Sri Lanka takes the band into the most accurate direction with the backing of his artistic and vibrant squad, audio visual, project Management and overseas music industry veterans.
Today Sri Lankan music lovers of all ages and walks of life know and love the Marians. When performing in Sri Lanka, they attract upwards of 20,000 people to their live shows while millions more watch them on national television channels live. Their band name is a household word and their music have touched every aspect of our culture. They have performed at weddings, parties, dinner dances, and much more. They have a large number of hits with “Marians Unplugged”, “Bamba Ketu”, and “Back to the 70’s” standing out as some of the most famous. The Marians are also one of the very few musical groups who have been able to perform the hits of such beloved late artists as H.R. Jothipala, and Clarence Wijewardena with new energy while still retaining the original spirit and authenticity of their art.
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2014 Registered Cricket Teams:
| Team | Home town |
|---|---|
| Lanka Lions | Portland, OR, USA |
| Seattle Lions | Seattle, WA, USA |
| Seattle President's Eleven | Seattle, WA, USA |
| Surrey Funky Boys | Surrey, BC, Canada |
| Koodallo | Vancouver, BC, Canada |
| Islanders | Vancouver, BC, Canada |
Rookantha and Chandralekha in Seattle, WA Friday March 28th, 2014
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2013 Registered Cricket Teams:
| Team | Home town |
|---|---|
| Lanka Lions | Portland, OR, USA |
| Seattle Lions | Seattle, WA, USA |
| Seattle President's Eleven | Seattle, WA, USA |
| Surrey Funky Boys | Surrey, BC, Canada |
| Koodallo | Vancouver, BC, Canada |
| Islanders | Vancouver, BC, Canada |
Professor Sanath Nandasiri (born February 15, 1942 in Gothatuwa, Sri Lanka) is a critically acclaimed Sri Lankan classical musician.
Nandasiri was born to businessman and building contractor, H.M. William Perera and Dona Amalin Katugampola. He attended two schools concurrently as an adolescent (Gothatuwa Maha Vidyalaya and St. Matthew’s College, Dematagoda, where he studied English)
Nandasiri first appeared on Sinhala Radio at the age of 13 in 1955. He began studying the tabla instrument under D.R. Peiris soon after. In 1960 Nandasiri travelled to India to continue his studies at Bhatkhande Music Institute. His teachers at the academy included Ustad Ahmed Jan Thirakwa, G.N. Nattu, Ustad Mokshut Ali, Pandit Hari Shankar Misra and Ustad Rahimmuddeen Khan Daga.
While in India, Nandasiri composed several songs that appeared on Lucknow radio. He returned to Sri Lanka in 1974 and joined the staff of University of Kelaniya as a lecturer. Nandasiri served as the head of music at the university from 1988 to 1992.
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Rookantha Gunathilaka & Chandralekha Perera
Rookantha entered his musical career in 1976 as a composer. His singing career started in 1985 somewhat unexpectedly when he found himself without a lead singer to provide vocals for one of his most loved compositions, "Bambara Pahasa." Rookantha is considered an innovator for his time. His compositions are a melting pot with both Eastern and Western styles. Since his humble beginnings, Rookantha has released five albums. His first, Aadara rekah was released in 1983, followed by Bambara Pahasa in 1988, Diganthaya in 1992, Charuka in 1997 and Maime Indan in 2005. Both Bambara Pahasa and Diganthaya were instant successes with over 150,000 copies sold islandwide.
His musical achievements include: his song Diganthaya which was featured in the "World Chart Show" hosted by Radio Express in L.A in the late 90's, Best playback singer awards in 1994 for the song 'Suwanda Danee' from the film 'Saptha Kanya' and in 1995 for the song 'Siyumali Rosa Malee' from the film 'Chitti'. More recently he has appeared as one of the main judges for the reality talent show Sirasa Super Stars hosted by Sirasa TV. Rookantha met his wife Chandralekha back in 1976, when he was invited to play the keyboard for her band "Spring Time". The two were married in 1989. Chandralekha is a popular singer and former actress. She developed her talents during her youth and was celebrated with many awards during school competitions. Chandralekha made her national debut in 1980, with the establishment of the National Youth Services Council. She was recruited by the famous film Director and Producer Mr. DB Nihalsinghe's to act in his new Tele series 'Rekha". In 1986, she was recognized with the best Teleactress award for her performance in Nadee Geethaya as well as the best playback singer award for the movie Yali Hamuwennai. Later the same year, she signed for an advertisement campaign with LUX International sponsored by Lever Brothers. Her most popular albums include, Mangala Nekatha, Sinina Rekha, Tharu Eliya, Mage Adare and Charuka.
See Photos and VideosVictor Ratnayaka & His Orchestra:
Vajira Gomes - Keyboard , Hemapala Gallage - Tabla , Nihal Perera - Sitar, Priyantha Dasanayaka - Flutes
Victor is not only one of Sri-Lanka’s most respected and celebrated vocalists, he is also a violinist, a composer, an entrepreneur and above all a legendary musician of exquisite culture. Musician of Victor’s calibre are devotees to their art. They hone their craft through years of effort with prominence to innovation even as they create a cultural ethos that will remain in public praise long after their last performance. Victor has served his people in the midst of sizable critical acclaim since the year 1966. Victor’s melodies form an integral part of the renaissance in the indigenous music. Moreover, his work is seen by many as a continuum in the art forms that characterized the work of his predecessors Sunil Shantha and W.D. Amaradeva.
Victor began his musical endeavours at the age of nine, when his father presented him with a harmonium for his birthday. In his teen years, he further honed his musical talents under the guidance of Cyril Perera at the M.P.G. Institute in Mulgampola and later at the Institute of Aesthetic Studies. Though formally trained in the oriental traditions, Victor has also grasped the intricacies of western music and has the celebrity of a distinct and recognizable style. Many, including Victor himself, credits his success to his ability to blend western melodies with ragadari traditions as well as his uncanny skill in selecting musical instruments combined with his inimitable musical arrangements.
Being an entrepreneur, Victor was the first Sri Lankan musician to hold a live one man concert; His concert known as "SA" was first performed in 1973, and was an instant success. His public appearances number in the thousands. Each of them reach out to an audience who have been touched in no mean measure, and triumph his music in their hearts as representing a true Sri-Lankan art form. His themes range from romance, patriotism, Buddhism to an appreciation of the cosmos.
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Padmasri Pandith Amaradeva, His Daughter, Subani Amaradeva & His Orchestra
D.D. Gunasena - Violin , Hemapala Gallage - Tabla , Suresh Maliadda - Keyboard , Nalaka Anjanakumara - Guitar
This is a tribute to a master musician whose contribution to the music scene in Sri Lanka spanning a period of more than five decades has been an incomparable one. His music has been the most influential force in forging what could be called a truly Sri Lankan music with a unique national character and identity. At a time in the past when Sinhala music was at crossroads, his music provided the necessary direction and infused it with a fresh vigour. From that time onwards his musical creations have captured the hearts of several generations of music lovers, both young and old. It would not be an exaggeration to say that hardly a single lover of Sri Lankan music can be found who has not fallen under the spell of the smooth, velvet-like and yet deep and resonant, voice of his. Perhaps his greatness lies in his ability to create a range of emotions in the listener with that richly expressive voice of his which immediately 'transports' the listener to a world of his own. Firmly rooted in the rich musical traditions of the land, Pandit Amaradevas repertoire of musical compositions displays an astonishing variety. For thousands of Sri Lankans living abroad specially, his music has brought nostalgic and often poignant memories of the motherland.
See Photos and VideosSangeeth Nipun Sanath Nandasiri, Malkanthi Nandasiri & Walter Fernando
Sanath has dedicated his life to music. He first sang on the radio in 1955 at the age of 13. Sanath began his study of the tabla in Sri-Lanka under the guidance of D.R. Peirise, but left for India in 1960 to pursue advanced tabla studies under Ustad Ahmed Jan Thirakwa.
While in India he met Professor G.N. Nattu, who later became his singing guru. During his time in India, Sanath composed music for artists who performed his work on Radio Lucknow. Sanath returned to Sri-Lanka in 1974 where he was appointed as a lecture at University of Kelaniya and served as head of the Music from 1988 to 1992. In 1992 he returned to India to pursue post-graduate studies in music. In 1992 he became the first Sri-Lankan to sit for his post degree Part I examination in vocal music and obtained first class at the “Nipun” examination.
Geethangali was organized prior to the formation of The Arts Foundation of Northwest by our current governing members.
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Visharada Nanda Malani
Visharada Nanda Malini, has captivated many hearts over the past twenty five years with her melodious voice. “Shravana Aradana” was one such event. Nanda Malini began her singing career in 1950 with the song “Budu sadu” while many remember her from the feature film Ranmuthu Duwa. A pioneer, Nanda performed the first female solo concert held in Sri Lanka, “Sravana Aradhana”. Her songs are thought provoking and often reflect timely themes.
Rohana Weerasinghe, is a prominent instrumentalist, composer and singer. He began his career in the early 1970s as a sitar player. Rohana’s contribution to the Sri Lankan music is immense. Thus far he has composed over 5,000 songs performed by prominent local artists, directed the musical productions in over 35 Sinhala films. In addition he has composed the music for over 200 Tele-drama melodies. In 1998 and 2003 Rohana was recognized as “The Most Popular Musician” in Sri-Lanka.
Shravana Aradhana was organized prior to the formation of The Arts Foundation of Northwest and was sponsored by the Buddhist Viharaya in Vancouver BC, Canada. Several of the governing members of The Arts Foundation of Northwest were key participants in organizing this concert.