Talking Drums in concert on the beach

Reverberating rhythms – Talking Drums in concert on the beach

The rhythmic tête-à-tête of eclectic beats will penetrate the southern air as the local maestros of drumming take the stage at Bentota Beach Hotel on the 27th of February 2010 from 8.30 p.m. – 11.00 p.m. The evening promises to be a refreshing break from the usual uniting a myriad of Sri Lankan drumming traditions from across the country and also featuring the well known ‘Elephant Foot’ and ‘Triloka’ with the aberrant flare of Pabalu.

Twenty handpicked young professionals from around the island will represent folk drumming from the Northern, Southern, Central and Sabaragamuwa traditions. Known collectively as ‘Rhythms of the Isle’, this group represents a rhapsody of Sri Lankan rhythms that tells the story of the age

old tradition of percussion which is original and ecstatic.

‘

Triloka’ lives up to its name of three worlds by amalgamating the traditions of Sri Lankan folk music, Indian raga, jazz and rock. The band officially entered the field in 2006 and since then Triloka has gained recognition not only for its distinctive beats but also for the use of unique musical instruments. The band partnership is made with Harshan Gallage on drums, Uvindu Perera on bass, Sarani Perera on guitar,

Eshantha Peiris on Keyboards and Pabalu Wijegoonawardane on percussion.

As the night thickens rhythmic beats of the transcending styles of drumming will resonate. ‘Elephant Foot’, a collaboration created in the neighbouring shores of Hikkaduwa is influenced by the multitude of drumming styles found globally. Pioneering into the world of fusion drumming the irrefutable technique and

talent of this group has won the nod of approval from many.

Be entertained by the multitude of talent displayed by the three performances and

enjoy a night of the traditional rhythms and fusion drumming.

For more details call John Keells Hotels Reservations 2439049 - 51

Feel Negombo -Kids Activities

Feel Negombo 2009 (Negombo Beach Feastival)

We invite you and your family to join us for some fun in the sun, a barrel load of laughs, great food and music that will have you out of your seat and dancing till your feet hurt. The festival will be held over 3 days from 11th to 13th Dec 2009, at Negombo Beach, located within 6km from the Bandaranaike International Airport and 37km from Colombo, hence an ideal event for anyone and everyone, from those on a short trip to the island to those who are looking for a short break from the island.

While the Festival will have an expanded children's area with activities, games and attractions for kids of all ages, throughout the stretch of beach there will be ample opportunity to take part in a wide variety of water-and beach-sports for all. Highlights at the festival, to name a few, include Percussion Sessions, Beach Soirees, Street Parades, Paint Balling and 4 x 4 driving.

The idea is to bring together everything we love about festivals to a sandy beach and create a new breed of festival for all to enjoy, from children of all ages to adults of all ages, where great music, frivolous fun and a strong sense of community are at the heart of it all

(http://www.feelnegombo.com/)

Kandy Esala Perahera

Sri Lanka.s most prominent festival is the magnificent Kandy Esala Perahera, held in the hill capital of Kandyover 10 days in late July to early August and climaxing on Esala Poya. The perahera.s origins date back to the third century BC, but the modern event originated in the mid-18th century when the Kandyan king decreed that once a year the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha, kept at the Dalada Maligawa, or .Temple of the Tooth., should be displayed in a procession for the people to venerate.

Today, thousands - including many visitors - flock to Kandy during this dazzling ten-day festival, where, under a star-studded moon-filled sky, the streets of the city appear as flowing threads of fire, colour, and stylized motion, mostly created by flaming torches and enrobed and light bulb-encrusted elephants led by the Maligawa Tusker, on whose back is a gold casket containing the relic.

The air is filled with the pulsating throb of a multitude of drums, the ethereal-sounding wail of wind instruments, the wicked crack of whips, even the occasional trumpeting of an elephant. There is quieter participation too, from stilt walkers, acrobats, and the most aesthetically pleasing and traditionally important of all the performers, the dancers.

Hikka Beach Feast 09

Hikkaduwa Beach Fest 2009 July 30 - 2nd Aug.

One of the largest festivals of its kind in Asia, the Hikkaduwa Beach Fest 2008 rocked crowds in excess of 15,000 and brought alive this charming town with pulsating vibes and bright and colourful lights.

Hikkaduwa Beach Fest 2009 promises to be even more exciting with a world class artist lineup and events that will challenge limits you never knew you had. Its bigger, brighter and louder.

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