The perfect Combination…and a long awaited return of Manilal teaming up with Geoff Fernando
The combination of the veterans- Geoffrey Fernando of Purple Rain fame and Manilal Perera of Upekha, is the top attraction at the popular venue FDO’s Jazz Club at the BRC on Saturdays during the festive season. Manilal Perera first teamed up with Geoff as band leader in the popular band ‘Rendezvous’ in the late 80’s, the golden days of Sri Lankan Western Music scene.
After a successful stint in the Colombo’s club circuit, ‘Rendezvous’ disbanded. The members joined different bands to perform in European circuits while Manilal started his own band Upekha, which was the most popular outfit in the 87’- 90’s era playing at all star class venues in Colombo and making many overseas tours for dances and concerts. Manilal was also voted as the best and the most popular male vocalist on many occasions during this period.
After disbanding Upekha, Manilal moved to Maldivian music scene and later to the European club circuit. He has been performing in Europe for over 15 years in which the last ten years in Italy at many popular night clubs and restaurants.
Geoff and Purple Rain continued their stint in Europe till early 90’s and went on their separate ways. Geoff performed as an individual singer in different clubs in and out Sri Lanka and the grand reunion concert of the Purple Rain was held in Colombo in March last year.
Manilal is now back in Sri Lanka for the festive season performing for many concerts and dancers and teaming up with Geoff at FDO’s will be the top attraction. The fans of Manilal can catch him every Saturday exclusively performing at FDO’s Jazz Club alongside his former band member Geoffrey Fernando backed by popular musicians Sudu on piano, Alstone on bass, Jude on drums, Revel on guitar and Shehan on sax.
FDO’s Jazz Club located at the level 2 of the newly opened BRC Club House and has become one of the most vibrant places in Colombo. It has become the place for jazz lovers and all that kind of music lovers. ‘Me and Mani will be going down from 90s to 60s and our specialty is ‘jazz and retro’ music. Come join the fun at BRC’s FDO’s said Geoff.