Rukshan rocks the stage
The night was young as an excited crowd took their seats at a crowded Bishop’s College Auditorium last Sunday (January 18). A round of
Rukshan: Another successful show. Pix by Indika Handuwala
applause welled up as a smiling Rukshan Perera took the stage.
Musically renowned for his original compositions, melodious voice and multi-instrumental skills, this was Rukshan Perera’s fifth concert since his return from the United States of America.
The concert was aimed at raising funds for the Rotary Foundation, which in turn was to provide the necessary finances for the Rotary clubs across Sri Lanka to carry out humanitarian projects on a much larger scale.
Sarith (left) with Rukshan
The evening started off with Rukshan singing, “Rotary Sri Lanka” and “Yesterday you were my baby”, a song he originally composed for his daughter’s wedding last year.
The evening soon had a touch of jazz as Rukshan was joined on stage by jazz pianist, Herschel Rodrigo and jazz saxophonist, Ricky Senn.
Then it was the turn of Arfah Saldin, April Schokman and Binalie Liyanage to captivate the audience with their angelic voices.
The audience was in high spirits as Rukshan entertained them, both with his music and good sense of humour that included the occasional teasing of the newly appointed Finance Minister, seated upfront.
Clifford Richard
The De Lanerolle Brothers performed with their customary professionalism as they joined Choro Calibre to pay tribute to the late Nelson Mandela. The song “Meaning of justice” truly presented a deep reflection of how Mandela, found freedom for the people of South Africa.
The second half of the show opened with “Backwaters with Raj”, an instrumental composed by Rukshan while cruising the backwaters in Kerala, India. As the two violins, the bamboo flute played in harmony and Rukshan softly thumped a jembe, the music in all its sincerity and beauty was truly breath-taking.
As the music stopped Rukshan was joined by Rajitha Rupesinghe, the leader of the band Misty. The pair led the act “Gossip Queen” on the stage while a delighted crowd roared in laughter.
As the familiar sounds of Santana’s famous ‘Black Magic Woman’ wafted in the air, it was time for talented twins, Sarith and Surith. The crowd was brought alive as Rukshan and Sarith played their guitar solos, while Surith and Lelum joined in with their drum and percussion solos.
Clifford Richard, playing the part of a drunkard, was another hit singing ‘Seeyabiwwa wine’ and got the house on the edge of their seats singing ‘I’m the boozer, I’m not the loser’.
The familiar shout of ‘one more’ sounded, and the show was brought to a close with Rukshan singing his famous composition ‘Bless our land’.
