A 30-year feat of music for the children and their fans
At the press conference: LOLC’s Anne Perera, Country Roads founders Jury Majid, Feizal Samath and Shankar Dharmaratne of Dialog Axiata PLC.
Country Roads is back this year for its 30th anniversary concert, making it South Asia’s longest running concert series for children. This year’s show on Saturday, October 20, at the Mount Lavinia Hotel promises an exciting line-up of performers and a pledge to smash through another donation record for the benefit of children.
On its first outing in 1988, amidst the curfews and uncertainty of the war and JVP insurgency, their goals were simple: to raise funds for children in need and enrich the music scene of Sri Lanka, particularly in the country and western genre.
It is this uncomplicated passion and sincerity to the cause of needy children that has kept the Country Roads concert series so wildly popular and successful in its efforts for 30 years, drawing an equally sincere response from fans.
Starting at 6.30 p.m. on October 20, eager audiences can experience a fulfilling and entertaining night, where music transcends mere words, at the Mount Lavinia Hotel.
The Mavericks from Germany will be headlining the event, this time playing with a full five-piece band including the incomparable Harald Yendis on fiddle and vocals/guitar. Since their first appearance at Country Roads in 1992, they have developed an increasing local fanbase, and are sure to put on a memorable show.
Making her return to the country for the sixth time, is UK’s Astrid Brooks who has her own following with her folk and country charm.
Joining them on stage are local favourites Cosmic Rays, who have been with Country Roads since its inception, Anno Domini- performing for the fifth time, and of course the well-established Country Revival Band with Feizal and Jury.
Plans for the Country Roads concert were announced by the organisers and sponsors at a press conference held last week at the Dilmah t-Lounge with an anniversary cake also being cut for the occasion.
The milestone concert will be preceded by a charity dinner for 50 guests at Cinnamon Lakeside on October 18, followed by another performance by the musicians for the children of the Rainbow Centre, MJF Youth and Cricket Live Foundation at the MJF Centre on October 19.
President of the Country Music Foundation and chief organiser of the Country Roads concerts Feizal Samath tells the Sunday Times that the 30 years of concerts for children has been an amazing journey and a learning experience, “for us about children, their families and coping mechanisms in facing the challenges of everyday life.”
“This has also been enhanced through messages to create public awareness towards helping underprivileged children, using the medium of music which everyone loves. The wonderful feeling at these concerts has been that all musicians, who volunteer their services in performing at these shows, also strongly believe in its cause which has stayed its course over the years,” he adds.
Last year’s record turnout led to Rs. 1.27 million being raised, with 100% of the proceeds going towards multiple children’s causes.
Projects in 2018 alone have included a Rs. 140,000 donation to the Nildiyawara Prajamula Society in Mahawilachchiya, Anuradhapura for the crucial upkeep of a village that has not seen rain for almost three years, and Rs. 160,000 in musical instruments for the Gamini Public School in Mahawilachchiya.
The founders of Country Roads share their excitement about the success of Country Roads as both a musical and charitable feat, calling the experience a “unique celebration of music, passion and love for children.”
Additionally, in celebration of this momentous occasion, a 30th anniversary Country Roads Music CD will be released. The limited edition compilation contains 13 originals and 7 covers from musicians who have performed at Country Roads through its many years, from places all over the world, including Germany, China, UK, USA, and Sri Lanka. The run is strictly limited to 300 copies, and will be gifted to anyone who donates over Rs. 1,000 to Country Road this year.
Tickets are already available online via Ticketing Partner 444 powered by Dialog, as well as at the host venue Mount Lavinia Hotel and select Cargills Food City outlets in Kohuwela, Rajagiriya (Parliament Road), Kirulapone, Staples Street, Majestic City, Mount Lavinia and Katubedde (Big City).