Sunday Times 2
Country Roads delivers unfiltered joy
View(s):Held on October 20, this Country Roads music show at the MJF Foundation Centre in Moratuwa for the benefit of 100 children, children with disabilities and elderly beneficiaries of Dilmah’s MJF Foundation, illustrated how the simple, authentic melody of country music can transcend barriers and deliver unfiltered joy and harmony.
Led by German country music band – the Mavericks and local artists, the concert followed a larger charity show held in Colombo last Sunday to raise funds for needy children.
The Mavericks in action
The core of this humanitarian symphony is its voluntary nature. Over 37 years, Country Roads organised by the Country Music Foundation has donated 100% of its proceeds to children’s causes, including those for UNICEF and Save the Children. This year they supported Appé Lanka, a Sri Lankan non-profit organisation in providing school equipment to 200 children in Pooneryn – in the north of Sri Lanka.
The unlikely alliance between Dilmah, celebrating 40 years this year and the Country Roads concert, celebrating 37 years of music began when founder of Dilmah Tea, Merrill J Fernando accompanied by his grandchildren was in the audience at one of the Country Roads concerts. “He liked our concept,” remembers Feizal Samath, President – CMF, who had long admired Mr Fernando’s commitment towards enriching the lives of children.
As the Mavericks took their final bow at the MJF Foundation Centre, the buzz of the audience continued – from toddlers with Cerebral palsy attempting high fives with the band to 70-year-olds reliving their own past.