Action-packed…at the Peacock

No doubt, music lovers must be waiting impatiently to know what really happened on the night of Friday, December 2nd, at the Peacock, Berjaya Hotel, Mount Lavinia.

Yes, it was a full house and the heavy rain, experienced that particular evening, didn’t prove a damper to all those who made it to the Peacock to check out what the new-look Mirage outfit had in store for them.

It was a vibrant scene, indeed, and everyone seems to have thoroughly enjoyed what was dished out to them, in the form of music.

With years of experience – 33 years since Mirage emerged as a band – both Donald Pieries and Benjy Ranabahu showed why they are considered, as I would put it, ‘top of the pops.’

In addition to his excellent drumming, Donald’s vocals also created an impact, and the songs he picked, to keep the guests entertained, were well received.

Benjy, as usual, moved into top gear, the moment the band got on stage, and then, before long, he was booming away in the midst of those gyrating, on the dance floor; he even entertained some of the guests, at their tables.

From the new faces, who have joined the Mirage scene, keyboardist Asangi Wickramasinghe came in for special mention, from some of the top acts present.

They all like his vocals…and his singing style, as well.

Viraj Cooray was impressive, too, so was guitarist Niro Wattaladeniya.

Their frontline vocalist Sharon (Lulu) made it quite obvious that her time with the Gypsies has molded her into a bundle of dynamite and that was proved by her action, on stage. Unfortunately, her singing partner seemed preoccupied with her mobile phone, while on the bandstand, and hardly moved to the infectious music that emanated from Mirage. However, the guest performers seem to have jolted her into some kind of action…towards the latter stages.

Probably, she is new to this scene and is unaware that frontline vocalists need to complement each other when performing.

Guest artistes Sohan Weerasinghe and Joey Lewis, with Trevin Joseph popping up, as a surprise, certainly did add further colour, and excitement, to the event.

They had the crowd shouting for more…and a packed dance floor was a very good indication that all those present at the Peacock, on the night of Friday, December 2nd, had a rollicking good time.

EFFEX DJs were quite active, too, and kept up the tempo, during the band breaks.