Aussie-Sri Lankans doing it here…

In our midst, right now, are two Aussie-Sri Lankan artistes, while in Australia, some of our big names are still, in that part of the world, keeping the Aussie-Sri Lankans entertained

In Colombo, we have Roger Menezes, now based in Sydney, and Cherrie Chamari, from Melbourne.

While Cherrie is here to put together a music video for her second original song, in Sinhala, Roger has been very busy – doing his thing at the Galadari Hotel’s Lobby, from Thursday, February 9th.

I checked out his performance, on Saturday (11), and enjoyed what he dished out to the large crowd present.

Roger covered the ’60s and ’70s era, and he did it exceptionally well, with the guitar, and sax, as his backing instruments.

Of course, Roger is a veteran, having played for some of the top bands, in Sri Lanka, before deciding to make Australia his home.

He had his own band, Down Under, called Stay Tuned, but now performs as a solo artiste.

I was also impressed with the band, Heart & Soul, who performed the night I checked out Roger Menezes.

Cherrie Chamari: Back after nine years

They, too, excelled with their vocals, and their repertoire contained a few Sinhala classics, as well – all tastefully done.

However, I wish there was some kind of a spotlight, focused on both the band and Roger, when they were performing, as their area was insufficiently illuminated.

Also present, that particular night, were veteran musicians Kumar Molligoda and ex-Jetliner Anton Gunawijeya, now residing in England, and also Kumar de Silva.

Cherrie Chamari’s trip here, is after nine years, and she took the opportunity to go out of town, and check out the scene.

She did feel the heat, in Colombo, and the power cuts, as well, but, overall, she said she is enjoying her stay in Sri Lanka.

Cherrie also did a few guest spots, with the bands in attendance, at the venues she visited.

In Melbourne, she has her own seven-piece band, Be-Sharp, and also does solo gigs.

“Depending on the occasion, I go solo, two-piece, or three-piece, and for big events, the full band”.

While Roger Menezes will be at the Galadari Hotel, till March 4th, performing from Thursday to Sunday, Cherrie says she has to get back, to Australia, as her annual leave is now almost over.