Misha's World

January 24, 2012

My friend Iqbal and I were able to organize and conduct the 2nd Guitar Festival of Sri Lanka on 21st January 2012. It was a great historical and fantastic event with a group of guitarists. Their various styles added brilliant color and value to the event.

The Students of University of Performing Arts started the event with four guitars. Iqbal and Benedict performed Cuban guitar style Trova. Rohan de Silva and Prasad Silva played beautiful and calm Hawaiian melodies. Priyan Sandakelum and I played two flamenco style sessions with "Nim Him Sewwa Ma Sasare" - Sri Lankan song sung by Pandith Amaradeva. Andrew Abesekera of Stigmata played a powerful solo to a backing track and stunned the audience. Then came Mr.Amaranath Ranatunga with his amazing fingers and performed a flamenco session composed by him. Upla Madhushanka showed the audience what bass guitar can do, accompanied by guitar legend Antony Surendra.. He is the best Sri Lankan electric bass guitar player I have ever seen. The blues started after the rock Derek joined with Sure and
Upula. Anthony Surendra (Shakthi) amazed the audience with his fusion (Raga Iyar Bahirav) accompanied by Upula, Priyan and myself.

The Ambassadors of Cuba and Vietnam, Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara and dean of the University of Performing Arts Mr. Dassanayake were among the distinguished guests attended the show.

Entrance was free of charge to the audience. All the guitarists played voluntarily to promote the guitar and its styles. Lot of friends helped us to organize this event.

Sahan Silva did a great artwork which we used as our theme and logo for the event. Lalith of Hayleys Info-Craft helped us to to get down some T-shirts and note books via Himali of Microsoft, to give away as a token of appreciation to the University Students who performed. Mr. Palitha of the Little Master's did an elegant acrylic plaque at a concessionary rate. Mr. Amaranath Ranatunga extended his financial support to us until we collect the compulsory payments.

There were lots of them who were not mentioned and thanks should goes to. I should thank to family members specially my wife, father, brother in law Susantha Dodawatta without their help I will not able to play either organize such event.

The total credit should go to my friend Iqbal who sacrificed his time, money mostly his strength and willpower. I salute you friend.

Hope to organize much better guitar festival in 2013. Hope you will help us to do it in next time.