Music

Retro night grooves

The one and only and ever so unforgettable Little Hut opened its doors to its people on November 28 making it one successful re-opening.

Little Hut is home to some of the hottest stars of yesteryear who have now made the entertainment circuit in the world like Hussain Jiffry, Dylan Lye, Alston Koch and many more, will also feature world-class DJs and celebrity hosts using Little Hut as their venue, not merely for revelry, but for endless, lavish, state of the art entertainment and mostly as one artiste would state, "No matter how obscure your taste or how individual your look is, you'll find a retro lounge nightspot where you'll feel right at home at the Little Hut."

The space's versatility makes it perfect for corporate and private events, easily accommodating catered events, live music, fashion shows, and corporate presentations.

A surprise treat was also given to our very own Keerthi Sri Karunaratne as he celebrated his birthday on that day amongst his friends.

The venue's components and furniture are all modular and removable, allowing for a wide variety of floor plans. Little Hut was revamped and designed to shrink or expand to fit the needs of each event, with our professional Food and beverage team working hand-in-hand with the guest to make the night go perfectly.

In the months to come, expect a wide variety of amazing events, thematic nights, world-class music, and a glamorous, diverse crowd, all with a spotlight on superb guest service with experience in mind and attention to detail.

All of you who want to relive the memories you shared and had at the Little Hut, well now you can as it is now open Fridays and Saturdays.

Christmas with Symphony Orchestra

The Christmas Concert 2009 to be performed at the BMICH on December 13 promises to be a lively finale to the 52nd season of the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka (SOSL). Specifically chosen to reflect the Christmas holiday season and to provide a great evening of family entertainment, the program starts with the Overture to Orpheus in the Underworld and is followed by Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite. A selection of Music from Broadway concludes the first half of the performance.

There will be a catered service of Christmas treats, wine, soft drinks, coffee and tea available for purchase in the Lobby during the interval. Bringing in the second half will be vocalists Sheranga Perera and Charin Mendis singing carols accented by the SOSL's jazz quartet followed by the Old Joes Choir and Contempo.

Gospel twist

Familiar favourites being given a gospel twist, the fabulous voices of Sheranga and Charin and our celebrated Orchestra led by feted conductor Eshantha Pieris make this one concert not to be missed.

This concert traditionally showcases music that is widely associated with the festive season and feeling of goodwill that is characteristic of Christmas. The 2009 concert continues this tradition and in the true spirit of Christmas includes familiar and much -loved Sing-a long carols that have seen enthusiastic participation from our delighted audiences at past concerts.

Orpheus in the Underworld is the first of Jaques Offenbach's outrageously funny parodies of Greek Mythology. It is based around the classic legend of Orpheus's pursuit of his wife Eurydice, who had been carried off to Hades by Pluto, much to the annoyance of Jupiter. Orpheus was a Greek god of music and so the stage is set in the operetta for a highly disrespectful, enjoyable romp evidenced by the light-hearted and merry music which reaches a vigorous climax in the riotous revels of the now celebrated Can-can dance!

Nutcracker Ballet

Performed for the first time in 1892 in Russia, a performance of the Nutcracker Ballet has become an almost mandatory holiday tradition in many countries of the world. Comprising probably the most popular pieces of Tchaikovsky's compositions the Nutcracker Suite is a selection of eight pieces that was intended for concert performance (that would stand independent of the music for the whole ballet).

The Suite opens with a brief version of the Overture that sets the fairy mood and in the ballet, the opening scene of a family Christmas Eve party.

The music for the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy is particularly enchanting and Tchaikovsky incorporated the use of percussion instruments most effectively creating 'heavenly sweet sounds'.

Moods of Christmas with Soul Sounds

Get ready for the sixth 'Moods of Christmas' extravaganza as the Cinnamon Grand in association with Soul Sounds, Sri Lanka's premier award-winning and all-female choir presents an enchanting musical evening for the whole family at the Atrium Lobby.

Prepare for a scintillating experience for adults and children alike on December 12 from 7.30pm. Tickets are available at the Special Events Desk from December 10 inclusive of refreshments.

Soul Sounds are known for their unique and award winning performances around the globe, and for their traditional Sri Lankan influences. Bringing their own distinct melodies to traditional carols, this globally popular ensemble choir offers a captivating family experience that promises to linger in the audience's memories for years to come.

Soul Sounds' Moods of Christmas will consist of a sixty member troupe (comprising the youth and junior choirs) singing a varied selection of carols, a concert which promises to keep the audience riveted throughout. Accompanying this performance for the ages will be a delightful spread of refreshments including mince pies, mulled wine and canapes.

Simon Cowell plans global X Factor show

X Factor judge Simon Cowell plans to take the ITV talent show format to Las Vegas as part of a global internet venture, he has told GQ magazine.

The 50-year-old is teaming up with retail tycoon Sir Philip Green, who he says has 'show business in his blood', for the project. Cowell said the pair planned to stage two shows a week which fans could watch online on a pay-per-view basis.

The pair are currently in talks with a major venue in Las Vegas. Sir Philip, owner of the Arcadia Group, the firm behind Topshop and Miss Selfridge - told GQ, "We'll have a permanent place. The home of X Factor, live from Las Vegas. We'll have a store. And it'll be online". "Vegas is tailor-made for this show. You get to the final 12, your dreams come true - you're going to sing in Vegas."

Last year, he appeared in ninth place on the Sunday Times Rich List.

Annesley swings with Galkissa

‘Galkissa Rocks with Annesley and Super Chimes’ the grand ‘Sing-a-long’ will be held on December 19 at Palm Beach Hotel Mt. Lavinia from 7.30 p.m.

Christmas one’s favourite time of year is back again. A season that brings out the child in us by simple appreciating the happy sights of Santa Claus, colourful Christmas trees, flickering multi coloured lights and the merry and priceless bonding of friends and family, all in the spirit of the season universally celebrated by all.
Lions Club of Galkissa is getting ready to swing with the mood of the season to raise funds for a worthy cause in support of their Community Childcare Programmes.

They have spared no pains to provide the music lover a collection of the very best they can ever get in a single night from the evergreen perennial favourites of the 70’s to a few seasonal favourites. Here comes an unique opportunity of singing those evergreen unforgettable favourites to put you into that right mood during the festive season. Tickets are prized at Rs. 750 per head and will be available at the Hotel. Every one who buys ten tickets will be entitled to a reserved table.
Padded on to the fun filled evening are many surprises that include prizes for the entrance ticket draw, a Baila competition and the best singing table. To crown it all the band stand will be occupied by the Super Chimes with your favourite star of ‘Mango Nanda’ fame Annesley Malawana who will undoubtedly keep the crowd gloriously entertained.

A wide range of beverages and food from Mongolian Rice to your favourite Kottu, Barbecued items and fish and chips etc., all made specially to your taste will be made available for purchase by the Palm Beach Hotel at very economical rates at the food stalls run by them.
Come and join this ‘Sing-a-long’ with a difference where you can sing to your hearts content and also have the opportunity grabbing your partner and getting on the floor after singing those evergreen favourites. It would be a night to remember.