Mirage returned to Australia and reminded their fans that they are not a spent force. Actually far from it – by Trevine Rodrigo (eLanka – Melbourne)
The popular Sri Lankan band was here at the invitation of Bertie and Frank Ekanaike for a Valentine’s day dinner dance at the Grand on Princes in aid of their old school, St. John’s College Nugegoda in Sri Lanka.
Donald Pieries, Benjy Ranabahu , Manilal Perera and the new faces on the line-up were a treat to watch as they reeled off a wide repertoire of music that had dance goers in awe at their versatility.
Their vast experience in the music industry over several decades was very evident as they blended with the new additions to give off a polished performance.
Mirage was recently in the Seychelles Islands wowing crowds over there and their popularity has opened several doors for a return to that country who loved their performances.
With Melbourne’s leading band Replay 6 and Esric Jackson and the irrepressible Noele Honter in the mix, it was a musical cocktail that appeased everyone’s taste in music as several other musicians present readily admitted.
Replay 6 were in a class of their own with their blend of youth and experience adding a refreshing dimension to their song choice.
Noeline Honter blew everyone away with her explosive vocal that has lost little from her glory days over the decades.
Sponsored by Sri Lankan Airlines, the night was one of many highlights including return airfares to Sri Lanka by its national carrier as raffle draws, travel vouchers from Jet Travel and Cruise, and several other prizes for the lucky few.
Benjy Ranabahu described the night as one that had nervous apprehension about Melbourne’s dance crowd and how they would respond after the long lapse.
He said ” We settled in well into our work, then enjoyed the interaction with a terrific crowd that seemed to love what we delivered, we are happy to be back in Australia thanks to the faith put in by top promoter Bertie Ekanaike and his team including Esric Jackson”.
Donald Pieries was rapt at the response the band received and seemed fairly confident in the band returning to Australia for more gigs of this nature.
There’s no doubting that Mirage will be back in the not too distant future.
The band is listed for two more performances at the Walawwa on March 1 and then at a Chris Cannon organised luncheon in Bentleigh supported by Thai Street Food, a popular eating spot in the Bentleigh area.
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