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 ...

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Esric Jackson launches new CD, ‘Second Generation ‘, and did it, his way – By TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE For more photos, please visit elanka Facebook page “Ain’t no mountain high enough, Ain’t no valley low enough, Ain’t no river wide enough” was the lyrics of  a famous song by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell about courage and commitment to overcome the unsurmountable.  Esric Jackson is blessed with that rare mindset in his life as a musical icon and one that takes on and overcomes all barriers and obstacles in his path. But he has now been chartered into unfamiliar territory and surrendered to his biggest fans and the ultimate love of his life, his grand kids.  Two of Esric’s many CD’S  was dedicated to daughter Candice and hubby Toufic’s kids Mischa and Cruz. The first entitled “Kiss an angel good morning ” to Misha followed by “Counry Cruzing”  to ...

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The Annual Dinner Dance of St. Paul’s Waragoda, Kelaniya – Photos thanks to Trevine Rodrigo (Melbourne) It turned out to be a great night at the annual dinner dance of St. Paul’s Waragoda, Kelaniya complemented by fine food, great music and a few happy “Vegemites” who took home prizes from the entrance ticket and raffle ticket draws. Ruwanal Senewiratne, who heads this project in aid of his old school, detailed the benefits of the funds raised which is channelled to the school for scholarships for children which covers their education all the way to year 12. He thanked Esric Jackson, Bertie and Frank Ekanaike and the patrons who rallied around him and partner Philomena to make it another success. This year, like those previous, drew a reasonable crowd of friends and past pupils and the fabulous music provided by No Limit and guest singers Esric Jackson and Rob Foenander gave ...

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Holy Family Convent Dehiwala – Annual Dinner Dance at the Grand on Princes, Melbourne – Photos thanks to Trevine Rodrigo Holy Family Convent Dehiwala put on a spectacular show at their annual dinner dance at the Grand on Princes. Meticulous organisation and a well coordinated celebration of another year of fund raising for the underprivileged in Sri Lanka, delivered a great response from Melbourne’s dance goers. President of the Old Girls Association in Melbourne, Diane Gonzalves outlined the tremendous efforts the committee this year, and the years past, have generated to send assistance to school children in Sri Lanka who are struggling with the effects of economic hardship that has enveloped many parts of the country. Esric Jackson, Mali Jay, and the Vardon brothers Angelo and Jordan and No Limit excelled with a superb selection of music. The Grand on Princes added the icing on the cake with a sumptuous ...

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Esric Jackson…..Sri Lanka’s and Melbourne’s ‘comeback kid’- BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE Strength, resilience and a God given talent is what personifes Esric Jackson, one of Sri Lanka’s outstanding vocal talent over several decades. And there’s no sign of his love for entertainment and being in the thick of it waning. Not in the near future anyway. His sojourn into music began at tender age in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, where a promising musical career was dramatically interrupted and forced into a U turn. Trying to help a stranded Colombo band to raise enough money to buy them return transport home, he related in a Television interview with Noeline Honter, on Channel 31 in Melbourne, how he got into hot water with local politicians. “I felt sorry for the guys when I found out their plight which made at least one of them reach the point of ...

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Continues to light up the Melbourne Scene   Esric and Sandra: Rocked the scene with Replay 6 Source:Island I had an interesting conversation with one of Melbourne’s senior musicians – Esric Jackson.We touched on his early days in the Sri Lankan scene, with the group Pioneers, etc., and his rise to stardom, in Melbourne, Australia, with his late wife, Sandra, and hissolo projects.I know for sure readers would love to know more about Esric and, with that in mind, I got the man-about-town, in Melbourne, Trevine Rodrigo, to do the needful. And, this is his story about Esric Jackson… Strength, resilience and a God given talent is what personifies Esric Jackson, one of Sri Lanka’s outstanding vocal talent. And there’s no sign of his love for entertainment waning – not in the near future, anyway.His sojourn into music began at a tender age in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.Trying to help a stranded Colombo band ...

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Valentine’s day at the Grand on Princes – By Trevine Rodrigo It was a night about, love, loving that special one, and music that creates the mood. Valentine’s day at the Grand on Princes delivered just that as Corrine Almeida and Ebony and Stan Azzopardi with Stex, comprising Lex Pirotta and Denis Bugat belted out some fantastic songs to suit the occasion. Esric Jackson joined the celebration with his own rendition of Country favourites that has been his trademark over many decades. Corrine was in scintillating form as the veteran of Sri Lanka music showcased why she has been on top of her game over a long successful journey in music. Personally, Valentine’s day should be every day, if you love someone. That’s my personal perspective. But the special day dedicated to it, (February 14) each year brings out the romantic in most couples and also delivers a reason for ...

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Ceylon Girls Restaurant offers that difference – by Trevine Rodrigo (Melbourne: eLanka) Nestled away from the hustle and bustle of the highly competitive Sri Lankan eating places in Dandenong and its surrounds in Skye Road Frankston, is “Ceylon Girls”, a quaint little restaurant which exudes class and quality. Friendly owner Angela Lord Evans had no qualms about explaining her choice of location to us as Esric Jackson (he lured us there), my wife Anne and I listened to her reasoning and why it has been a success over the past few months since its inception. Being our first experience, we decided we will settle on a simple rice and curry to get an assessment of the basic cuisine on offer. We left with no regrets. The Ceylon Girls restaurant has a wide array of options for dining out. Although limited in capacity to 55 pax, the options on offer include, ...

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Combined Schools, a Grand night of superb entertainment – by Trevine Rodrigo (Melbourne) Melbourne erupted into a Covid free musical spectacular as the Grand on Cathies Lane in Wantirna came alive at the Combined Schools Dinner dance that brought back the days of pure entertainment, missing for a while, due to restrictions,  over the past two years.  A galaxy of local talent brought together by highly-energised Esric Jackson and a handpicked bunch of musicians, gave music starved Melburnians a night of superb music matched by a classy cuisine usually associated with the Grand, in a night to remember.  According to Esric, ” Not one person left the Grand without paying  glowing compliments about what a fantastic night they had”.  And the Grand Receptions led by Jude de Silva spared no pain to make the venue showcase why it is the ultimate choice for grand functions. Three of Melbourne’s best bands,  ...

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