54
Arts
April 2016
www.GilbertSunNews.com
Visiting Sri Lankan classical musicians to present concert to provide social and cultural AZ Sri Lankans, a group of arts-loving engagement to educate and promote Sri Lankan-Americans in Arizona, is multiculturalism in the community presenting an evening of classical music In Arizona, the in Gilbert. group is estimated to “Yugmasara (Duet number less than 1,000, Melodies),” to be held including the families in 5 p.m. Sunday, April Tucson and the student 17, at Williams Field populations at ASU and High School, 2076 S. U of A. Higley Rd., features The close-knit group visiting musicians from is known for its support Sri Lanka, Amarasiri and attendance of Peiris and Deepika cultural events. It also Priyadarshani Peiris, likes to share its culture who enjoy immense with others. popularity in the island “We want to foster nation on the Indian friendly dialogue among Ocean. Sri Lankans and all those Deepika Priyadarshani Peiris. The musicians are on Submitted photo interested in Sri Lankan a multistate tour of the culture regardless of age, United States and will race, gender, creed or come to Phoenix following a concert in national origin,” said Sujeeva Randeniya, Los Angeles. a member. AZ Sri Lankans has a mission Randeniya said that attendees can be
BY SRIANTHI PERERA
assured of a melodious evening in the intimate atmosphere of the high school auditorium. Violinist, vocalist and stage performer Amarasiri Peiris has worked his way up to become the director of music at Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation. He has more than three decades of singing under his belt, and is the recipient of many awards. In 1981, Deepika entered the field of music at 14, singing in children’s programs broadcast over the Sri Lanka Broadcast Corp. She has been a top radio/television artist since 1986. Her catchy rendition of the kapiringha song “Aju Thapara Lahi La” in the teledrama “Bhagya” was an instant hit. Guitarist Nalaka Anjana, violinist Kalani Perera, tabla player Dhananjaya Somasiri and keyboardist Chathura Perera provide the supporting music to the two artists. Tickets are priced at $100, $75 and $50 with free admission to children
Amarasiri Peiris. Submitted photo
under 12 years. Call (480) 603-8001 or (480) 268-1565 in Phoenix and (520) 270-1911 in Tucson. For details, visit the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/azsrilankans or azsrilankans.com
ON STAGE “Anything Goes,” through Saturday, April 2, HCT. This tale of boy-meetsgirl and the complications that ensue will intrigue every audience. This show features an incredible collection of Cole Porter songs including “It’s DeLovely,” “I Get A Kick Out Of You,” “All Through The Night,” “Anything Goes,” “You’re The Top” and “Blow, Gabriel, Blow.” “The Andrews Brothers,” through April 19, HCT. Mistaken identities and madcap adventures abound in this wonderful valentine to the heroes of World War II. Belinda Carlisle, Friday, April 1, WHP. Her first solo album, 1986’s “Belinda,” featured the hit single “Mad About You,” and the following year she released “Heaven on Earth,” her greatest solo success.
The von Trapps, Friday, April 1, CCA. Their performances make room for melodicas and ukuleles, lyrics that can unspool in 10 languages twinges of Appalachia and Portlandia, some shout-outs to the Mamas and Papas, all filtered through the DNA of the most beloved musical, “The Sound of Music.” “The Diary of Anne Frank,” through May 14, HCT. “The Diary of Anne Frank” is a true story about a Jewish girl in hiding during the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam in World War II. Air Supply, Saturday, April 9, WHP. Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock celebrate 40 years of hits, including “Lost in Love,” “All Out of Love,” “The One That You Love,” “Sweet Dreams” and “Making Love Out Of Nothing At All.” 2CELLOS, Saturday, April 9, MAC. Their version of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” went viral in 2011, and the
Croatian cellists continue to with dynamic music videos and covers. The Garth Guy, Friday, April 1, HACC. Dean Simmons presents an accurate tribute to country star Garth Brooks. Hillbilly Deluxe, Sunday, April 10, HACC. Classic and modern country cover songs. Ghost in the Machine, Friday, April 15, HACC. The best songs from The Police and Sting from this cover band. Marty Stuart, Saturday, April 30, HACC. The five-time Grammy winner is an American country music singersongwriter, known for both his traditional style and eclectic merging of rockabilly, honkytonk and traditional country music. Alton Brown Live: Eat Your Science, Thursday, May 12, MAC. Fans can expect more comedy, talk show antics, multimedia presentations and music. Los Lonely Boys, Sunday, June 12, CCA. Rootsy brown-eyed soul, rustic acoustic textures and good oldfashioned bluesy rock ‘n’ roll.
VENUES CCA—Chandler Center for the Arts 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler Tickets: (480) 782-2680, www.chandlercenter.org HACC—Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino 15406 N. Maricopa Rd., Maricopa Tickets: (480) 802-5000, www.harrahsakchin.com HCT—Hale Centre Theatre 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert Tickets: (480) 497-1181, www.haletheatrearizona.com MAC—Mesa Arts Center One E. Main St., Mesa Tickets: (480) 644-6500, www.mesaartscenter.com WHP—Wild Horse Pass 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler Tickets: (800) 946-4452, www.wingilariver.com