“Open Mic” will be a novel musical experience as the all-male ensemble of twenty five, the Old Joes’ Choir aspires to bridge music and theatre on one platform through song. “We’re portraying an Open Mic night in a bar. That’s where the theatre aspect comes into play…” says Shiran, Co- Leader of the Old Joes’ choir.
The characters enacted on stage will develop in parallel to the mellow tunes and later on the more mature tones. “Amore”, the choir’s concert in 2010 based on the theme of love was produced on the same lines where the repertoire of the evening narrated a story. However, “Open Mic” is a first and will no doubt be a breakthrough in the island’s musical scene with an open mic night being enacted on stage without the direct involvement of the audience in the singing as is tradition. “The concept is a reflection of people’s own lives and what they make of it… To live, to laugh…to life!” says Dayan, along-standing member of the choir.
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The repertoire that is a blend of classical, semi-classical and pop music will take the audience down a pathway of human emotion that serve to mould the patrons of a bar over time. “Each song depicts a particular character in a bar”, says Shiran pointing out the distinct purpose of the songs and artists chosen for the evening. The songs have not been selected and lined up at random, but have been placed to play a specific role inthe unveiling of a story, bringing to life characters from many walks of life.
The open mic night at a bar will unveil on notes of songs ranging from “Viva la vida” to “Some nights”. Nicole, who shares musical direction for “Open Mic” with Geethika Cooray, Migara Luvis and Eshantha Pieris stated, “we’re bringing the old and the new together… with music ranging from the Beach Boys to Maroon 5 to Elton John, covering many eras.”
Since its inception in 1997, the choir has been a product of generations of talented and versatile singers of the college. “All of us were in the college choir. This is the only place we meet up… we have a lot of fun and enjoyworking together” says Shiran. The choristers are engaged in diverse fields ranging from banking to journalism and engineering but to whom singing in the familiar halls that moulded their lives is “relaxing” and “enjoyable”.
Talking of the experience of putting together “Open Mic” Dayan adds, “The experience has been as always…a lot of fun…We put in a lot of effort… in selecting songs, setting the mood and finding the best way to present this to our audience that has grown to expect more from us each time! It’s also wonderful to see how the guys are letting their talents bear fruit...”
Open Mic will come alive this 21st and 22nd of June from 7.30 p.m. onwards at the Lionel Wendt with Eshantha Pieris on Piano, Pathum Fernando from “Wildfire” on Lead Guitar, Nilantha on Bass, Christopher Prins on drums and NirmalMadasekara on Keyboard.
Tickets are priced at Rs. 1500, 1000, 750 and 500 (Balcony) and are available at the Wendt.
By Sapthika Jacob
Pics by Shehal Joseph
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