YOGESH AMATYA (AND HIS BAND) PERFORM IN WOOLWICH by Benson Agoha

* New Wine Church on Saturday Night.

* A Real Spectacle!

"Picnic In London" was a concert that lived up to its hype from the arrival of the Band members on stage to the presentation of traditional robes. The audience enjoyed a quiet and very enjoyable night from a musician of note.

YOGESH AMATYA (called "Yogeshwar Amatya"), the popular Nepalese Musician, performed Saturday Night, at the New Wine Auditorium on John Wilson Street, Woolwich amidst tight security.

* Ani Choying Dolma receives her traditional robe before her performance!

A Solemn, yet serene concert, the show was opened by Ani Chong (called "Ani Choying Dolma"), the only female member of the band. Ani's voice was the first sign that the audience was in for an interesting night.

A Nepalese Monk, Ani Chong was one of those presented with Traditional Robe during the stage introduction.

* Ani Chong takes her bow before introducing popular musician, Yogesh Amatya.

* Yogesh Amatya performs "Melodie". Did you know that this popular musician actually studied Geology - and is fascinaed by the idea of travelling to Space, Mars, Jupiter?

Well, I guess he is closer to realising his dream now more than ever, with Curiosity doing a great job out there on Mars!

* The Man with style:

Yogesh Amatya's performance was interspersed with regular applause from the audience. And drew more applause when he stood up and performed a sudden dance routine on stage. It was an act from a musician that knew his audience well.

He won the NTV (Nepali TV) 1998 Song of the Year Award. He has performed in numerous cities around the world including, London, Hongkong, Melbourne, Sydney.

And on this occassion, he is scheduled to perform in four cities across the UK alone. His favourite non-Nepali artists include Eagles, Beatles, Elvis, Bob Dylan etc.

Not the musician to prounce around the stage, his dance lasted about only 30 seconds before he resumed his sitting position. And, when he stood up and pointed to the sky (or roof) at the end of his "Melodie" song, you get the feel of an experienced and charismatic performer, who is in tune with his audience and reacts accordingly.

* Yemi and I took our seats on the Reporters section of the Auditorium, behind the Studiobox.

*Huge Attendabce: and although, the auditorium was not filled to capacity, the performance was worth every dime paid.

* "Picnic In London" moved to its next performance the next day Sunday, December 9th, at the Harrow Leisure Centre, Christchurch Avenue, Harrow, Middlesex, HA3 5BD.

The band play two other venues in UK -as advertised, on Saturday and Sunday next week. Scroll down the blog to see earlier post "NEW WINE CHURCH, WOOLWICH HOSTS `PICNIC IN LONDON'" or click on this link: