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PURPLE RAIN TO PLAY AT GOAN CARNIVAL IN CITY

Well, then, if that's one hell of a good start, there's no telling what visitors attending Carnival De Goa can expect when it comes to music, when the show gets underway at the Astoria Hotel's banquet hall, tomorrow night.

Purple Rain are no strangers to the city, having performed here decades ago. As Franky Fernandes, vocalist and lead guitarist of the band, quips, "There was a lot of rain the day we landed here the first time too. I guess there's a strange connection somewhere."

As far as Purple Rain's connection with live music goes, the union has been long and steady. Acacio Tavares, crooner and rhythm guitarist, voices it best, "The band was formed in 1985 in Goa, and since then we've gone from strength to strength. We released an album, which has been a hit back home and have featured at many shows across the Middle East."

Twenty years and their unique brand of swingy music, that includes everything from pop to salsa and rock 'n' roll to the famous Goan masala, have made Purple Rain a household name across Goa. "We are known throughout the state," asserts Franky, in his deep, husky voice. "Purple Rain are one of the few Goan bands that have made it this far and still exist today. Bands come and go, but we've managed to stay together and have kept going, making music that has enthralled generations. Our music is also very contemporary, because we've moved ahead with the passage of time. It has both a Goan and international feel to it and tomorrow we'll all just have a blast."

The main voice of the band, Franky mentioned with pride that Purple Rain had won top honours at the prestigious Pop and Jazz festival organised by the Kala Academy in Panjim, the capital of Goa.

Seconding Franky on the band's rocksolid position, Remy Fernandes, who has put together Carnival De Goa, says, "I have associated with Astoria and Purple Rain for this show because I know I can count on them to deliver. The last carnival was organised by me in 1988 and these guys were simply brilliant. The people loved them for their music and showmanship and this time too, I am confident that they will have a set that will make people go wild."

So what can carnival-goers expect from Purple Rain tomorrow? Franky races ahead with an answer. "Pure Goan music that comes from the heart. There'll be a lot of dance music because dance and enjoyment is part of the Goan culture. We'll play rock 'n' roll and music from Latin America too. There's going to be a lot of fun and people will be thrilled."

Apart from music, organisers have lined up a number of activities to keep the 400-odd crowd on their feet. "There's going to be a fancy dress parade, folk and novelty dances and a whole lot of other activities. This carnival has been taking place after a long, long time and people across the city are looking forward to it eagerly, which is one of the reasons why tickets have already been sold out. This year we are catering to a big crowd, but I can promise you that next year's event will be bigger and better. There'll be two bands playing and we'll be entertaining even more people."

Carnival De Goa has been sponsored by Emirates Bank International, Samsung, Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and Ajman National Travel Agency.