Blackslades and Sharp to perform at Doha Goans Sports Club May Queen Ball On May 5 at Ramada Plaza
Doha Qatar, March 28 2011: What do you get if you get India's best drummer, the most talented guitarist, a bass guitarist like none in the country, an equally impressive guy on the keyboards and a vocalist who is as young at heart as he is talented at the task makes for a lethal combination, doesn't it? That's how you would describe the BlackSlades once you've seen them perform. By any standards one of the best Goan bands around. This group of guys are based in Delhi but are very much Goans at heart. BlackSlades will rock Qatar on May 5 for the May Queen Ball organized by Doha Goans Sports Club at Ramada Plaza. The concept of May Queen Ball was started by Doha Goans Sports Club in 1991 i.e 1st May Queen Ball during Basil Coutinho as President. Then and it continued till 2003 when the club was dissolved. After the revival of DGSC last year, within a short span of time entire Goan Community got animated with different activities starting with Konkani Drama Songleank Nomaskar on 24/09/2010, an inter-village football tournament, Goa Day in November 2010, St. Francis Xavier Feast with free dinner followed by cultural programme on 3rd Dec. 2010 Church premises, Dine & Dance Annual Day in December 2010 and now is the continuation of mega event in May 2011 May Queen Ball. BlackSlades original band composed of - Alex ( Keyboard/Sound ), Francis ( Bass ), Clifford ( Rhythm guitar ), Succoro ( Drums ), Menino ( Guitarist/Vocals ), this was the way they started off in 1985. The year 1989-90 saw Benny make his entry into the group to replace Alex on the Keyboards, the same year Julius reinforced the band with his vocals. BlackSlades have been performed and entertained music lovers for the past 14 years at the magnificent "Crown Plaza Surya Hotel" in Delhi. They go down to their home town Goa every summer to remind everyone that they have not forgotten their roots. They have also done several musical shows overseas with Muscat being their most visited place apart from Kuwait. They also perform regularly in Indian cities like Chandigarh, Delhi, Roorkhie, Jaipur, etc, catering to different types of people and listening tastes -- from rock concerts at colleges to hi-brow jazz and pop dos. Their repertoire is wide, flexible and they provide what the people want. It sets the band apart from the others. These guys are meant for bigger things, which sooner or later will pass their way. Black Slades started up in the initial years with the famous singer Anamika. They have also worked with Apache Indian and Kailash Kher. Benny ( Keyboards ) lives in Margao and initially played as part of a Hard Rock setup. If not into music, he would probably have been into marketing cause he has a way with words and knows how to get his point across. Ronald ( Vocalist ) is like a firecracker exploding endlessly. He comes from the coastal village of Benaulim and is the most charismatic of the lot. Ronald is also the youngest in the group and started singing professionally at the age of 19. One look at Ronald and you may take him for a walking, talking billboard for a style magazine, with accessories and a haircut as vibrant as his personality. Menino ( Guitarist/Vocals ) is a very humble person and easy to get along. Six strings on a piece of wood with Menino's fingers is a sure way to make magic that maybe cannot be seen but definitely can be heard. Menino is originally from Colva and is a very good cook as well. Succoro ( Drummer ) - This guy's looks are deceiving - he may look like a scientist about to discover something big, but give him a drum set and you will feel the bass kick in a pulsating rhythm that is sure to leave you asking for more. Succoro is the quietest member of the band but when he speaks everybody better listen. He is originally from Colva. Anthony ( Bass Guitarist ) comes from the beautiful village of Velsao. Anton as he is called by those close to him, is a very down-to-earth person, the kind who would only take as much as needed. He is an amazing player of the Bass guitar. Anthony is also into martial arts (taekwondo). His aim is to release an album in Konkani. NB: Article appeared on Gasper Crasto’s website and was written by the author Gasper Crasto
