By: Rajanikanth Shenoy, Team Mangalorean

Click here for photo album

Udupi Nov 27, 2009: It was a cool evening and the ambience was exceptionally good at Kediyoor Hotel, Udupi. Max Karkada, our very own Mangalorean Jim Reeves, along with his skillful band mesmerized the jam packed audience with tunes from yesteryears and took them on a trip down memory lane. Shammi Shiri welcomed the gathering.

It was a show rightly named as 'Yesterday Once more'. Max opened the show with his rich voice, singing Gentleman Jim's song 'Distant Drums' and the audience felt as if a battalion of soldiers were approaching the venue! Max deemed it to be the right song for opening, keeping in mind the 26/11 incident that happened in Mumbai last year.

Then he went on to sing 'Knock Three Times', followed by the ever popular hit 'Rose Garden' well sung by Amabel.

The show went on at full swing with rare oldies by Gentleman Jim, Nat King Cole, Connie Frances, Pat Boone, Shakin' Stevens, George Baker Selection, Tom Jones, Tony Christie, Tony Orlando and Dawn, Carpenters, Willie Nelson, Bellamy Brothers, Elvis Presley, Engelbert Humperdinck and others, well presented by Max, Love J, Amabel and Raksha.

The audience sprang into rocking mood when Love J sang 'I saw Her Standing There' by The Beatles. The mood was romantic when Amabel sang 'Killing Me Softly' by Roberta Flack and naughty when she sang 'Stupid Cupid' by Connie Francis!

Max had many Jim songs in store for the audience including 'But You Love Me Daddy' accompanied by the lovely kids and other hits like 'Welcome to My World', 'Mexicali Rose', 'Anna Marie' and 'Rosa Rio' that kept the audience in a state of trance!

Raksha was at her best with two songs, 'Lipstick on Your Collar' by Connie Francis and 'Top of The World' by Carpenters.

A tribute to Michael Jackson, King of Pop was made through Michael's ever popular song 'Heal the World', children swaying their arms, bringing a sentimental mood among the audience.

The Band included Oscar Weltha on the keyboards, Denzil Karkada, Arun Shiri, Manoj Lazarus and Sunil Kumar on violins, Rajgopal with lead guitar, Gladson with acoustic guitar,  Jerome Coelho on bass guitar, Nizel Simon from Calicut and Theo Alwaris from Goa, on trumpets, Melwin Fernandes on the drums, and Joyce with backing vocals.

All the sponsors and media partners were duly acknowledged by the organizers. Max told the audience that Ray Baker, Jim Reeve's assistant has sent his message through personal mail to him and Melita wishing the show every success!

Speaking to our correspondent, Max said mangalorean.com has been ever supportive to him and his group when they took up any challenge for the past 3 years. He made special mention about Kudpiraj Multimedia Professionals for their media support for the show.

A sumptuous dinner was served, while instrumental classical music was played to keep the audience indulged. Shammi Shiri conducted spot games for kids. Prakash Simon with others performed instrumental devotional music.

Max kept the older generation tuned in to their memories with the song 'Mona Lisa' popularized by Nat King Cole in the Fifties.

Dr. Rathish Johnson, Dy Director of CSI Lombard Memorial Hospital was instrumental in arranging this show for charity. He thanked the audience, the band and the sponsors for their support and assured that CSI Lombard Hospital shall look after needy patients with better care in the years to come.

Among those present, were Pramod Madhwaraj of Malpe, Dr Rathish Johnson, and other authorities of CSI Lombard Memorial Hospital were present.

Max sang 'Can't Help Falling in Love' by Andy Williams as fitting finale to a romantic journey down the memory lane otherwise named as 'Yesterday Once More'.

Click here for photo album

From the archives

Mangalore: Max Karkada and Group keep the spirit of Jim Reeves Alive!