HUNDREDS of community members gathered at the Garapan Fishing Base on Friday night for the Indigo Music Festival, which featured some of the biggest names in island reggae music: Hawaii’s very own Maoli Music, The Steppas, and One Rhythm.
The music festival was the first in the CNMI since the Covid-19 pandemic struck the world over two years ago.
People of all ages — children, youth, young adults, and adults — showed up at the festival grounds to enjoy good music, good food, and good company.
It rained for a while, but festivalgoers stuck around, anxiously waiting for the headliner, Maoli Music, to take the stage, following the electric performances by One Rhythm and The Steppas.
Maoli Music serenaded the audience with a number of their hit songs, including “Golden,” “No One,” “Mercy,” “Rumor,” and “Unwritten.”
The festival also featured local artists such as DJ Big Ken Camacho, Jed, and JPogi.
There was an after-party from 11:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. for individuals at least 21 years of age.
One of the festivalgoers, Naomi Tudela from Navy Hill, said, “It was a good time, a great way to kick off the summer. Music brings folks together and we also get to showcase our beautiful community and island to our musical guests. I enjoyed seeing everyone!”
Robert Smith, 21, from San Roque, shared his excitement about Friday’s lineup of island reggae artists.
“It was ‘cherry.’ It was pretty darn good, to be honest. After this pandemic, everything closed, other than going to the store and the beach. This was pretty much like a get-together, pretty much good for the family,” he said.
Smith said he enjoyed the concert so much that he probably was going to lose his voice from cheering so much.
Just as enthused was 17-year-old Jesse Atalig from Marianas High School.
“I thought it was so good, man. We haven’t had live music in forever. Ever since I was young, we’ve never had a concert like this before, so it’s really refreshing. It just brings so much life to the island,” he said.
A similar concert was held at 4:30 on Sunday, May 22, at the Tinian Fiesta Grounds.
The Indigo Music Festival on Saipan was presented by the following sponsors: Budweiser, the Marianas Visitors Authority, the Office of the Mayor of Saipan, Roil Soil Clothing, SuperTyphoon Network, the CNMI Covid-19 Care Force, Marianas Variety News & Views, the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture, IT&E, KKMP, and the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs.
Among the participating vendors were Kamakazee, Oh My Grill, Apu, Sheri’s Food, Pho King A, The Angry Penne, and Tyler’s Gelatte Stone.
Glenn Awong, lead singer of Maoli Music.
Maoli Music
Maoli Music
Maoli Music
Star Alanis, lead singer of The Steppas.
William Kauhane, lead singer of One Rhythm.
DJ Big Ken Camacho
Emcee
A festivalgoer receives a wristband at the entrance.
Kamakazee’s
The Angry Penne
A festivalgoer receives food from one of the vendors on Friday.
“People of all ages — children, youth, young adults, and adults — showed up at the festival grounds to enjoy good music, good food, and good company.”
Star Alanis of the Steppas performs at the Indigo Music Festival.
William Kau’hane of One Rhythm performs at the Indigo Music Festival.
Maoli Music pumps up the crowd.
