Burning Bush impressed the audience and the judges with their dynamic performance on stage, besting nine other bands with their rendition of Bob Marley and island songs.
Burning Bush was formed last year, prompted by their passion to reintroduce reggae to the community, said vocalist Andrew Moses.
“We hold regular practice and gave our best when we performed. We were just new and we didn’t think of winning but we are glad all our efforts paid off,” Moses said.
The other members of the band are Felix Rabauliman, guitar and vocals; Andrew Pangelinan, guitar and vocals; Jesse Pangelinan, guitar and vocals; Scotty Silva, drums; and Joe Villagomez, bass guitar.
Burning Bush performs at the Ocean’s Bar on Wednesdays.
“High Pitch Band” bagged second place while Frozen Nipple came in third.
Frozen Nipple won first place at Northern Marianas College’s Battle of the Bands in April 2007.
Fourth place went to the “D is for Dangerous.”
The other performers who treated the audience to a mix of rock, ska, reggae, pop, dance and contemporary music were “Project X” band which was formed in 2006, “Fritada,” “Past & Present,” “J2” and “Channel B” band.
“Rated R” placed sixth and won the Texter’s Choice Awards from Pacific Telecommunications Inc., garnering 3,137 text votes or about 43 percent of all the votes counted.
Text voting accounted for 20 percent of the total score of the bands. PTI started counting votes from 8 a.m. on Aug. 1 until 8 p.m. on Aug. 24.
“Big Beats,” one of Saipan’s most popular bands, wrapped up the event with a sizzling performance.
The panel of judges was composed of Harry Blalock, KZMI general manager; Rick Jones, 360 Restaurant general manager; and Power ’99 disc jockey LJ Castro who stood in for Tina Palacios, SMG station manager.
Saipan Summer Jam was sponsored by Coca-Cola Beverage Co. (Micronesia) Inc., PTI, Northern Marianas College, and Budget Car Rental. Prize partners included Shell Marianas, Foremost, Subway, Boarderline, PC Outlet, Taro Sue and Mariana Trench Monument.
