Yobei yesterday said his performance at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center in Honolulu on Jan. 22 with Palauan singer Lisa Sandei was a big success.
“We were very happy with how the Micronesians and Pacific Islanders who flocked to the concert welcomed us and our music. This just goes to show that Micronesian songs live on in their hearts,” Yobei said.
He said he is now preparing for this year’s Flame Tree Arts Festival, but he will also perform in the states sometime this summer.
“I am preparing to hold concerts in Washington state, Texas, Arizona and other places,” Yobei said.
Arrangements are being made for another stopover concert at the Waikiki Beach in Hawaii on his way back from his mainland concert tour.
Yobei said he usually sings two songs from each Micronesian island and a fair share of popular songs in English which he “remixes” to give them an island flavor.
Last week’s concert was Yobei’s second in Hawaii — the first one was held in 2007. It was his first performance outside the CNMI this year.
Yobei said the Neal S. Blaisdell Center, which can accommodate 2,000 people, was filled.
Tickets cost $20 if purchased in advance and $23 at the door.
“We were really excited with the fast ticket sales,” Yobei said.
He usually packages his own performances and Sandei from Palau does the same, but for last week’s concert, the organizers wanted them both to perform at the same event.
Yobei has already five albums and is working on his sixth which he plans to release this summer.
He performs at the Laolao Bay Golf Resort every Saturday, beginning at 6 p.m.
He said the Korean market is his new challenge.
“I love challenges and this is another opportunity for me to learn about Korean music,” Yobei added.
At Laolao, his show includes a 30-minute open mic portion to allow guests to sing.
“I would like to invite everybody to come and join us every Saturday there,” Yobei said.
