SOLKRUSH “UNITY AMONGST OUR PEOPLE” CONCERT
SOLKRUSH “UNITY AMONGST OUR PEOPLE” CONCERT
There are times when we attend concerts where the artists are awesome but the whole vibe or venue isn’t that great, other times the venue is great, but the artists aren’t so great– and then there are the rare times where the artists, the venue, and the vibe all come together—such was the Solkrush concert in Anaheim, California! The theme of “Unity Amongst Our People” came out strongly throughout the night and it was an awesome experience to be there!
Due to the lack of time and space I am going to just highlight two music groups that really stood out that night!
The first is 676-Neti Taumoepeau and her band Kolo Masima! We, at Planet Tonga have had the pleasure of working with 676 for the past few months in promoting her Labor of Love project with the Tonga Red Cross where all the proceeds from her Tongan album “Unaloto Ki Pulotu” is being donated for the benefit of the Tonga Red Cross (you can still purchase your copy at http://cdbaby.com/cd/676kolokakalaband) so naturally I expected that they would do well at the concert, but they didn’t just do well, they rocked the house!!!676’s band Kolo Masima, who all come from one family (Tu’atonga Family) are young but extremely talented and passionate about music! Since they found out they were on the Solkrush ticket they have had to brush off haters who felt that they were too young or inexperienced to be playing on a Solkrush show, but that night, as the opening act for the concert, they made it known that music is not just about experience or popularity, but rather that it’s about talent, passion, determination and drive!
Much love to 676 and Kolo Masima for representin’ for the Kingdom and also for the Salty State of Utah!
The next group really needs no introduction everyone at the concert knows who stole the show that night—It was the Tongan band from Otara—Three Houses Down!!!
This was their first concert in the United States and they definitely left their mark! They had everyone up and out of their seat singing along, dancing, and there was even some guys standing next to me defying gravity and doing some strange acrobatic moves…hahaha!
When they sang their Tongan song “Fo’i Paongo” there was this palangi looking guy standing next to me singing the words and taking pictures—during the transition from one band to the other I asked the palangi looking guy (who by the way is a quarter Tongan according to him) if he is a big 3 Houses Down fan and he said “this is the first time I heard of them but I am now a fan!” anyways, we exchanged emails so that he can send me some of the pictures. I emailed him and told him that I was impressed that he knew that words to the Tongan song and he replied “I must confess I don’t know the song but everyone else was singing so I had to sing too and I knew it was in Tongan and I don’t speak Tongan but I knew the chorus sounded something like “Four bars on go”….hahahaha!!! I guess when you are feeling the music it doesn’t really matter what lyrics you are singing as long as it sounds something like it… hahaha!
You can read more about my interview with Charlie, lead vocalist and guitarist for 3HD at www.planet-tonga.com
The finale for the night sealed the theme of the concert by having all the musicians on stage singing to Bob Marley’s “One Love”! This was hands down one of the best concerts I have been to!
I would like to extend a heartfelt “malo ‘aupito” to some key people who made this concert possible and also made it possible for Planet Tonga to get full exclusive access.
Firstly, my Samoan sister Bernz Talanoa, who encouraged me to come out to the show and experience what it’s REALLY like to attend a concert where it’s not all about the promoters and the musicians but rather that its main focus is bringing our Pacific people together and showcasing the talents that we have been blessed with! Your work speaks for itself sis and I am grateful that I was there to experience it in person!
Much love and gratitude to Ralph Misa, who worked non-stop around the clock to make sure that every detail was attended to and that everyone was having a great time while also simultaneously trying to keep the peace in the neighborhood….hahahaha! There are those who talk about doing something and then there are those who actually do it…you my brother are among those who get the work done and do it with style!
Last but definitely not least, Soli, the man behind Solkrush! You know you got it like that when people don’t even need to mention your last name because your first name is sufficient enough! It’s rare to come across individuals who really believe in doing something good, something that is bigger than themselves and thus dedicate their time, money and energy into ensuring its success and then willingly steps to the background realizing that the success of any event is not about one person, but rather it’s about people coming together in unity for the betterment of our communities! Thank you brother for your love and commitment to our Pacific Islander community you have definitely raised the standard for the type of events that we should be hosting and engaging in!
For more pictures and video clips from the Solkrush “Unity Amongst Our People” Concert visit their Myspace page at: http://www.myspace.com/solkrush
Also check back later to the Planet Tonga photo gallery http://photos.planet-tonga.com as more pictures from the Solkrush concert gets updated.
A special thank you to Naomi Masina for the beautiful photos! You can check out her work at omiphoto.com. Many thanks also to Ralph Misa for all the other amazing photos you can contact him at http://www.bebo.com/rhmisa
Much ‘ofas to everyone!!!
