NATURAL ROOTS

Natural Roots began their journey into the world of music as a band in 2004, although individually they have always been making music. Their cultural roots can be traced back to the Islands of Aotearoa, Samoa and Tonga. Jan “Mailevai” van der Beek (lead vocalist) writes all the songs for their band [...]

SONS OF MANASSEH

Sons of Manasseh consists of Tongan and Samoan musicians, who have joined musical forces to create melodies that heal the soul, unite communities and promote true Island Reggae.  They pride themselves in the love they have for their Pacific Islander culture and people.  Their main purpose is to motivate Pacific Islander youth to [...]

LOLE USOALI’I

Lole has been surrounded by music her whole life, from her Tongan Grandfather who was a gifted musician to her brothers who loved to create music. It’s no wonder that she became the first Samoan Solo Artist to grace the Television and radio of New Zealanders in mainstream music. Lole is considered a pioneer [...]

Pacific Worlds and the American West

A Conference hosted by the American West Center at the University of Utah
February 8 and 9, 2008
Salt Lake City , Utah

Call for Papers
The University of Utah’s American West Center (AWC), the Pacific Islander Student Association (PISA) and Salt Lake Community College ’s Pacific Unity Association (PUA) invites proposals for an [...]

It’s over! Oh mah goodness!! It is finally over. So I was asked to blog about my experience planning & preparing for the festival. If I could sum it all up in one word it would be …..CHAOS!! hahaha! This year was the 13th annual Friendly Island Festival. Count ‘em , 13! The first time [...]