Last night my wife and I spent the evening at the Yigo Amusement Park listening to reggae vibes of the Opihi Pickers, Kaipo, and Katchafire. The weather was good, the portable restrooms were air conditioned and clean (WOW!), the crowd was skankin’, and overall, the music was just excellent.
I’ll admit being skeptical about this concert because the last one we attended was a real disappointment. Third World had come to Guam and we had bought tickets, but the location and price really killed any chances of it being a success. I don’t recall the exact amount we paid, but I remember it being more than $20.00 with the concert being held indoors at the University of Guam Field House. Without the cool fresh night air and the moon out, it just wasn’t very enjoyable.
Reggae Concerts should be held exclusively outdoors in my opinion, and that was supported by the turnouts of the last two held here on Guam. The Katchfire concert at Jeff Pirates Cove in April was a huge success (I missed that one) and that success rolled over with Katchafire’s return and performance at the Yigo Amusement Park yesterday evening.
As for the actual music, everything was great. The local band Rebel Lion really rocked the park, and the three off island acts were great as well. Katchafire was the main event of the evening, but my wife preferred the Opihi Pickers and Kaipo over them. I can’t say I disagree with her because Katchafire played more of their newer material to promote their latest album and much of it was unfamiliar to my ears. I’m not knocking Katchafire at all, but I would have rather had them play more of their older tunes that my wife and I were hoping to hear over the course of the evening.
Overall the concert was sick and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend my Labor Day Weekend. I would definitely pay $20.00 for a concert at the same venue and hopefully we can get the band Sublime and Pepper out here sometime soon. That would definitely be a concert I would not miss.
Last but not least a huge shoutout to Expressions Studio Guam for the sick photos I took from their flickr account!
Hey trench, howzit. I noticed that the pic used for the article looked a little familiar. I know that it was posted on flickr and because of that, it’s easy to download and reproduce. I really don’t mind if someone wants to use a photo like the way it’s been used here. All I ask is that a photo credit, shoutout, props, link to the rest of the photos, or something to that effect, that’s all. I love conscious music, especially roots reggae. I try to portray that love through my work and when I can, I try to spread that love by posting it on the internet. We’re both from Guam bro… let’s help each other in this time when locals need to rise up and have our voices heard!
As far as the article, I have a few comments. I too, went to the Third World concert and I also believe that it was not as successful as it could’ve been, but for slightly different reasons. I remember that weekend because I was at the Fieldhouse the night before at PXC. It was an expensive weekend for people. I agree with you on ticket price and location, but timing could’ve been better. Still beautiful music though (I couldn’t get those bass lines out of my head for days). You missed Ipan? You missed out on one of the best concerts in recent times. Just as good as the first SOJA concert. As far as your not enjoying Katchafire as much as you wanted too, I think that is indicative of why it’s so hard for local musicians to really succeed playing original music because the crowds on Guam (for the most part) always want to hear something that they can sing along to. Living proof of that is Guam’s most successful band, D.U.B. I’m not hating, I think they’re great musicians. It’s just that they’re last album was all covers. A lot of people are waiting for that next 7 deep album, including me. It’s been long enough bro. You guys had some good vibes.
I’ve said my peace. Si Yu’us Ma’Ase
Anthony Tamayo Jr.
Hoi! Lanya! I forgot the shoutout! I meant to put your flickr page up for it! LOL.
7miles is done man. Band split for personal reasons, but! I am working an a album sooo…. Stay tuned. Thanks for the support brah.
I agree with you on the local musicians comment. I think the new material needs to hit the airwaves a bit more first before being played at a live concert so people can be more familiar with the songs.
oh, and I wished I had known you took photos for weddings! I would have hired you instead!
A lot of locals have been getting airplay lately, so I think it’s a great time for you bro. We’ll be listening. Shoots!
im waiting for that new C.B.7 album too
c’mon chris, do that music thing you do
hoi fred! you missed out partner! You were suppose to be sidekick! ALL NIGHT! *small kine*
Hello people, i´m portuguese, i use to listen some songs of Katchafire and they are really good, any of u knows where i can do some downloads of Katchafire concerts, please say anthing to my mail – bruno_mml@hotmail.com, thanks:)
that concert was amazing, however, sublime has been broken up since the 90′s.
pepper did come though in february of this year! awesome concert!!!!