The 4th Annual Spanaway Island Fest kicks off this Saturday, August 10th at the Sprinker Recreation Center in Tacoma, Wa. For anyone who hasn’t been, it’s an all-day island and reggae music festival with artists and bands from Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest’s local scene. There will be art, food, and celebration that pairs perfectly with great music. It’s fun for the whole family so make sure to bring the kiddos.
I had a chance to interview Uce Skywalker (lead vocals) and Gutty Rankz (bass and guitar) of Stay Grounded, about this event. The band will be performing at the festival this year and these two have also been helping with the production. They filled me in on what it’s like for festival-goers who are able to attend.
Uce Skywalk and Gutty Rankz Talks Spanaway Island Fest
What kind of experience should someone expect?
Skywalker & Rankz – “Our goal at Spanaway Island Fest, is to bring traditional and modern Hawaiian/island culture to the community of Western Washington for a full day of music, arts, foods, and celebration. With a massive performance stage, the main feature of SIF is the music. From Hawaii to Washington, the biggest names in island reggae music will be performing throughout the day.
“Island music lovers may recognize headliners: Maoli, Jordan T, Ka’ikena Scanlan, The Steppas, and Bruddah Waltah. Local powerhouses like; Stay Grounded, Island Bound, and J Moe Da Bird will also be there in full effect. Some of the PNW’s top island food vendors will be on-site, preparing and selling various types of authentic Hawaiian cuisines and delicacies. A full service 21+ beer garden will also be available. In addition, local artists who specialize in traditional Hawaiian arts will be on-site crafting, creating and selling their hand-made goods.”
What makes this festival unique compared to others?
Skywalker & Rankz – “Spanaway Island Fest is a family driven event. SIF was created solely by local musician, Iray Balderson, of Drumma Boy Entertainment. Even in our fourth year, our goal still remains the same: to unify ohanas and bring our community together using the power of island vibrations. With this promise, we allow Children 10 and under free admission, and also encourage attendees to bring fold-out chairs, 10×10 pop up tents, and coolers (water only) so everyone can relax and feel comfortable in their own environments!”
How has the been turnout over the years?
Skywalker & Rankz – “Every year, Spanaway Island Fest has grown exponentially bigger and bigger. In our four years of operations, we’ve made a name for ourselves as one of the fastest-growing island festivals on the west coast, while still staying true to our roots. We hope you join our ever-growing ohana and make SIF a new part of your summer tradition!”
Spanaway Island Festival Official Lineup
- 12:00 PM – J Moe Da Bird
- 1:00 PM – Kana
- 2:00 PM – LeMana
- 3:00 PM – Braddah Waltah
- 3:45 PM – KDFIT
- 4:00 PM – Island Bound
- 5:00 PM – The Steppas
- 6:00 PM – Stay Grounded
- 7:00 PM – Jordan T
- 8:00 PM – Ka’ikena Scanlan
- 9:15 PM – Maoli
More About Spanaway Island Fest
Sprinker Recreation Center
Spanaway (Tacoma), WA
Saturday, August 10th
Doors @ 10:00 AM | First Show @ 12:00 PM
GET TICKETS HERE
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