Despite stormy weather, Liberation Day concert pushes through

The threat of Tropical Storm Chan-Hom bringing with it overcast skies and rainy weather over the weekend did not dampen the Fourth of July spirit of Saipan residents wanting to celebrate one of the most significant holidays in the Commonwealth.

Hawaiian singer Anuhea performed for the public in celebration of Liberation Day last Saturday at the Kanoa Resort despite Tropical Storm Chan-Hom bringing rains and gusty winds on the island. (Frauleine S. Villanueva)

Gathering at the lobby of Kanoa Resort in Susupe last Saturday, families and friends enjoyed an afternoon of music and performances at the Liberation Day concert brought by organizer Skywalker Communications Group together with Steven Brownstein Entertainment.

“After confirmation that weather conditions for the day were safe enough for residents to partake in the in-door concert festivities, the impromptu performance was quickly organized,” Skywalker’s public relations manager Kiki Chen said.

“This is the Saipan spirit and this is one of the many things I love about Saipan. Rain or shine, party must go on,” said Mary Mendoza, vice president for Public Relations and Marketing of Best Sunshine International, one of the CNMI Liberation Day’s major sponsors.

Hawaiian contemporary folk rock singer and songwriter Anuhea was the first to perform.

“There was quite an interest in Anuhea,” Steven Brownstein said, “And so when the opportunity rose to bring to Saipan a great concert and fireworks show to the Liberation Day festivities, the first thought that came to my mind was Anuhea.”

Fans danced and sang to Anuhea hits “Higher than the Clouds,” “Come Over Love,” and “Big Deal.” Kids and adult fans alike had a chance to sing with her band in “Simple Love Song.”

The audience also enjoyed Anuhea’s covers of other popular hits like TLC’s “Waterfalls.” As a finale, she sang Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” also known as “Every Little Thing” which added to the taste of island music.

After their performance, organizers and sponsors gave away T-shirts to the crowd. Fans also had the opportunity to meet the band.

A Korean group named BJ Dance Group, founded by artistic director Jung-hee Baek, also performed for the public their signature pieces from Korean traditions. This includes the colorful Fan Dance, Jindobookchum, and Ganggangsullae.

“The variations in the day’s performances were representative of this year’s Liberation Festivities theme “Peace in Diversity” and were well-received by the attending crowd,” Chen said.

Also present in the event were Lt. Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and his wife Diann, some members of the Legislature, as well as this year’s Liberation Festival Queen Zolenska Marie Yaroitemal and Royal Princess Stephanie Camacho.

Anuhea was supposed to perform at the Garapan Fishing Base on the evening of July 4 but the stage that was earlier set up had to be removed because of the threat of Tropical Storm Chan-Hom. The dance group on the other hand was supposed to perform at the American Memorial Park stage but had to be transferred also. The Liberation Day parade wasn’t able to push through.

Other sponsors for the festivities are KKMP, Joeten Superstore, Torres Brothers LLC, Burger Comer Magliari, Docomo, IT&E, 360 Restaurant, Island Training Solutions, Sunleader, Sichuan Airlines, and Naked Fish.