High hopes for Tinian’s Natural Hi

Musical adviser Bruce Castro Blanton Jr., back left, joins five of the Natural Hi members at the back of their booth at the 2016 Tinian Hot Pepper Festival last weekend at the Kammer Beach Grounds on Tinian. (Jon Perez)

TINIAN—Bruce Castro Blanton Jr. believes so much in the natural musical talent of seven students from Tinian Junior and Senior High School that he wants them to join the 35th Flame Tree Arts Festival in April this year.

“We are trying to raise funds so they could perform in this year’s Flame Tree Arts Festival. Our goal is to reach $640 for the plane tickets, so far we are almost there,” said Blanton Jr., who acts as the musical director of the group.

Called Natural Hi, the band is composed of sisters Kimberly (vocals and drums) and Karen Joy Lagunay (vocals), Pia Dela Cruz (vocals), Sophia Cruz (band leader and guitar), Anthony “Ton” Cabrera (bassist), Gareth Jumao-as (singer/rapper), and Romeo Shrestha (piano/keboard). Kimberly is the only senior in the group while the rest are sophomores.

“They are all natural-born musicians. Kimberly for example learned how to play drums in two weeks, while Ton easily transitioned in playing base after he already knew how to play the guitar. Gareth writes his own rap. That’s why, I believe in these kids and I hope more people get the chance to hear them play and sing,” said Blanton Jr.

The band, which performed for two nights during the Pika Festival, was only formed in December during the Christmas break. Blanton Jr. approached them after hearing them sing while on school. The band played for the first time during the New Year’s Eve festivities at Natibu Park on Tinian.

“I heard how talented they are and so I asked them if they wanted to form a group. They are all members of the TJSHS music club, they decided to form the band and picked the name Natural Hi. Natural because they have natural talents and Hi, because they are still in junior and high schools,” said Blanton Jr.

“They are new but motivated and willing to learn. Being a former of a band myself, I’m just here to guide them and help them overcome stage fright,” added the science teacher at TJSHS.

The band will again headline a free community concert at Natibu Park on March 17 in an event organized by the Micronesia Youth Services and Network and in May for the San Jose Fiesta on Tinian.

“Whatever money we raised will be used by the students. We are also hoping to secure a sponsor for our hotel so the only thing that we need to fundraise is for the airplane tickets. So far, we are almost there on our target, thanks to various sponsors which gave money or things that we sold in the [Hot] Pepper Festival,” added Blanton.

Sweet Escape donated 100 cookies, which they sold with all the money going to their fund, while TJSHS math teacher Vince Aguon gave T-shirts and they got 50 percent share on the proceeds.

Mixed martial arts practitioner Frank “The Crank” Camacho also gave a donation while his Blanton Jr.’s wife, Reena, sold personalized stickers. Their three dogs—a German Shepherd, a Poodle, and a Golden Retriever—also had their share as they charged a minimal fee for those who want to pet or have their photo taken.

“We are also hoping to get the chance to play in Guam during the summer break, that’s part of our goal, and then, in parts of California,” added Blanton Jr.

Joshua Castro, a cousin of Blanton Jr., also helped with the ZosZengZung’s Pika Fest Fundraiser along with Trench Tech, Atdit/Trendsetters, Poksu’/Marianas Built, Boarderline Surf and Skate Shop, Ginen Marianas, J’s Restaurant, The Undeniable Clothing, Star Marianas Air, and performers Nikkie Ayuyu, Fakiezero, and Pozzy-D.