Hawaii Reggae and Agricultural Fair Hits Hilo!

By Lisa Chaly

It’s that time of year again when thousands of people from all over the Big Island and beyond gather together to promote awareness, connect with the community, and celebrate the birthday of legendary reggae artist Bob Marley. Enjoy a day of positive vibrations, great food, live entertainment, and much more at the “Hawaii Reggae and Agricultural Fair,” presented by Keep It Green Hawaii and Lee Brooks, on Sunday, February 12, from noon to 6 p.m. at the Mo’oheau Park and Bandstand in Hilo. This is a free event for the whole family, featuring the awesome Reggae music of Bambu Station, Junior Toots, Sahra Indio, Irae Divine, Ras Sparrow, and a whole line up of other great musicians. Feel free to dance, relax, check out the food vendors, or browse the informational booth displays filled with valuable tips on how to help keep Hawaii beautiful and sustainable.

“The mission of Hawaii Reggae and Agricultural Fair is to promote events that honor the land, strengthen the people and help to promote organic, sustainable lifestyles for a happier life, all to the beat of local and reggae music,” says Sahra Indio, musician and coordinator for this event. She adds, “The primary goal of Keep It Green Hawaii is to promote music and agricultural events. Hosting the Hawaii Reggae and Agricultural Fair is a vehicle to do so. Each year, HRAF relies on sponsorships, and contributions to cover the expenses of putting on a free event. This is the biggest challenge and this is where the community can show their support. This year, we welcome Lee Brooks to the Hawaii Reggae and Agricultural Fair; his contributions have made it possible to bring over Bambú Station and the Fyah Squad Band, and more.”

When asked about how people can get involved with the HRAF, Indio responds, “We need to receive donations on the day of the fair at the various donation points. We also need an abundance of reliable volunteers to get involved; the good people in the community that volunteer help greatly to facilitate the multiple areas that need coverage, like the Zero Waste Management aspect, the clean up crews, and the people to serve the birthday cake!” She smiles for a moment and then states; “We have been experiencing around 2,000 attendees each year. If each person were to donate a minimum of $1 each, $2,000 would be raised. You can see that just through event-day donations, the Hawaii Reggae and Agricultural Fair would have start-up money for the next year’s event and, thus, become more sustainable. In 2011, we started fundraising events that raised the profile of the festival and gave the HRAF more exposure by targeting various locations around the world through digital media to help raise funds.”

With the power of social networking, the Internet, digital media, and word of mouth, people from all walks of life have eventually found their way to the this event, and this year should bring even more. Fortunately for event goers this year, Bambú Station will be headlining, bringing with them some serious modern day Roots-Reggae music that is sure to put everyone into a soul-stirring groove. This multi-award winning reggae band hails from the Virgin Islands and was founded in 1996 by the impassioned lead singer Jalani Horton. Since their first tour in July 2004, Bambú Station’s fan base has exploded beyond measure with every album and tour. Bambú Station has since performed throughout Europe, Israel, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Islands. As a result of their worldwide success, they created the Bambú Station Foundation in an effort to help raise funds for lectures, benefits, awareness campaigns, and other proactive efforts that positively impact the lives of families, with a focus on children. It only makes sense that they would come to share the blessings with the good people of Hawaii at the HRAF; in turn, it is an honor to see them perform live at this free event, made possible by continued sponsorship and community donations.

Besides having a stellar big name band as the festival headliner, there are many other musicians that will bless the HRAF with their conscious rhythms music. Junior Toots from Jamaica joins the line-up with his uncannily reminiscent tone and deep soulful vocal style. Also on the list is Sahra Indio, Philadelphia born, Big Island resident who has been dubbed “Jah’s Jewel” for her universal truth interwoven with lyrical power and laid-back delivery. Irae Divine, from New jersey, will also be sharing the stage, delivering her own dynamic reggae style and presence. Local talents include Ras and Queen Sparrow, Ben Kaili, Ras Gabriel, Isa Rebel, Maka Gallinger, and “The Original” Fyah Redbeard.

The bandstand is undoubtedly going to be filled with the jamming sounds of reggae music all day long that participants can enjoy, either on the dance floor, the bleachers, or while strolling around the park viewing the different vendors beneath the shade trees. With so many great things happening at the festival, it’s bound to be a huge success this year. “The highlight of the day will be to see everything running smoothly, under sunny skies. If just one person leaves the fair having gained more knowledge and awareness of green and sustainable living, and has enjoyed the music and connected or reconnected with community members, then that will prove the success of the Hawaii Reggae and Agricultural Fair; that will be the biggest reward,” proclaims Indio. She adds enthusiastically, “There will also be Keiki Activities, Zero Waste Management, and Free filtered water dispensed with Aloha by the Waterman, so please bring a refillable water bottle.”

Closing her eyes with deepest gratitude, Indio adds one last thing, “Thank you to all the vendors, sponsors, supporters, and helpers who have made this event possible. I would also like to send a big mahalo out to all the fair-goers who continue to behave in a conscious fashion year after year. It is a true pleasure to see the park filled with harmonious people spreading the one love vibe.”

Be sure to join in the fun and celebration as thousands unite for the Hawaii Reggae and Agricultural Fair on Sunday, February 12, from noon to 6 p.m. at the Mo’oheau Park and Bandstand in Hilo.

For more information, please visit www.hawaiireggaeandagriculturalfair.com.