Camp Zama music fest rocks crowd

By Sue Jorgenson

            It was non-stop hip-hop, rap, pop, rock, jazz and reggae for two days straight at the Camp Zama Music Festival.

            The open-post event drew music lovers of all ages and genres on Sept. 26 and 27. But the greatest draw was undoubtedly Sunday evening when hip-hop rapper Flo-Rida (pronounced “flo-rye-da”) hit the stage. 

            Risa Tsunoda, 20, a Sanno University student from Isehara City, came especially to hear the top-billed musician. While waiting, she enjoyed Popeye’s fried chicken and Budweiser beer with friends. 

            “I love music. I came to hear Flo-Rida,” said Tsunoda. “Listening to American music is a good way to study English.”

            Another fan, Haile Austin, a medical technician from Camp Zama CHPPM-PAC, was there for the headliner, too. “I love Flo-Rida but I also came out to support the community since they’re sponsoring something like this for us,” said Austin.

            Just before Flo-Rida made his entrance, the crowd was up on its feet cheering and flashing cameras and mobile phones. In a sudden surge of excitement, they broke through control barriers to rush the stage despite pleas by officials to stay back.

            No one was hurt, a couple of lost children were presented on stage and the performance got underway without further incident.

            Armed Forces Entertainment sponsored Flo-Rida, along with two others: The Real You, a rock band from Seattle, and Anuhea, a pop singer from Hawaii. 

            Zama American High School seniors Kelsey Oshiro and Kristen Dulay could hear The Real You playing on stage while they volunteered in a food booth sponsored by Youth Services and the Keystone Club. 

            “They sounded really good so we were cheering,” Oshiro said. “They did a cover of a group I like.” After the band’s performance, both girls waited in line for a photo with the foursome. They got their autographs as well.

            Also featured throughout the weekend were Synergy, The Island Boyz, USARJ Rock Band, Michael Fogarty and Nu Infiniti, Steve Beckham, and Cesco and Boyz. 

            Over 8,000 Japanese visitors streamed through the gates for the two days of free entertainment, which ended with an 8 p.m. fireworks display each evening.

            “We went to two days for the first time this year,” said Paul Stearns, MWR recreation chief. “We want to promote good relationships with our Japanese counterparts and be good ambassadors. In other places, they would have to pay for concerts. Here, they can just come out and enjoy themselves.”