Story Archive
Photos
2009′s winning entry
UPDATE: An unfortunate miscommunication has led to further developments in the judging of Pacific Break 2009. Follow this link for more information.
Interview: Jason Wesley
Another of our champions in the region – Jason Wesley – works for SIBC in Honiara, and is also lead vocalist of Kekene. He tells us what he thinks is the secret of the amazing music in the Solomons, and discusses the influence of island reggae there. He also shares his thoughts on the struggle to promote your music as an independent artist.
Pacific Break in 2009
We’re delighted to announce that the Pacific Break competition will be happening again in 2009, beginning on Sunday March 1! We were blown away by the passion and skill of Pacific musicians who entered the competition last year, and encourage all original unsigned artists to send us their music.
Moving forward from 2008
Radio Australia’s live broadcasts from Fest’Napuan 2008 have wrapped up, and we need to thank a few people.
Photos: Building a festival
Arriving before the commencement of Fest’Napuan has allowed us to take good look at how it comes together in the final days (and hours) before the first band takes to the stage. Many things are made possible by the collaboration between organisers, volunteers, sponsors and of course musicians – and, with our team spending so much time down at the Kaljoral Senta setting up too, we’ve witnessed a real transformation.
Fest’Napuan in full swing
After gentler (though still energetic) beginnings with the Fest’Nalenga string band night on Wednesday, Fest’Napuan 2008 has picked up the tempo a little with its program of pop and reggae music. Showcasing performers from various ends of the Pacific, last night’s proceedings included bands from the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia and New Zealand, with entertainment between sets provided by young dance groups and comedians.
A glimpse of Fest’Nalenga
Last night, we were lucky enough to see a handful of string bands playing at Fest’Nalenga. We hope you enjoy this snapshot of the Torotua String Band live on stage!
Fest’Napuan 2008 begins
Fest’Napuan 2008 has now officially begun, with the local string band night – Fest’Nalenga – kicking off proceedings. This is typically a more family-oriented event (though the organisers stress that they encourage the same atmosphere for the entire festival), with groups showcasing their take on the traditional string band music that’s been enjoying a resurgence in the last decade or so.
Checking in: Vanuatu
The Pacific Break team arrived here in Port Vila late on Sunday night, after a handful of i delays – perhaps our first introduction to ‘Vanuatu time’ during this trip. The moment we crossed the tarmac and walked into the airport building, we were greeted by the Mangawiarua String Band, who are one of Vanuatu’s veteran groups (having originated as part of the renowned band Sawia two decades ago). Not five minutes in Vanuatu, and we’ve already heard one of their most experienced local bands. Not bad!
@pacbreak on Twitter
- Pacific Break is back for 2012! Find out how to enter: http://t.co/kRMKd5Aw
- We're back! And this year, we have a brand new prize. What do you think? http://t.co/Y8xOseQ2
- Happy International Jazz Day! (that's every day for jazz lovers) http://t.co/DgrlWrrI
- KaneJazz- Michel Benebig marries Kaneka music with contemporary jazz: http://t.co/UFDDQKcS
- RT @rapacific: Journey Through The Stains: performance art from Papua New Guinea http://t.co/lLnBajtY
