Reggae-Rama

Ekolu gives Molokai some aloha after their Friday show. 

Paddler’s packs da house for first Reggae Fest.

By Brandon Roberts

Walking through the door, a wave of positive vibrations wash over the body, and island beats fill the ears as Molokai swarms the dance floor to share their aloha at Paddler’s first Reggae Fest.

Three days of choke tropical jams let fans come face-to-face with some of Hawaii’s biggest musical sensations April 18 thru the 20. “This is the first of many, I need to start booking next years bands,” said Kamuela Kamakana, Paddler’s Inn owner.

A small venue meant dancers could groove just feet away from the band, and when the music stopped, the bands were there to kukakuka, and sign cd’s. Friday night kicked off with local boys, Six Pac opening up for Hawaiian phenom Ekolu.

With success surrounding Ekolu, their ha`aha`a (humbleness) is refreshing. The band loves coming to Molokai. “We would have cancelled Japan or Tahiti to come here,” said Lukela Keala, Ekolu front-man.

“We are nothing without the fans, we feed them and they feed us,” Keala said. “If I can leave them with anything, it is love and aloha.”

Saturday, everybody grooved to Billy Kekona, and Sunday saw Katchafire wrap things up. The staff worked hard and kept the festival running smooth.

To check out upcoming bands and weekly events, log on to paddlersinnhawaii.com.