Flame Tree Arts Festival kicks off with local performers

Several performing groups on island took center stage as the initial presenters at the opening night of the 30th Annual Flame Tree Arts Festival Thursday night.

These groups were Chronos, Inatuas Cultural Dancers, The Playmates, Saipan Music & Dance, Cab Dancers, Retro Jazz Band, and Chezka De Luna & Jimaela Ham.

Last night’s program at the American Memorial Park was hosted by Tony Joe Angui and Gary Sword of radio station KKMP.

Tonight, more performing artists are expected to grace the annual celebration. There will be presentations from the Dragon Team, Poongmulpae, Pacific Flowers, Latte Vibe, and Afetna Regime.

Marciano and John Hosono will be the masters of ceremony on Friday’s program.

Marciano, who chairs the festival’s entertainment committee, said yesterday that a delegation from Tinian confirmed at the last minute that they will be participating in this year’s festivities.

“The Tinian delegation will take over the performance slots left vacant by the Rota group,” he told Saipan Tribune.

The festival’s opening ceremony will be held tomorrow morning at 10am and will be hosted by Sword and Catherine Perry of Integrity Communications.

Arts Council executive director Angel S. Hocog said the highlights of the ceremony include the presentation of certificates of dedication to individuals who had significant contribution to arts and culture in the Commonwealth.

Recognition for off-island delegates from New Zealand and Japan, festival sponsors, and all participating artists will also be made, he added.

“On behalf of the festival committee and the Arts Council board of directors, I want to encourage and invite the entire community to come out and be part of the 30th Annual Flame Tree Arts Festival. Let’s celebrate arts and culture in the CNMI,” he said.

Welcome reception

The festival committee on Wednesday night also held a welcome dinner reception for the New Zealand delegates at the Fiesta Resort & Spa in Garapan.

The delegation is composed of Ruakiri Fairhall, Victoria Pirihi, Ryl Pirihi, Candi Pirihi, Hereana Roberts, Leonie Rorason, Te Wha Whanga Williams, Hamiora Werahiko, and Paora Biddios.

The nine-member delegation gave a sneak preview of their performances at the reception that was also attended by Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos.