The 2011 East Coast Music Festival kicks off with great enthusiasm this Friday

Written/Compiled and Reported by Chi Bing-hui

Taitung has nurtured many outstanding Golden Melody Award-winning singers, and this year’s East Coast Music Festival has gathered these heavyweight groups and musicians together. The event will take place from August 19 to 21 at the Jialulan Recreation Area, with each of the three days featuring a different theme: Aboriginal Night, Asian Night, and Island Night. Artists such as A-Mei, Matzka, Wang Hong-en, and Van Fan will take turns performing. The public is welcome to come and experience Taitung’s vibrant summer vibes.

Taitung can be considered a treasure trove of Taiwanese music. The county is home to seven indigenous ethnic groups, in addition to Hoklo, Hakka, and mainland Chinese immigrants. From Taitung’s rich cultural diversity has emerged an array of dynamic and varied music. For example, the Bunun tribe’s “Eight-Part Harmony” and the well-known “Drinking Song” performed by Amis couple Kuo Ying-nan and his wife from Malan, which was featured in the theme song of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, wowed the world — both are heavenly sounds originating from Taitung. Taitung is also the hometown of many music superstars. From the early days with artists like Lu Sen-bao, Chen Shi, and Li Tai-xiang, to mid-era musicians such as Hu De-fu and Chen Ming-ren, and more recently with contemporary music creators like A-Mei, Chen Jian-nian, Ji Xiao-jun, Wang Hong-en, Hao En, Jia Jia, TANK, and Ko Yo-lun, whether it's tribal folk songs or popular music, Taitung’s musicians are like bountiful rice stalks, enriching Taiwan’s musical heritage.

The 2011 East Coast Music Festival has invited a lineup of artists including Taitung singers such as A-Mei, Chen Jian-nian, Matzka, Suming, Wang Hong-en, and Van Fan. Additionally, performers from Okinawa (Sansanar), Hong Kong (Xie Qian-tong), and A Cappella groups Sirens and Voco Novo have been invited. The festival features a music style suited to Taitung’s comfortable and light rock vibe, along with music workshops, free stages, music and cultural creative markets, and other activities. The rich program offers the public a relaxing and joyful musical party.

2011 East Coast Music Festival: http://www.friendlydog.com.tw/taitungmusic2011/