The Center for the Arts
Genre: Global Folk You can hear it in the gentle rasp of his wave-washed vocal soul. You can see it in his smile. For Iam Tongi, music is not just about fun –although it definitely is that. It’s about transformation. A Hawaiian-born singer-songwriter and the Season 21 champion of American Idol,the 21-year-old Tongi first saw music transform his family, then his sense of purpose ... and then every aspect of his life. And now, as he steps forward with the wind firmly at his back, another transformation begins. Marked by growth, gratitude, and feel-good island wisdom, the rising star looks to the horizon.“I know I’m supposed to be doing this, and sometimes that’s allI know,” the inspiring young talent says. “This is what I was meant for.” That clarity came early for the emerging star. First picking up a ukulele in the fifth grade, Tongi grew up in a deeply musical world filled with community gatherings, each one marked by the traditional singing and dance of Pacific Island cultures. Living in the small town of Kahuku on the northern tip of Oahu –far removed from the tourists on the opposite side of the island –he still has vivid memories of his father and grandfather, singing together in quiet harmony as they sat on the family’s front porch. Both hard-working, blue-collar stoics, they rarely even spoke –letting music do the talking instead “Everyone knew music and music was life –it’s about just having fun,” Tongi explains. “Everyone knew how, except for me. And I remember I always felt kind of left out.” That changed when Tongi began singing, too, looking for a way to get closer to his dad. Although his father’s regular workday was 16 hours long, he’d still rush home to sing with Tongi, teaching his son what he knew and hammering home the idea that music was Tongi’s path to a better life. Clearly blessed with an expressive, charismatic voice, Tongi was pushed hard and immersed in the multi-faceted skills of island reggae –plus a family record collection that featured country (Kenny Rogers), classic rock (Dr. Hook), and R&B (Luther Vandross).
Center for the Arts volunteers: Please remember to wear black or black and white clothes with closed-toe shoes. Please leave time to find street parking as our parking lot is for patrons only. If you're a new volunteer, please come 15 minutes early and ask for the House Manager so we can give you a quick orientation to your duties for the event. When you arrive at the Center (314 W. Main Street, Grass Valley) enter through the front lobby doors and check in at the volunteer table in the gallery.
