Life

New Taipei gears up for Hohaiyan Rock Festival

Freda Li (left) is one of 10 local artists competing for the top indie music prize at the 13th Hohaiyan Rock Festival. (Courtesy of New Taipei City Government)

• Publication Date：06/12/2012
• Source： Taiwan Today
• By  Kwangyin Liu

Hohaiyan Rock Festival, running July 11-15 at Fulong Beach, is expected to draw over 700,000 fans to northern Taiwan’s Gongliao Township, according to New Taipei City Government June 11.

“For well over a decade, the seaside fest has been a signature event for New Taipei City,” Mayor Eric Liluan Chu said at a news conference. “We hope to see more up-and-coming musicians fulfill their dreams on stage.”

In its 13th consecutive year, the five-day affair will feature performances by pop-rock band Mayday, Amis singer-songwriter Suming and Matzka, a reggae outfit of four musicians from Taitung’s indigenous Paiwan and Puyuma tribes.

A group of 200 volunteers will hit the beach July 5 to clean up the concert site before the party kicks off, as part of a campaign to raise public awareness of environmental protection, organizers said.

For the first time, one night will be dedicated to female rock musicians, including Sandee Chan, Faith Yang, Waa Wei and the band Go Chic.

On July 14, 10 local indie rock band finalists representing diverse musical styles, selected from more than 200 submissions, will bump heads on the main stage for the top indie music prize. The hopefuls include folk rock troupe Dingding and Shishi, punk trio Guntzepaula, Taiwan Soul and folk songstress Freda Li, organizers said.

First introduced in 2000, Hohaiyan Rock Festival is one of Taiwan’s largest and longest running free outdoor music events. (THN)

Write to Kwangyin Liu at kwangyin.liu@gmail.com