The inaugural Cukui Music Festival will take place at California’s Great America on September 3rd, 2016. Cukui Music Festival is rooted in the appreciation of music as a universal language and bring the community together with a universal blend of Reggae, R&B, Hip-hop, to Latin Music. Headlining this year’s festival will be J Boog, IAMSU!, Drew Deezy,Bayonics and The Royal Family of Reggae Morgan Heritage. This all-day and all-ages festival is a family affair. General admission tickets are currently on sale at https://www.cagreatamerica.com/?mobile=0&keyword=concerts.
Cukui started as an urban clothing store in the heart of Japantown, San Jose, CA. The name Cukui is a homonym of the Hawaiian “kukui” nut, Mexican “cukuy” boogeyman, and Japanese “kakkoii” meaning cool. It was developed in 2008 between 3 graffiti artists Orly Locquiao (Humble Beginnings Tattoo), Sam Rodriguez (Free-lance Graphic Designer), and Isaac Helm (BG Concepts), who wanted to create a brand with a unique name that reflects different cultures and lifestyles, influenced by tattoos, street art, street photography, and music. In 2010, Cukui partnered with brother Jason Locquiao and opened its brick and mortar store. Cukui is about “staying rooted” and staying true to who they are and where they’re from. They plant their seeds by creating limited edition t-shirts and hats as wearable art that people can relate to, identify with, or simply appreciate.
When co-producers Orly Locquiao, Ailesene Samatua, and Eueuese Leao first came together the idea was clear, to give life to Cukui and produce a festival that fuses a sublime and diverse combination of musical styles. “Much like the Cukui store, we wanted to bring cultures together and what better way to do it than with the universal language, which is MUSIC,” states Orly Locquiao, co-producer and owner of Cukui clothing store. Not focusing on one type of music, Cukui Music Festival teamed up with Wash House Music Group and curated the line-up with the idea that no matter where each artist is placed the music will flow into a universal blend of music. The billing includes acts like Bay’s own IAMSU!, Drew Deezy and Bayonics, Hawaii’s J Boog and Jamaica’s Morgan Heritage. “We are very pleased with this years line up, I think you will find something for everyone – from Reggae to Latin Music,” states talent buyer Reece “Anuwatu” Tagara (Wash House Music Group), “the response from the artists has been tremendous, they are really into the concept of just letting music flow without genres attached and playing along side such talent.”
Over the years, the Cukui Music Festival producers have co-produced several successful Bay Area events and another festival that still runs strong today, known as the “Island Reggae Festival”. They plan to bring their experience, and signature vibe to this year’s family affair. It starts by taking care of every detail from backstage hospitality to front of the house vendors and merchandise. Veteran hospitality manager Cam Leaupepetele explains, “Cukui Music Festival is much more than music it is also a lifestyle. By providing an environment where artists can feel at home both on stage and off really sets the tone for good vibes and positivity for all. You can feel it in their music and resonates throughout the whole festival.” Michelle Locquiao, who hand picks all of the food and merchandise adds, “We want everyone to have a goodtime, enjoy the park, the food, and the good vibes. We choose our vendors with family in mind, there will be something for everyone.“
Ailesene Samatua, co-producer, concludes, “We are thrilled to have this years festival at California’s Great America. We wanted a family oriented venue to accommodate those families who have children both young and old, and who want to see their favorite artist(s) at the same time. We look forward to seeing everyone with their families come together and enjoy great music.”
Full Artist Line Up
- J Boog
- IAMSU!
- Morgan Heritage
- Drew Deezy
- Zhen
- Bayonics
- Hooliganz
- Rey Res
+ more artists to be announced!
DJ Line Up
- Westafa
- Cutso
- Goldenchyld
- Nappy
- Stiicks
- Tesfa
Hosted By
- Chuy Gomez
- Big Body Cisco
Festival Details
Cukui Music Festival
Date: Saturday, September 3rd
Time: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Venue: California’s Great America
Address: 4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 95054
Admission: Varies see here: https://www.cagreatamerica.com/?mobile=0&keyword=concerts
Age restrictions: All Ages
