Kaohsiung City Government, in collaboration with the United States, Japan, the Philippines, and Thailand, proudly presents the Sunshine Island Vibe Fest! The official artist lineup has been unveiled, sparking a wave of excitement. The festival will feature nearly a million-follower sensation, Filipino-American jazz singer Roxanne Barcelo, alongside the renowned Andy Jaffe Septet from the United States and Joanna Wang, a Golden Melody Award-winning artist from Taiwan. Together, they will bring a groovy Island Jazz Night! Adding to the star power, Thai pop sensation James Alyn and the celebrated Paiwan Golden Melody singer Abao (Aljenljeng) will also take the stage, promising an electrifying lineup of performances.
Chang Yen-Ching, Director-General of Kaohsiung City Government’s Department of Administrative and International Affairs, highlighted that the Sunshine Island Vibe Fest is a joint effort between the city and international offices in Taiwan, exclusively bringing together top jazz artists from multiple countries, alongside Taiwanese Golden Melody winners. The festival also features performances by bands formed by new residents and migrant workers, aiming to promote cultural diversity, inclusion, and the spirit of an international and welcoming city through music. Friends from near and far are invited to step outside, relax, and enjoy the first-ever Sunshine Island Vibe Fest at Central Park on February 22 and 23, immersing themselves in the vibrant rhythms of island life.
Uniting cultures through jazz, the Island Jazz Night will feature the soulful voice of Roxanne Barcelo, who boasts nearly a million followers on Instagram. The Andy Jaffe Septet, a premier jazz ensemble from the U.S., will treat festivalgoers to an extraordinary musical journey across two nights. Thai star James Alyn is making a special trip to Taiwan to perform, joining Taiwan’s beloved Joanna Wang and Abao on stage to create an unparalleled international music experience.
Bringing together a diverse mix of artists, the festival’s lineup also includes Peach Detective Agency, a Taiwan-Vietnamese rap group; Jubah Hitam, an Indonesian heavy metal band formed by migrant workers; Filipino musician Cristian Kalalo; Filipino jazz artist Michael Mark Guevarra; and Japanese singer Satoshi Yamamoto. The celebrated duo Double M (MJ & Mary Ann), frequent champions of ASE’s singing competitions, will also deliver a stunning performance.
Beyond music, the Sunshine Island Vibe Fest uniquely blends elements of music, dance, culture, and lifestyle from Taiwan, the U.S., Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, showcasing the dynamic energy of island life. Chang Yen-Ching emphasized that, in addition to an exclusive lineup of international artists and a multi-national marketplace, visitors can also take part in cultural and sporting experiences! One highlight is Sepak Takraw, a beloved sport in Southeast Asia and an official event at the Asian Games and Southeast Asian Games. Free trial sessions will be available on both festival days, with advance registration required. Everyone is invited to take on the challenge and experience the thrill of Sepak Takraw!
The Sunshine Island Vibe Fest is co-hosted by the Kaohsiung City Government’s Department of Administrative and International Affairs, the Manila Economic and Cultural Office Kaohsiung Extension Office, the American Institute in Taiwan Kaohsiung Branch Office, the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Kaohsiung Office, and the Thailand Trade and Economic Office. Special thanks go to ASE Holdings, the Taiwan Fu Hsing Foundation, Quilter International, iPASS, PhilMoney, United Bank of Taiwan, FamilyMart and Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation for their generous support.