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An Australian native, Sammy Johnson embraces his Maori and Polynesian roots to create positive and uplifting music. Blending together island reggae, soul and jazz vibes with heartfelt lyrics, Sammy's sound is exhilarating and intoxicating.A Hawaiian-born singer-songwriter and the Season 21 champion of American Idol, the 20-year-old Tongi first picked up a ukulele in the fifth grade, immersed in a deeply musical world filled with the traditional singing and dance of Pacific Island cultures. Living in the small town of Kahuku on the northern tip of Ohau, Tongi learned to sing from his father, who in turned had learned from his father before him. His mother secretly signed him up for American Idol, and after Tongi’s viral audition performance of James Blunt’s “Monsters” became one of Idol’s all time emotional highlights, he went on to win Season 21, making history as the first Pacific Islander to ever win the show. With a thriving fanbase which supports millions of global on-demand streams and social media followers and nationwide concert tours, Tongi now begins a new chapter of life and music. Teaming up with acclaimed songwriter/producer Johnny Reid, his 2024 single “Road to Hana” marks a creative transition leaning into his cultural heritage and musical roots – but also the man he’s become. Fusing breezy beach balladry and sunshine country with laid-back soul, gospel, and more, new music is in the works, as Tongi looks to spread a feel-good message of positivity to the horizon, and beyond.Born and raised in Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica to singer Lorna Bennett and former calypso king Mike Ollivierre, Protoje blends hip hop, soul and jazz into his native sounds of reggae and dancehall. The musical prodigy, along with a collective of artists, began getting mainstream attention for their addictive melodies and conscious lyrical messages in a movement dubbed the “reggae revival.” Publications such as VOGUE, Rolling Stone and The FADER have declared him one of the brightest talents out of Jamaica.Visit: https://www.sdfair.com/events/2025/reggae-festivalView the full scheduleSammy Johnson on Instagram and FacebookIam Tongi on Instagram and FacebookProtoje on Instagram and Facebook

Lil Jon is a multi-platinum, Grammy-winning artist known for pioneering the "crunk" movement and delivering iconic party anthems. Rising to national fame in the early 2000s with Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz, he helped popularize crunk with hits like "Get Low" and "What U Gon’ Do." His influence extended beyond hip-hop, shaping mainstream music and pop culture.In 2014, he teamed up with DJ Snake for the global smash "Turn Down for What," sparking a worldwide craze. His string of hits continued with "Bend Ova" (feat. Tyga), "Prison Riot" (with Flosstradamus), and "Take It Off" (feat. Yandel & Becky G). As a DJ, he’s held major residencies at top Las Vegas clubs, including Hakkasan and Jewel.Beyond music, Lil Jon’s branding power has led to endorsements with Bud Light, Don Julio, and Oakley. He also made waves on NBC’s Celebrity Apprentice, raising nearly $200,000 for the American Diabetes Association.His contributions to music have earned him a Grammy, eight Billboard Awards, two MTV VMAs, a BET Award, and BMI’s Songwriter of the Year. From producing for Usher and Ciara to appearing in films like The Hangover, Lil Jon remains a dominant force in entertainment.2 Chainz, the multi-platinum, Grammy-winning rapper from Atlanta, first gained recognition as part of Playaz Circle with the 2007 hit “Duffle Bag Boy” featuring Lil Wayne. His solo career took off with a series of successful mixtapes, including T.R.U. REALigion (2011), which garnered millions of downloads.In 2012, 2 Chainz made waves with his feature on Kanye West’s triple-platinum hit “Mercy” and released his Def Jam debut album, Based on a T.R.U. Story, which debuted at No. 1 and spawned hits like “No Lie” (featuring Drake), “Birthday Song” (featuring Kanye West), and “I’m Different.” The album earned Grammy nominations for Best Rap Album and Best Rap Song. His 2013 follow-up, B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time, featured the gold single “Feds Watching” with Pharrell.His 2016 collaborative album ColleGrove with Lil Wayne was well received, and he won a Grammy for his verse on Chance The Rapper’s “No Problem.” His platinum 2017 album, "Pretty Girls Like Trap Music", produced multiple hits and topped the charts. He continued his success with Rap or Go to the League (2019) and So Help Me God (2020). Beyond music, 2 Chainz has ventured into fashion, cannabis, and television, solidifying his cultural influence.Visit: https://www.sdfair.com/events/2025/2-chainz-lil-jonView the full concert scheduleLil John on Instagram and Facebook2 Chainz on Instagram and Facebook

Join us for the 9th Annual Golf Ball Drop & Silent Auction hosted by the Encinitas Coastal Rotary Club on May 10, 2025, from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Encinitas Ranch Golf Course! Watch as hundreds of numbered golf balls are dropped from a helicopter for a chance to win cash prizes of up to $2,000. Proceeds benefit local charities, including Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest San Diego, Warrior Foundation Freedom Station, and Just in Time for Foster Youth.Golf balls are available for purchase: 1 for $20, 3 for $50, or 10 for $100. Early Bird Special: Get 30 balls for $200 (valid until April 30). Event tickets are $75 and include appetizers, dessert, music, and a drink.Secure your golf balls and tickets now at encinitascoastalrotary.org!

Spring has sprung, and that means it’s time for some exciting family fun! Join us at Mershops North County Mall on Saturday, April 12 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for our 3rd Annual Egg-Stravaganza Easter Egg Hunt—a beloved community tradition that promises a day full of festive cheer, sweet treats, and family-friendly entertainment.This free event invites families from across the region to celebrate the season with exciting activities and surprises around every corner.Event Highlights Include:Easter Egg Hunt: Participating mall tenants will be handing out eggs filled with candy and other sweet surprisesLive DJ: Dance and groove to the sounds of spring with music that’ll keep the party hoppingFace Painting: Kids can choose from a variety of colorful Easter-themed designsRaffle Prizes: Enter for your chance to win fantastic giveawaysLocation: Mershops North County MallDate: Saturday, April 12, 2025Time: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.Whether you're searching for candy-filled eggs or looking to enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with the family, the Egg-Stravaganza Easter Egg Hunt is the place to be. Grab your baskets, round up the family, and join us for a spring celebration you won’t want to miss.Mershops North County Mall on Facebook / Instagram

Ashley Carbonell is the Donor Engagement Manager at KPBS. In her role, she supports major and mid-level fundraising strategy and operations for the organization. She also manages the Producers Club, planning engagements for its members.

President Trump fired Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress, via email late Thursday night, the latest in a string of actions the president has taken to shape American cultural institutions.

For close watchers of the Catholic Church, the election of a U.S. pope seemed impossible. The "Trump effect" on the U.S. and global order changed that, papal expert Massimo Faggioli told NPR.

Award-winning American author Jesmyn Ward is appearing at the 30th Annual Writer's Symposium by the Sea on Wednesday. On Midday Edition Tuesday, she shares how she found a passion for literature and how her upbringing in Mississippi has shaped her work.

The election of Paetongtarn Shinawatra as Thailand’s prime minister represents a remarkable back-to-the-future moment. She renews the political dynasty founded by her father, Thaksin Shinawatra.

Pope Leo XIV is seen as a centrist who shares his predecessor's progressive views on certain social issues. Here's what we know so far.