BETHLEHEM, Pa. — ArtsQuest’s free One Earth ReggaeFest, a festival that celebrates the musical genre founded in Jamaica, will return to the SteelStacks campus for a fourth year.
And a Top 10 contestant from FOX-TV's "American Idol" says she'll be a headliner.
Hawaiian singer Camile Velasco, who came in ninth place on the third season of "American Idol" in 2004 and now performs under the name Eli-Mac, says on her website that she'll perform at ReggaeFestat Steelstacks on July 5.
ReggaeFest, has not formally announced its fourth year, but the festival is listed for noon-2 a.m. July 5.SteelStacks.org
ArtsQuest, which presents ReggaeFest, has not formally announced its fourth year, but the festival is listed on the SteelStacks website for noon-2 a.m. July 5.
No performers are listed.
More than a dozen musical acts played at ReggaeFest last year.
From Camile to Eli-Mac
Eli-Mac as Velasco reached the "American Idol" Top 10 in the season that Fantasia won. Velasco became known for a trademark red, yellow and green Rasta wristband she wore.
After "American Idol," as Eli-Mac, she released her debut record, "Dub Stop EP" in 2014 and most recently released "Tricky One EP" in 2018.
“Eli-Mac is an extension of who I really am. And that has allowed me the ultimate freedom to finally be myself without conforming to any of the stereotypes the industry imposes on women.”Eli-Mac on her website
Her website says that "by rebranding herself as Eli-Mac, Camile has been able to step outside herself — and the limitations put on her by others.
"She has emerged into a rebellious, confident, polarizing performer, not an alter ego, as she insists — but a truer version of her real self."
“Eli-Mac is an extension of who I really am,” she says on the website. “And that has allowed me the ultimate freedom to finally be myself without conforming to any of the stereotypes the industry imposes on women.”
Eli-Mac has shared the stage with artists such as Gwen Stefani, Sublime, Lauryn Hill, Shaggy and others.
Headliners at last year's One Earth ReggaeFest included the Long Beach Dub Allstars, Mighty Mystic, SunDub and Free Your Authentic Heart - F.Y.A.H.
A variety of food vendors and artisan/retail vendors will be spread across the SteelStacks campus.
