Saturday, January 18, 2025 | 6:30 p.m.

Ilani Casino Resort * Ridgefield, WA

Lighting Up the Stage for Literacy with American Idol Season 21 Champion Iam Tongi!

Join Imagination Library of Washington for an unforgettable evening of captivating soulful melodies, smooth vocals, and island-inspired rhythms by Season 21 American Idol Champion Iam Tongi. Proceeds from this energizing event will support Imagination Library of Washington's mission to provide high-quality books to young children statewide, fostering early literacy, sparking a lifelong love for reading and learning, and empowering kids to reach their full potential.

Date: Saturday, January 18, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m. doors, 7:30 p.m. concert
Location: Ilani Casino Resort Cowlitz Ballroom | 1 Cowlitz Way, Ridgefield WA
Ilani Hotel discount: Attendees can receive a 20% discount off the Best Available Rate (BAR) at time of booking. (use code: IMLC2025) Book reservations through this link: ilani Casino Resort - Washington

General admission tickets - $85.00

Enjoy a memorable performance by this talented artist while making a difference for young readers across Washington state!

THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS!

**Interested in being an event sponsor? CLICK HERE for details and opportunities!

About Iam Tongi

You can hear it in the gentle rasp of his wave-washed vocal soul. You can see it in his smile. For Iam Tongi, music is about transformation – and it always has been. 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 Oahu, Tongi learned to sing from his father, who in turned had learned from his father before him. Clearly blessed with an expressive, charismatic voice, Tongi was pushed hard and developed a multi-faceted sound blending island reggae with the influence of his family record collection – which included country (Kenny Rogers), classic rock (Dr. Hook), and R&B (Luther Vandross). By 13 Tongi had played his first show, but after moving to Seattle a few years later – and losing his father in 2021 – the young talent nearly gave music up completely. 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, 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.