Akacis was a Latvian-American rock band that emerged in the late 1970s and played into the early 1990s. Although the members of the group varied over the years, they were all from the East Coast of the US, having attended Latvian camps and Saturday schools together. Akacis stood out as a group of serious, talented musicians and songwriters that could play pop, hard rock, progressive rock, and even jazz rock, folk and reggae. They were one of the few diaspora bands that released albums recorded in professional studios and had a number of concert tours in Latvia. They also knew how to play fun, sweaty, dance-filled concerts at Latvian Song Festivals and American Latvian Youth Association (ALJA) events. Eventually, Akacis members went their separate ways – most of them continuing as professional musicians. Three of them moved to Latvia: Gatis Gaujenieks has played with the Latvian post-folk group Ilģi for over 20 years, Jānis Abens leads a bluegrass band, and Arnolds Kārklis has played with Otrā Puse and Ilģi. Now, for the first time in over 20 years, Akacis is reuniting for a very special concert during this Festival!