Vashon High School students on Friday morning were surprised with a concert from up-and-coming dance/electronic artist Manatee Commune. The 24-year-old Washington native recently performed at Sasquatch! Music Festival at the Gorge Amphitheater Memorial Day weekend, but he said this was his first performance at a school.

“This has been really, really cool,” he said after the show.

Students crammed onto the balconies surrounding the school’s grand hall while others pushed close to the stage and the light wall that displayed colorful images throughout the hour-long set. The musician also stayed after to sign autographs and take photos with students. A baseball cap and a bass guitar were among the items the musician – whose real name is Grant — signed.

Islander Debra Heesch, who routinely brings off-island music groups to Vashon, organized the surprise show that took place during the student’s SMART period that is usually reserved for homework or reading. The light wall was donated for the show by island business Stageworks Productions.

“I just thought it would be fun to surprise the kids, they’ve been through a lot,” she said.

VHS principal Danny Rock called the show “mandatory fun.”

Manatee Commune plays the violin during a concert at Vashon High School. (Anneli Fogt/Staff Photo)

Manatee Commune plays the drums at Vashon High School for a surprise concert Friday morning. (Anneli Fogt/Staff Photo)

Musical artist Manatee Commune looks out at the audience of high school students Friday morning. (Anneli Fogt/Staff Photo)

The view of Manatee Commune’s concert from the balcony inside Vashon High School. (Anneli Fogt/Staff Photo)

Manatee Commune played a show Friday morning thanks to islander Debra Heesch who brought him to the island. (Anneli Fogt/Staff Photo)

Musician Manatee Commune finishes a song during a surprise concert Friday morning. (Anneli Fogt/Staff Photo)