HONOKAA — For nearly 40 years, Honokaa High School Jazz Band has delivered great music to eager audiences across Hawaii Island and the state.
Now, the Grammy-Award-winning school’s musical legacy, under the direction of Gary Washburn, has released its 16th CD, “Fresh Produce.”
The CD is an annual fundraising project to support the band’s travel and other costs. “Fresh Produce” emphasizes the locally grown talent of Honokaa High School, and includes a wide variety of music ranging from the 1930s to the present.
Featuring the vocals of Kaylynn Iona, Kacy Sanchez and Kaleb Yamasaki, the new album also showcases instrumental soloists Zhanalyn Cacho, Dwayne Murakane, Kamaehu Duldalao, Terri Connors and Jeanne Altura. Musical selections range in tempo, style and genre from Count Basie to Lester Bowie, Amy Winehouse, Etta James, The Big Bad Voodoo Daddies and others.
Innovative, energetic and talented, the band has set a standard for the performance of jazz music on Hawaii Island since it originated in 1978. In addition to its annual Oahu concert tour celebrating National Jazz Appreciation Month, the band has performed for four national conventions, National Public Radio’s “From the Top” and the Big Island Jazz Festival, and featured on CNN’s “Jazz Alley.”
Early next year, a select ensemble, Dragon Jazz, will go on a multi-island tour with renowned blues artist Johnny Nichols.
In 2008, Honokaa High School was recognized by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation for outstanding music education. In 2011, they received a Grammy Signature Schools Award. That same year, Washburn was named a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction, and he has been recognized as a Living Treasure of Hawaii by the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii.
The CD is available through the school by calling 775-8800 or by emailing Gary_Washburn@notes.k12.hi.us. The band will perform at the Waimea Pumpkin Patch Fall Festival Oct. 14, OctoberFest in Waimea Oct. 27 and the Queen’s MarketPlace Nov. 18.